Kia ora

Welcome to the Young Greens newsletter. The Election process is starting Campaigns are gearing up to launch. Let's reach for 15%.

Brooklynne Kennedy and Vernon Tava, Young Greens Co-Covenors

List Ranking

Those whom are members of the party and are elgible to vote on the list ranking, should have gotten your voting papers already. As the deadline to have them returned is 18th April we'd like to remind you that this
is an important part of having your voice heard. Vote online using the details you were sent.

The Green Party values the participation of Young Greens, as reflected in the rules of candidate selection which state that at least ten percent of the candidates on the list must be under the age of 35. It is really important that you vote to support our Young Green candidates and make sure our voice is heard loud and clear.

Winter Camp - 7th-9th July

Young Greens winter camp will be held 7th-9th July 2011 in Wellington. It will include a day in Parliament with some of our great Members of Parliament. Any Young Greens are welcome to attend.

From The Young Greens Co-Convenors

Brooklynne on Child Abuse Issues

In March a Jury found a man not guilty of shaving his sons head as a lesson, tying him up with a tie that the man wore to church, and washing his mouth out with soap. This has set a benchmark for Section 59 of the Crimes Act, the bill that was put forth by Sue Bradford. The Bill was supposed to protect the children of New Zealand from this behavior.

I am a survivor of child abuse. I know how these actions affect the children for years to come. The damage of child abuse does not stop when the abuse stops. The damage lasts well into adulthood, and often even entire lifetimes.

Doing it for the child's "own good" is no excuse, no child of abuse is left "good" or even "okay". Child abuse shatters lives before they have a chance to start.

The Green Party is lucky to have Catherine Delahunty in Parliament to continue the work that Sue Bradford did defending those who have no voice.

Vernon on Animal Rights Issues

Last month, I hosted a talk with the University of Auckland Greens on Campus and Auckland Young Greens in which Sue Kedgley MP talked about the draft Layer Hen Welfare code.

I spoke about the legal aspects of the codes that allow farmers to breach the welfare provisions of the Animal Welfare Act on the grounds of economic necessity.

Sue gave us a fascinating account of her work in the area of animal welfare and particularly the realities of working against the vested interests involved.

The Greens are the only party with a coherent policy on animal welfare and Sue has been the sole voice for animals in the House.

Fortunately, Sue assures us, a couple of other Green MPs will be stepping into the breech when she leaves.

More about Animal Welfare

Lucy Hawcroft on Fundraising

Since this year is election year I'm sure you're all keen to get involved and raise our Green vote. One of the best ways that you can help to strengthen our Green voice in Parliament is to help out with fundraising.

Often I think Young Greens can feel a little scared of fundraising. Because we are often students and short of money we tend to assume that others will be too. That's a mistake. Many New Zealanders can afford to give generously to the Greens. For example, the average amount New Zealanders donated to good causes last year was over $250.

The best way for Young Greens to fundraise at this stage in the election is through events. When planning a fundraising event your main goal should be to raise money. But fundraising events can also have side benefits. For example, they can help you to recruit new members and volunteers, they can show people that you are an awesome club that can organize successful events, and they can get even positive media coverage.

Three events I'd recommend organizing are:

* A quiz night. These are heaps of fun and can make heaps of money too!
* A movie night - all you need to do is find a local cinema that will offer you a deal where you collect 50% from sales and then sell tickets to your friends.
* Garage sales - these can be a lot of work but they will make money. If youre too lazy to carry stuff around to one place  why not hold a virtual Garage Sale where you sell a few choice items on Trade Me? It's easy and profitable.

The Green Party has a lot of experience in organizing fundraising events. So if you want tips or guides just email me. I'll gladly offer advice.

Kereru newsletter

Kereru is the Young Greens Email Newsletter. We love to hear about your events and and the issues your passionate about.

We will have have articles from Young Greens to help you organise events and other ways to help with the campaign.

We will feature our Young Green candidates and let you know how things are going with them through out this election. We have an amazing bunch of Young Green candidates standing this year.

Send us your feedback kereru@younggreens.org.nz or reply to this email.