Media & Communications Support

Climate Action Newcastle is a network of local people in the Newcastle area who are concerned about climate change and wish to share ideas and initiatives to make a difference, whether in their own lives or by influencing other organisations and policy development.

We have a range of communications and media outlets and our volunteers in the media subgroup take responsibility for preparing content or organising posts and publications.

We are seeking further support due to the upsurge in interest at this time (due to extreme weather events and the forthcoming COP26 global climate talks in Glasgow in November). Volunteers can help to look after one specific media outlet or a range of outlets, depending on their experience/skills and availability.

Our outlets are:

• Website - www.climateactionnewcastle.comInstagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Member Newsletter (monthly, using email template)
• Press releases to traditional media

Our team is very supportive and welcoming to new volunteers.

Skills

• Recent experience of the practical technical aspects of posting or preparing content in at least one of the media outlets listed
• Basic writing skills - content will often be produced by other people but it is useful to be able to check for errors. However, other people are available to proofread as well
• Reliability and basic organisation - posts are often scheduled for specific dates so it is useful to be familiar with diary planning and organisation
• Personal communication skills - able to draw on the support provided by the wider team by using clear timely communication

Detailed knowledge of climate change issues is not essential, as the subgroup works together to prepare content.

Access to online electronic communications equipment (such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop) is essential.

There are no fixed times, apart from a monthly meeting, normally on the last Monday of each month and occasional planning sessions agreed in advance.

Volunteers will need to be available to do short regular updates to media output, totalling about two to four hours per week, depending on the extent of involvement chosen by the volunteer. Cover can be arranged when unavailable due to holidays etc.