'Let us be the change' says Mahatma Cameron

Painting the walls of a few Manchester homes is not to be the end of the Conservative activist's commitment to social action. As activists left the conference hall, after David Cameron's speech, they were handed a wavenetwork leaflet entitled 'be the change'.  Within the leaflet David Cameron encouraged activists to recognise that "personal action is the most powerful way to bring about change".  Ten changes "to change your world and environment" were recommended to Tory activists:

1. Take the bus when you can
2. Get to know your neighbours better
3. Pick up one piece of litter from the street everyday
4. Re-use your plastic bags when you go to the shops
5. Switch to energy efficiency light bulbs at home
6. Reduce your thermostat by 2 degrees
7. Support your local shopkeepers
8. Don't overfill your kettle
9. Fill out a donor card
10. Give blood.

Related link: David Cameron's New Year message invokes Gandhi.

00.30am addition on Monday morning: Download be_the_change.pdf.

Comments

[michael mcgough]

Mind blowing and visionary!

[Rick]

I used to wonder what life would be like if Mandelson came out of the shadows and became Party Leader................I guess the Conservatives are going to find out.

[Burkean]

Is that what we have come to? Ten Tory Commandments of the most banal kind? Here's an alternative set that might do even more:

1. Love your neighbor as yourself (addresses 2, 3, 7, 9, 10 and probably others as well)
2. Work hard and thereby increase your wealth and that of the nation (curiously not addressed)
3. Practice thrift (prudence?) so as not to squander your wealth (1, 4, 5, 6, 8 but not 7)
4. Practice self-reliance (1, 3-6)
5. Respect yourself
6. Practice good hygeine and cleanliness
7. Have pride in your town, county and country
8. Keep your promises
9. Drink in moderation, shun drugs and tobacco
10. Respect the law and private property

That's an off-the-top-of-my-head list of Tory virtues that I think Wilberforce would endorse, but if we proposed them we would be accused of moralising and being Victorian. Instead we get this platitudinal list of actions that say nothing about attitude and motivation. Genuine change can only happen if it is believed in. This check-list does nothing to advance change and is likely to be torn up, resented or ridiculed.

What happened? Were most of the deep thinkers out of the country or something?

[Michael O'Reilly]

Cameron has taken leave of his senses. What a pathetic attempt at nonsense. In todays' world people do not want to know nosy neighbours. Also why should we support overpriced local shops.No mention from a tuff on a hugh salary of these shops bringing down their prices down.

[Being a better citizen]

Do we need our party to tell us how to be better citizens? Perhaps - perhaps not. What about drugs and crime? What about respect. What about yobs who throw litter on the floor - what do we do when you get a mouthful or even worse if you challenge them to pick it up? I want the party to talk abour all of this stuff AND about real social issues such as crime which effects us - and on which Lanour are failing.

[John Hustings]

I thought he didn't believe in lecturing or moralising?

[Mark O'Brien]

I feel foolish trying to raise a linguistic or literary question about some over-hyped ten-point to-do list, but do statements in the imperative from politicians in Britain ever really work?

Some of the words which have inspired men in times past have not been in the imperative, e.g. "We Want You" (to join the army) or "England Expects..."

Don't the best statesmen tend to avoid speaking to their people in imperatives, telling them what to do?

I don't say this to denigrate this 'be the change' idea, although I do think it's a sad reflection on all of us as individuals as well as social policy for the past sixty years that we need a political pamphlet to tell us to talk to our neighbours. And I find it hard to imagine that attitudes about individual responsibility in our hearts and minds will change without change in our laws too.

[Andrew Woodman]

Interesting list. My reading of it is

1.Unfortantatly taking a bus that goes every hour and takes twice as long is never going to be a goer for someone not living in a city.
2.If you're involved in local politics, you usually know your neighbours.
3.As long as it's not a syringe or a used condom.
4.Not sure what they would think in Sainsburys if you used Tesco bags but fair enough.
5.Fair enough.
6.Better buy some extra thick jumpers.
7.What few are left, I support. Better quality in many cases.
8.Common sense
9,10.As a crohn's disease sufferer, who would want my blood and organs. Should be a personal decision but I would advocate the giving of blood as it helped save my life last year.

[James Maskell]

Theres a tank outside the Tory Conference manned by UKIP! The BBC is reporting this!

[Rebel]

Pathetic. I predict a big blow out in May. This is all Steve Hilton's fault.

[Daniel Vince-Archer]

Those are mostly worthwhile actions which I don't think any right-minded person would object to.

There's an old Chinese proverb that says 'a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step', and as a starting point towards fostering stronger communities and environmental conservation, most of these points are a good place to start.

