Volunteer spotlight: Judy Hosegood
We spoke to Frome and East Somerset Green Party volunteer Judy Hosegood about her experience of canvassing in the local area, and her tips for people thinking of getting involved.
What made you want to join the Green Party, and how long have you been a member?
I've been a Green Party member only about 6 years, but I've always been politically involved. I joined it really because it's the only party with the Climate Emergency at its heart; the other parties just seem to pay lip service to it.
For me it's the biggest issue of the day. Without real emphasis and policies to reduce emissions, our world won't be so possible to live in. Climate change is making a big difference to our climate/weather already in the UK and affecting so many of our lives. But also the other policies which have peace, social justice and equality at its centre, like abolition of nuclear weapons, taxation, health, housing, education.
What’s your favourite thing about canvassing?
Meeting other people on their own territory, finding out about local neighbourhoods and the issues voters are concerned about. Having discussions with different people, and why they vote as they do. Meeting other canvassers – it's a very collaborative activity.
Have you learnt anything surprising while canvassing?
Meeting other canvassers is good – there are always things to learn from other people. How receptive people are when you knock on their door when they aren't expecting you at all. People are usually very happy to talk, and so many are very politically knowledgeable. I've learnt never make assumptions – one person I was chatting to said she had always been a Conservative voter, but wouldn't again. I thought: oh she may well vote Green now; but no, she was going to vote Reform!
What advice would you give to someone new to canvassing?
Enjoy it! You don't need to completely understand all Green Party policies; you very rarely get asked the details of individual policies. Go with someone who has done it before. In the Green party we never canvass on our own, so you learn from each other. The Frome and East Somerset Green Party has a very short script to open the conversation and that gave me confidence at first.
What are your hopes for the next General Election?
That it happens soon... that the four most targeted seats return a Green MP. But also the climate emergency gets the attention it deserves, so even the other parties and the next government realise that most of the population are worried about climate change and want the government to take charge of it. That the Green vote increases nationwide, so the other parties have to listen and do something.
Inspired by Judy’s experiences? We always welcome new volunteers. Contact us at contact@eastmendip.greenparty.org.uk to find out how you can get involved.
