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Lobbying for Build Back Better
9 July 2020 by Grace Da Costa
Grace Da Costa explores the key elements of the Quaker vision for building back better from the pandemic and outlines how Quakers can get involved.
What's the problem?
Back in 2011, the annual gathering of British Quakers noted that 'We need to ask the question whether this system is so broken that we must urgently work with others of faith and good will to put in its place a different system in which our testimonies can flourish.'
This question has driven Quaker work to build a new economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this need for an alternative system into even sharper focus.
As part of the COVID-19 recovery, we have an opportunity to transition to an economic system that has equality, justice and environmental sustainability at its heart.
How we get there is just as important as the end goal. That is why we talk about 'just transition' and why we call for the rights and voices of poor and sidelined people to come first in this transition.
How we can Build Back Better
Quakers in Britain are supporting local COVID-19 responses under the umbrella of the Build Back Better campaign (offsite link). This campaign brings social movements and mutual aid groups together, and advocates for change at the legislative level.
To create a healthy society and economy, we must:
- Secure the health and needs of everyone in the UK now and into the future
- Protect and invest in our public services
- Rebuild society with a transformative Green New Deal
- Invest in people
- Build solidarity and community across borders.
These are the five key principles of the Build Back Better campaign. Quakers in Britain are one of over 80 organisations involved in the campaign, launched in June 2020. Read more about the Build Back Better campaign (offsite link) and how you can take action (offsite link).
Valuing care work
Alongside joining the Build Back Better campaign, we are calling for care jobs to be recognised as green jobs too.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how vital, invisible and under-recognised care work is in our society. Nurses, cleaners, parents, carers, and people who keep us – and the places we live – safe, healthy and clean. Their jobs are vital to a zero-carbon future, and enable all the other work that needs to be done.
Government responses
Quakers in Britain have contributed responses to the inquiries and consultations looking at the post-Covid future. These include the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee's inquiry into 'Post Pandemic Economic Growth' and the Reset inquiry run by the Parliamentary Group on the Green New Deal.
As part of this parliamentary engagement work, we have developed 'Six principles for a green and just recovery'.
Take action!
Watch and share our Build Back Better: join the dots video
Quakers see the connections between issues and take a holistic approach to resolving them. At Quakers in Britain, we have been working to build back better in a joined up way. In this short video we outline some of the ways we have been doing this.
Take a look at our resources on building a new economy
A green, just transition away from the sickness of the pandemic, and the injustices it has worsened, requires an economy that values people properly.
Alongside many grassroots groups, Quakers have been working towards a new economy for some time. Take a look at our new economy work and ideas for action.
Join other Quakers in conversation about how to build back better
Quakers attending Yearly Meeting Gathering online are invited to join a special interest meeting on Quaker work to build back better on 28 July 2021 at 7pm. More details about this event and joining instructions will be circulated in the run up to Yearly Meeting Gathering.
If you are interested in joining other Quakers to talk about Quaker work to build back better, contact Rebecca Woo on 0207 663 1107 or at rebeccaw@quaker.org.uk to be connected.