Tanya

Before I came to Dundee, I lived for twelve years in Enniskillen in the west of Northern Ireland, where I was  a founder member of the Fermanagh Fracking Awareness Network, one of the local groups campaigning to  resist the environmental, social and economic threat of shale gas exploitation in the region. The campaign  was successful, and activists fighting fracking as far away as Peru asked us for our story, and what lessons we  had learned. The following is adapted from my response to them over ten years ago.

1. There are as many stories as there are activists, and our action was prompted by many different deep rooted beliefs and commitments, including religious faiths and political principles, concerns for public  health or the environment or simply love of our own localities. We did our best to honour and respect  everyone’s motivations, recognising that outside the campaign we might disagree on many issues..

2. We took the trouble to find out as much as we possibly could about the issues surrounding fracking,  including its economic and social aspects as well as pollution and climate change, not relying upon rumours  or second-hand ideas but researching solid scientific evidence.

3. We took care to find out about the legal and political background against which decisions would be  made, and spoke with politicians and officials in a rational and courteous way which won their respect

4. We didn’t give up when we were opposed or frustrated, but stood by essential principles of tolerance,  non-violence and respect for those who disagree with us.

5. We used individual and group talents creatively, understanding that we came from different places and  used different techniques and strategies, some of which were unfamiliar or challenging.

6. We worked together generously, especially when the situations were most urgent, recognising that our  different personal circumstances meant that some were able to give more time and energy than others, and  that sometimes people had to take a step back to prioritise other aspects of their lives.

One final personal note, I made some of the best friends I have ever known through this campaign, and  learned more than I could possibly imagine, about nature, science, politics, practical activism and spiritual  depth.

And for others who are wondering whether or not to get involved in a campaign about something that  matters - come and join in! I won't say that the water's always warm, but it's certainly bracing!