1

The overall aim of the Green Mole Forum (GMF) is to promote sustainable development ⁽¹⁾ in Mole Valley.  This requires influencing the opinion and behaviour of:

·         individuals living in Mole Valley

·         groups of individuals

·         local businesses

·         Mole Valley District Council (MVDC)

·         national government.

The GMF will in principle address all aspects of sustainable development.  It is expected that the main focuses will be on promoting various aspects of a low carbon lifestyle, and minimising environmentally damaging practices.

2

Individuals

GMF aims to help anyone in Mole Valley who wants advice on how to live more sustainably.   A principal means of achieving this will be the GMF website.  The website will contain:

·         information on local groups in Mole Valley including their main activities and contact details

·         news of relevant local campaigns and actions

·         blog pages to enable individuals to debate topical issues

·         links to websites of relevant national organisations.

3

Groups of Individuals

The GMF website as described will:

• assist recruitment of members to local groups
• enable local groups to publicise their activities
• act as a forum for the inter-change of ideas between local groups
• enable joint actions between local and regional groups to be organised
• give information on national campaigns.

4

Local Businesses

The GMF will seek to influence local businesses to adopt more sustainable policies in their day to day operations (eg by ceasing use of plastic bags) and encourage them to promote the benefits of a more sustainable lifestyle to their employees (eg by developing travel plans and facilities to encourage employees to walk/cycle or use public transport)

5

Mole Valley District Council

The GMF will monitor the relevant policies and actions of MVDC, and act as a lobbying group on sustainable development matters.  GMF will seek to work with MVDC in a positive and constructive manner, recognising that each party can assist the other.  However GMF will remain independent of MVDC so it is not constrained in its criticism of MVDC if disagreements arise

GMF will aim to respond to all relevant consultation documents issued by MVDC.

6

National Government

GMF will seek to influence national government sustainable development policies when opportunities arise, for example though participation in national campaigns and meetings with the Mole Valley MP

7

Transition Initiatives.

GMF members are encouraged to join their local Transmission Initiative.  GMF will assist the work of these Initiatives by promoting them on the GMF website.  GMF will also co-ordinate joint actions by the Initiatives when this is requested.

8

The Green Mole Forum is not aligned to any political party.