Here are some testimonies from parents.
We take action, wether big or small, in whatever capacity that we can and however imperfectly, for many reasons. Actions do not need to be grand, perfect or impressive. They can be small and meaningful and even unsuccessful, they all still matter. Because it is the right thing to do, and because by taking whatever action you can within your unique spheres of influence you are paving the way for others to have the confidence to speak out and to take actions themselves.
If you are met with indifference or even hostility, then take heart that at least you have tried, and shown others that they can too.
“In September, my son’s primary school announced an upcoming trip to the Science Museum. I’d been personally avoiding the museum for several years – I’m a climate activist – and had more recently become aware that, as well as their terrible climate record, Adani were supplying Israel with weapons that were being used in Gaza. I was upset with the idea of school visiting so wrote to our headteacher asking them to cancel. If they said no, I was prepared to pull my son out of school on visit day. Ours is a small school and I have a good relationship with the headteacher, so my email was friendly rather than formal. But it did set out the facts, my request, and how I thought that not going would be a better lesson in values for the kids. And - the headteacher agreed, and the trip was cancelled, no discussion! So my advice is to use your knowledge of, and relationship with, your school – you’ll know the best was to approach them – and go for it! We won’t persuade everyone, but we will persuade some. And we may well reach a tipping point which causes the museum to take notice.” Anne, West London
Listen to how Anne got her school to cancel the trip
Listen to Anne sharing how her kid’s scouts club refused to cancel the trip
“I just wanted to let you know that we've managed to get our primary school in East London to at least partially boycott the Science Museum. They have a trip planned for the end of this week, so a group of Year 4parents emailed the head/deputy using your letter template. There was a bit of controversy on the Year 4 WhatsApp chat about it.. Some parents saying we should withdraw our kids if we didn't want them to go, but not stop other people's children from going by suggesting the boycott. So I wasn't sure how it would go.But the school responded to say that they are still going this time, not only to the workshop they have already booked. But won't look round anywhere else and will look into the other museums we suggested for future trips. And they will also email the museum to express their concerns about the sponsorship. They've also made alternative provisions for that day for any children whose parents don't want them to go on the trip. They also said that they weren't aware of the sponsorship, and thanked us for all the information. Thanks so much for making it so easy to draft the letter.... Definitely wouldn't have been able to do it without your template and wouldn't have thought of it if I hadn't seen your Instagram post about it. Much appreciated.” Eleanor, North East London
Listen to Eleanor - she tell us how other parents reacted and the response from her school
“I was a bit nervous to ask other parents to sign the letter - and I actually still nervous each time I send it to someone - but the letter really does the job. It lays down the facts very clearly, and suggests alternatives. Parents don’t know about Adani and are quite shocked when they find out about the Science Museum sponsorship. 20 parents from different year groups have signed the letter so far. Each time a parent agrees to sign, I ask them to forward the letter to one other parent. I started asking parents who I know support Palestine and those who seem concerned about climate change. The Science Week theme this year at school was climate change, so I mentioned it in the letter and asked the school to be consistent with what they teach the kids. I was quite disappointed at some responses I got from some parents but also got some positive surprises too.” Leila, East London