August 12 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EARTH SUMMIT WELCOMES YOUNG PEOPLE FROM WOODCRAFT FOLK

A determined delegation from the Woodcraft Folk is heading to South Africa to aid hopes of creating an environment in which ecological concerns go hand in hand with anti-poverty initiatives and moves to end the escalating arms trade.

The team of 11 young people from all over the UK recently met up with Deputy London Mayor Nicky Gavron to take part in a key debate on sustainable development at the new Greater London Authority "egg" building.

On Tuesday August 20, they will fly out from Heathrow Airport and enjoy the chance to join world politicians at the two-week Earth Summit.

While in Johannesburg, the young people will be putting forward their views at a special Youth Summit. With accreditation from the United Nations, the UK organisation is part of the Youth Caucus - one of nine major groups which will be participating in the wider global summit.

Delegation leader Tamsin Pearce , 23, said: " We will be working tirelessly in conjunction with the Youth Caucus at the summit, denouncing the continued hijacking of the summit by multinational companies attempting to green-wash themselves, and by governments wishing to advance their own selfish political agendas.

"We have a mandate from thousands of members of the Woodcraft Folk in the UK and we will be doing our best to represent them. It's a thrill to have been chosen to take part".

The delegation, which was chosen by a Woodcraft Folk Steering group, will be aiming to promote its own nine-point Declaration on Sustainability, which was put together at an International Camp held in Nottinghamshire last year. This involved 4000 young people from 30 different countries.

Its agenda includes calls for the debts of the poorest countries in the developing world to be cancelled, and proper measures to reduce fossil fuel usage.

The £25,000 cost of the trip to Johannesburg is being raised by the organisation.

Media contact:

For pictures/interviews ring Susan Press 01422 845276 0798935240

e-mail press@woodcraft.org.uk

web www.woodcraft.org.uk/earthsummit

Notes to editors

The Woodcraft Folk, established in 1925, is an education movement for children and young people in England, Scotland and Wales, aiming to build self-confidence and activity in society, with the longer-term goal of a world based on equality, peace, social justice and co-operation. We believe in equal opportunities, and are open to people of any religion or none, promoting an understanding of the need to protect the environment and use of the world's resources. Through exchanges with similar organisations throughout the world, our motto is “Span the World with friendship”. The delegation, which was chosen by a Woodcraft Folk young people’s steering group, will be promoting its own nine-point Declaration on Sustainability, which was put together at an International Camp held in Nottinghamshire last year involving 4000 young people from 30 different countries.

The name "woodcraft" was used by the influential writer and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton at the turn of the 20th century and meant the skill of living in the open air, close to nature.
The organisation has four age groups: Elfins (ages 6 to 9); Pioneers (10 to 12); Venturers (13 to 15); and District Fellows (16 to 20). There are about 18,000 members throughout the UK in around 600 local groups.

Organisational contact: www.woodcraft.org.uk, info@woodcraft.org.uk, 0845 4589535