Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs

Why are you called Global Neighbourhood?

The name ‘Global Neighbourhood’ reflects the fact that the whole world is actually one big neighbourhood, linked together by our shared environment. People in a small neighbourhood share streets, trees, parks and shops. The people in the global neighbourhood share the same atmosphere. Our name is a way to remind us that what we do affects others. People in Africa may be on the other side of the world, but every time we turn on the heater in our home, we affect them in ways that we cannot imagine.

What is the Aim of Global Neighbourhood?

The goal of Global Neighbourhood is to give people who are concerned about the environment the opportunity and tools to enable them to protect their environment. More specifically, we aim to empower:

Children — by teaching them about the environment and showing them how they can make a difference.
Voters — by providing a website for those who believe that the environment should be a major factor in our voting decisions. This website gives basic, understandable outlines of the various environmental issues that we face today and outlines the positions of the various political parties on these issues.

Who is Global Neighbourhood?

Global Neighbourhood is an incorporated association. We do not seek to make profit, however we are not officially categorised as a non-profit organisation. This requires considerable effort and hopefully will be achieved in the near future. Global Neighbourhood was founded Gavin Brown, who is now the director of Global Neighbourhood Inc. Gavin has been working on the concept of Global Neighbourhood for the past two years, writing presentations for schools and preparing the content of this website. Global Neighbourhood has no paid staff but this may change in the future when circumstances require.

Is Global Neighbourhood linked to any political party?

No. Global Neighbourhood is not linked in any way to a political party. Our concern is not with who gets into government. We are concerned with ensuring that whoever is in government is held to account for their care of the environment. We want to put pressure on the government of the day (whoever that is) to ensure that their policies will give our children and grandchildren a decent place to grow up and live.

Why does Global Neighbourhood focus on kids? Shouldn’t we focus on those who can make a difference now?

Global Neighbourhood believes it is crucial that we teach children about the environment even more now than ever, for a few reasons:

We believe that children can make a difference. Adults recognise that they are the ones who will be most affected by our careless use of resources, and for that reason we will listen to them. Therefore, we need to assist them by giving them avenues through which they can express their concerns about the environment.
It is important for the emotional health of our children that they know what they can do about the problem of climate change. It is not good for our children to grow up under the shadow of a serious problem such as this that will drastically affect their lives, without having any means to express their concern or do anything to help.
In 10 to 20 years, the current wave of changes may prove not to be enough to negate the effects of climate change. Our children will need to be ready to take the next step of lifestyle change that we may not be able to take. We need to prepare them now for this.

What can kids do to make a difference?

There are various ways in which children can make a difference. These methods include:

Encouraging their parents to make lifestyle changes that assist the environment.
Writing letters to newspapers about current environmental issues.
Lobbying government, business leaders and others in influence for change by writing letters.
Children’s rallies, where children can get together to ask adults to make changes to protect their future.

Isn’t what you are doing a bit disjointed, teaching children at schools as well as helping adult voters how to vote?

No. What we are doing is all consistent with the one aim of empowering people to do what they can to protect our environment. In all that we do, at schools and on our website, we are aiming to educate people, to bring about environmental awareness and then to empower those who are concerned to actually deliver changes that will help our environment.

Isn’t the world already becoming ‘Green’? Why is Global Neighbourhood still needed?

Things are getting better. People are more concerned with saving electricity and water. Many people how use reusable shopping bags and most people recycle diligently. The media is also becoming more concerned about climate change and educating people. Political parties are talking about climate change and making changes to reduce our carbon emissions. However, much more needs to be done if we are to solve the basic problem of global warming:

Governments need to do more than what they are currently doing. The current round of political promises regarding climate change only skirt around the edges and will not prevent the problem from getting worse. Governments will not do more unless people put pressure on them, and this is what Global Neighbourhood aims to do.
Our children need to be informed and equipped so that if required in the future, they can implement the changes that are required to protect our environment
There are many aspects of our lives that affect the environment that we are not even aware of yet. Western society needs to take another giant step if we are to actually halt climate change. Our consumerist mentality is a long way from changing - retail sales figures are increasing, air-conditioners are going out of shops in record numbers and companies keep inventing more electronic gadgets that save us only a tiny amount of effort. There will still be a role for Global Neighbourhood while consumer spending continues to grow, while deforestation continues at any rate, while there is a house in Australia without insulation, while duties are not imposed on high-energy luxury appliances, while subsidies for renewable power are still moderate, while registration fees are not based on the size of a car’s engine, while chemicals are being sprayed on our foods and while it is legal for a council not to provide recycling bins in public parks. There is a massive amount yet to be done, and Global Neighbourhood will be there until it gets done.

Can I join Global Neighbourhood?

Yes. Global Neighbourhood is an incorporated association and any members are welcome. You can join Global Neighbourhood for a joining fee of $20 with an annual membership fee of $20. We do not currently have the capacity to offer anything at present to members, however we will email members regularly with any new articles or news of events that may be of interest.

If you wish to join Global Neighbourhood, please contact us via email.

How can I help Global Neighbourhood?

There are many ways in which you can help Global Neighbourhood:

Read our website
Buy our stickers. Place them on your car or the front window of your home
Tell others about Global Neighbourhood
Join Global Neighbourhood (above)
If you own a business, you may also consider sponsoring Global Neighbourhood via our website. If you would like to consider sponsorship of Global Neighbourhood, please contact us via email.

I have heard that the director of Global Neighbourhood talks at churches about the organisation. Does Global Neighbourhood have a religious background or affiliation?

Global Neighbourhood is not a religious organisation. However the founder and director of Global Neighbourhood, Gavin Brown, is a committed Christian and a former minister. His concern for the environment is based in his belief that God requires us to take care of the home that He has given us. He speaks at churches in order to challenge them to become more involved in environmental action. If you belong to a church and would like to inquire about having Gavin come to speak in your congregation, please contact us via email.

I don’t agree with something on your website. How can I express my opinion?

The information on the Global Neighbourhood website is not static. It changes as policies change, science develops and opinions change. We do not claim to be experts on every issue and it is likely that you will know more than us on some points. The purpose of the website is not to promote a particular view but to educate people so that they can make an informed decision. Therefore, we are open to change if it will make our site more accurate or balanced. If you disagree with anything on this site, or if you notice a simple error (spelling, grammar or factual), please let us know via email. We appreciate your input and need it to make this website better.

Can Global Neighbourhood Talk to our School?

If you would like to enquire about Global Neighbourhood coming to your school to do a presentation, please contact us via email.

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