Grow the movement: what do you think of these e-mails?

I've been sending out a couple of test messages this week to a relatively small number of people on our database. Under the tagline Grow the movement, I'm seeing if we can not only connect them with Friends of the Earth local groups (or start new ones), but make it feel inspiring, simple and just plain right to get involved.

Sending messages like this isn't a new thing - we've been doing it for the past couple of years to invite people to public meetings and film screenings in local areas. But I'm seeing if we get more proactive and systematic about it, bringing people together to be the next wave of environmental activists, one town at a time.

I'll be tracking the response and read rates, but I'd also really welcome any reflections on the language used here - are their refinements we can make? And if you'd like to be in on the next round of testing, contact 'work me' and we'll sort something out. 

And thanks to Carol, Helen and our Supporter Information Team (Martin, Steve and Stuart) for their contributions to the text that follows - it was a joint effort.

Message the first (web version here)

Dear XXX

Have you heard the noise? From fighting fracking to growing community energy – 2015 is the year the climate movement gets epic. 

[or

Have you heard the news? From fighting fracking to growing community energy – 2015 is the year the climate movement takes centre stage.] 

This is the year we can all come together to build a bigger and better movement than ever before.

Here in Exeter Friends of the Earth we are looking to meet new volunteer activists. People who can help - in their spare time - to grow our campaign for action on climate change.

People who'd like to:

• Come along to friendly meetings to discuss and decide local action 
• Encourage other people to get involved 
• Participate in fun events 
• Contribute their ideas and skills 

With your help, we can make Exeter a centre for climate action.

Upcoming dates 

• Our next meeting - Monday 16 February, 7:30pm, St Sidwell's Centre, Sidwell Street 
• Time To Act climate march in London, Saturday 7 March - contact us to arrange to travel down together 
• Our March meeting -  Monday 16 March, 7:30pm - get in touch or check our website for venue confirmation. 

Could this be you?

To find out more, email us with your name and contact details and we'll be in touch.

And if you use social media, please do join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter so we can link up there too.

Best wishes

Helen, Exeter Friends of the Earth

Message the second (web version here)

Dear XXX

Thanks to The Bee Cause campaign - and the support of thousands of people like you - a better future is in sight for our bees.

Together, you convinced the Government to to draw up a Bee Action Plan. Now we want to help make each town and city greener and more bee-friendly.

So, here in Newcastle Gateshead Friends of the Earth we are looking for new volunteers to help to grow The Bee Cause on Tyneside. 

People who in their spare time would like to:

• Come along to friendly meetings to discuss and decide action together 
• Encourage local people to have more bee-friendly gardens 
• Be involved in fun events like a Tyneside Bee Summit 
• Contribute their ideas and skills 

Could this be you?

To find out more, email us with your name and contact details and we'll be in touch.

You're also invited to our next meeting on Monday February 23, 7pm at The Star & Shadow Community Cinema, Stepney Bank, Newcastle NE1 2NP.

And if you use social media, please do join us on Facebook so we can link up there too.

Best wishes

Carol, Newcastle Gateshead Friends of the Earth