After a whirlwind eight months that has seen a fashion show, a protest and two prestigious acknowledgements for the University, the People and Planet Society is on the look-out for new recruits.

Now in its third year, the society is part of a network of 62 groups based in universities and colleges throughout the UK. Together they co-ordinate campaigns against world poverty, human rights issues and climate change.

Newly elected chairperson Steph Steele said: “Last year was a really good year for P & P – we did the Redress Fashion show, Go Green campaigns and worked towards getting the University Fair Trade status. Then in July, P & P published their annual Green League and UCLan achieved 5th place.”

The group also hosted the regional forum in March. P & P members from all over the North West attended the meeting which culminated in a protest for ethical trade, outside Topshop on Friargate.

This came within weeks of the Redress Fashion show, which raised over £500.

Steph, a second year fashion student, has big plans for this year and four campaigns are already being planned: “Our campaigns are called Ditch Dirty Development, Redress Fashion and Go Green. There’s also a national campaign against Corporate Power that we’ll be involved in.”

“This year, I want P & P to raise awareness of the issues at the heart of each campaign and get more people active – not just students but the wider community and young people at local colleges.”

Steph is no stranger to global problems; she juggles university with volunteering at Oxfam Vintage and campaigning for Greenpeace and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). She’s also on the Oxfam Youth Board, a movement to involve young people in Oxfam’s work.

“Being a part of P & P gives people a chance to speak about the issues they’re passionate about, learn about them and learn about what else is happening in the world. It’s like a support group where people can discuss their concerns and the actions they think society should take.”

Interest in the network is growing as they continue to build their profile on a national level. Their campaigns have drawn publicity from all over the world and the Green League, now in its second year, is widely discussed in the press.

“The Societies Fair was really successful because more and more people are hearing about us. A lot of people wanted to know what we do and what the university does too.

“It was really interesting to speak to so many people and it was encouraging to find out a lot of them already buy Fair Trade products and recycle.”

“I’m excited about the new year. I’m looking forward to starting on our campaigns and seeing new people at the meetings.”

If you were a P & P member at your Sixth Form College or you want to join the network for the first time, meetings are held Tuesday 6-7pm in Harrington 115.

For more information see the UCLan societies’ website or go to www.peopleandplanet.org