Just Act - Third Sector Delaration on Climate Change

JustAct [2] is a new website (currently in beta) that supports Third Sector organisations to help each other create, implement and review their action plan on climate change.

History

In late 2008 Capacity Global undertook a review of the Declaration to gain a better understanding of the Declaration's role in supporting action on climate change by Third Sector organisations. It found that many organisations recognised that climate change had social and environmental impacts and the majority of organisations who responded to the survey did not identify themselves as environmental organisations.

The review also found that there was a demand for additional tools to help organisations meet their commitments under the Declaration. One respondent commented,

"I would like to see an action plan template and model action plan on the website – this would make it easier for an organisation to achieve."

As a result a group of organisations including Capacity Global, the Community Development Foundation, bassac, MakeMode and a representative from the Nottingham Declaration, came together to develop tools for the Declaration and to review the Declaration text. This led to the creation of the JustAct! Website [2] and renewed version of the Declaration drafted by Capacity Global.

About the Declaration

The purpose of the Declaration is to make a public statement, and create a framework for change. The aim is that Third Sector organisations will make a contribution to reducing the negative impacts of climate change. The JustAct! website is designed to help organisations achieve that aim by encouraging them to sign up, act up and speak up against climate change. The Declaration explains in simple terms the reasons for all Third Sector organisations, regardless of their mission and vision or how they define their organisation, to act now on climate change. It recognises that climate change is not only about the environment. It can have positive and negative impacts on our ability to support a prosperous and fair society.

The Declaration suggests key action terms that organisations accept are needed to meet the challenges. It commits organisations to a number of practical actions to promote leadership and collaboration in tackling and preparing for climate change.

To find out more please visit the website at http://justact.org.uk/ [2]