The Political Dinner - 10 August
I went to my first ever political fundraising dinner on August 10th. I have always avoided these in the past. Perhaps Im starting to realise I am a grown up and can go to an event like the dinner without having to pledge away my vote and become a card carrying member.
The ACT Greens organised the event. Dinner at ANU - University House, they get a thumbs up on the venue. The speakers were Senator Christine Milne (the Australian Greens climate change and energy spokesperson) and Professor Brendan Mackey (an environmental scientist at Australia’s National University, Director of the ANU Wild Country Research and Policy Hub, and is a member of the Earth Charter International Council) discuss climate change, it’s impact on Australia, and the government policy needed to deal with it.
When we arrived (very on time - not fashionable) there were only a few people in the downstairs bar. It was a little intimidating walking into the narrow room where a musician was playing and hardly anyone else there. I had to take a work phone call, when I returned Hugh had (bless him) started chatting with another couple. They were really great people and it turned out interested in similar social justice topics. One of those serendipitous moments where you are just meant to meet. Swapped email addresses to share some resources on the anti consumerism movement.
By the time the rest of our friends arrived it was time to go upstairs. We ate dinner at one of the longest tables I have ever eaten at in my life! Someone near to me remarked it was like the Harry Potter banquet table (will have to take their word for it - still never seen the movies). We did a little place name swapping and everyone was happy. The meal was good. I had a few moments of almost blowing the “grown up” act by getting the giggles. Perhaps it was the formality. Perhaps it was listening to all the serious information about the environment. I was not impressed with current ACT Member of the Legislative Assembly, felt there was a bit of soapbox and self interest happening. The other speakers were engaging most of the time (the whole mix of hard science and political action is hard for me to get excited about).
Christine spoke of a new tactic the Greens are going to try to reach the “Gen Y” age group. Yep they are trying to get into using that whole new area of life - the internet and modern communication. They plan to campaign with interactive email, blogging and sms for the next election. They are looking seriously at how this has been used in the USA. Interesting. Will have to see what they come up with.