UKPAC Bi-annual Award
SI Downpatrick won the UKPAC 2010 Award with their Carbon Footprint leaflet project
Following a presentation and guided by an Open University BSc environment specialist the club produced a Carbon Footprint leaflet, distributed it to members, other clubs, environment NGOs, schools and Council premises. A copy of the leaflet may be downloaded here. And for more information, visit Downpatrick's website at www.soroptimists.info
Their aim was to raise awareness within their club and District about Climate Change; to educate people about the link between their carbon footprint, greenhouse gases and global warming, to provide ideas on how to reduce the individual's and family's carbon footprint, and to get people to think global act local reflecting Objective 6 and SIGBI's Yes We Can maxim. A history of action on environmental issues exists in the Downpatrick club.
After background research; with ongoing advice from an expert in this field; adoption by club; a Project Committee was formed. Progress was reported to members via Executive and Club meetings. To date Club funds have covered printing of 700 leaflets. They have lobbied target groups eg.17 NGOs at Baglady event, other clubs via NIPAC and held meetings with theri District Council and Educational officers
Feedback was monitored. Club members are adopting activities from the leaflet. They have sponsored a competition "Reduce Your Carbon Footprint" in 64 local schools. The profile of club and Soroptimist International. has been raised via local press coverage and in Government circles. Reports in NI Regional News, Soroptimist News and Int. Soroptimist. In January 2010 the Region voted unanimously to adopt this project across N. Ireland.