Richard is a network developer in our active supporters unit, and is next up in the blog relay, a whistle-stop tour of Greenpeace staff here in the UK. Click here to catch up on the other entries.
On a good day in the office I struggle in bleary eyed and desperate for a coffee to fight off the sleep deprivation.
You see like Malcolm and Jo, I work here as a network developer, and the best thing about the job is that I get to escape the office and visit Greenpeace volunteers, supporters and activists across London and the south east.
Last night, I wound up in Southend chairing a public meeting with the local MP. There are a whole lot of stupid things happening in Southend (such as plans for new nuclear power stations, new coal power stations and bigger airports - watch this video to find out more) and local Greenpeace supporters are going to change that.
In previous weeks I've been elsewhere. To Salisbury, to show a very sneaky preview of the new Kingsnorth documentary. To Greenwich, to update the local group on our upcoming work on Airplot. To Dorchester, to launch a brand new Greenpeace group. And back to Southend, because there are also some good things happening in Essex too.
However I've got a hidden agenda, something that I'm trying to sell, and I apologise because I was once a very good salesman. It's quite a simple thing, entirely free of charge and more of an idea than something from the supermarket. It goes like this:
What you do matters
It's great that you're reading this, you clearly care about what's happening to the planet we live on, and you know what needs to be done to make things better for everyone. So please, it's time for you to do something about it.
Greenpeace supporters get active in their local groups and networks to talk to the public about our campaigns, to persuade politicians to do what they know is right, and to help us with protests and demonstrations. An inspired few get involved in non-violent direct actions on those occasions when words fail.
If getting active with a local group or network isn't for you, then you can be an activist taking part in email actions or (let's not be shy about it) giving us money. Or do all of these things because I'd still like to meet you out on the high street, or on an action.
Long before I worked for Greenpeace, I was a volunteer, a supporter and an activist. I spent many a Saturday afternoon simply talking to people about things I cared about (and when I can I still do). When that wasn't enough, I went to sea, climbed the odd government department and nowadays spend a fair amount of time in boats.
But this isn't enough. The planet needs the active help of you, of people just like you, and of everyone like you. And so, I spend a great many evenings catching the last train home, selling my one idea and harbouring a deep grudge against colleagues scheduling important meetings before 10am.