In order to facilitate individuals 'being the change', those in power need to 'be the change' too - improved public transport, increased public transport provision for rural communities, economic incentivisation of energy-saving appliances, cuts in red-tape strangling local businesses, removal of prejudicial discrimination regarding blood donation...

[James Maskell]

Does change mean Edward Garnier declaring that "prison isnt working" and that "wasting lives and wasting money"? Is he suggesting that we be softer on criminals? If he is and this is the change Cameron is wishing to bring in, I want nothing to do with it.

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Most people know I have the dubious honour of going to all the party conferences with my job.

My challenge to our own party would be to ensure that every conference is carbon neutral. I cant remember many recycling points at conference past.

If we are to be challenged to use energy saving bulbs I would want to see them in each MPs offices (and they aren't yet). I would want to see MPs use public transport in their contituencies not just in London when its the only way to get round the capital.

We also have to think about how easy it is to be socially responsible. We still have pensioners who would love to turn the heat up 2 degress to keep warm - but can't because they can't afford it - thats as important as thinking about turning the thermostat down.

What are we offering people to be energy efficient. The wealthy can switch to renewable energy sources - the not so well off will buy quite rightly want the cheapest option.

In an ideal world we would all support the local shops - but when you can pick up items like irons for £5 are people on limited incomes going to be prepared to pay more.

The party has said it must champion the disadvantaged - and as Consevatives we must come up with solutions that enable ALL society to act as responsible citizens - not just those who can afford to.

[Rob G]

Editor: any chance of scanning this leaflet and making a copy available on this blog. It doesn't seem to be on the Wave Network website or the Party website.

I thought the Wave Network home page was very interesting. Encouraging Conservatives (especially aspiring politicians) to get involved in community projects in urban areas--addressing issues such as financial exclusion, literacy, community cohesion, youth empowerment and gun crime.

Wave Network-- Conservatives out improving both their communities and their Party's chances of being elected. Conservative Home--Conservatives (and ex-Conservatives) sitting at home and moaning into their keyboards. I must get out more and get a life!

[Editor]

I'm still in Manchester, Rob G. I'm going to the United Vs Arsenal game tmrw but will scan the leaflet when I'm back home... first thing Monday.

[Andrew Woodman]

I'd agree. The best thing local conservatives can do is get amongst the community with regular leafletting and feedback sessions. Whether we have enough people to do this is another matter of course. Trying to get councillors to write a leaflet and get it delivered is a hard task in many cases.

Enjoy the game editor. Made my first visit to Old trafford to see the mighty Burton Albion lose 5-0. Was 2 miles up in the sky and less than impressed.

[william]

I thought this was the Conservative Party but I was wrong. It's a girls school and Cameron is the Headmistress.

Conservatives are to be good children, and are certainly not expected to notice that their leadership is from the Planet Zog, where all the citizens have to have their brains removed.

This is the Stepford Wives for real. 1984. all those sci-fi scarry stories rolled into one. Big Brother from Blue Labour is calling you. 'Is your brain dead? Good.' That's how he wants it to stay.

[Cllr Iain Lindley]

I've been up in the top tier of the north stand and I thought the view was okay. Also it is so far inside the roof that even on the freezing January evening I attended it was nice and warm. Still, this is digressing somewhat.

This leaflet might be a little bit gimmicky but quite how encouraging Conservative members to give blood and re-use plastic bags is worthy of criticism is beyond me...

It's been a good Conference, safe journeys for everyone heading back to the rest of the country. :)

[Andrew Woodman]

I think you're being rather disingenuous William. Cameron has said no to ID cards in this speech. Hardly Blue Labour and 1984.

I'm used to smaller stadiums I'm afraid Iain. I just found Old Trafford cramped and struggled to identify the players. Still, doubt I'll be going back for a long time. However, better not digress too much.

[Selsdon Man]

Wave Network, is the successor to CChange and is the sister organisation of Policy Exchange - both founded by Francis Maude. Similarly the party website advertises Women2Win - another pressure group.

It appears that there are senior Party members of the Party who are using the Party to promote their own private pressure groups and their policies. Is this allowed?

[James Maskell]

Womens to Win is run by the wife of the Deputy Chairman with responsibility for Candidates...I think youve got a good point selsdon.

[JackNevinson]

This is so sad.

[JackNevinson]

Selsdon, everything they want to do is ok now. There are no other standards. Product placement by Notting Hillers whenever they get the chance, whether commercially or politically.

[esbonio]

It is all so embarrassing. Even if the activists are too polite to object those not there and more importantly the voters will.

[Selsdon Man]

I pity the poor souls who coughed up the Spring Forum fee only to given that patronising dumbed down leaflet. The party appears to view its activists as morons. Mind you, look at who they elected!

[Michael Tombs]

The only reaction I have to that inane 10-point list is that if it had been published by Patricia Hewitt, the nation's nanny, I would be blowing my top!

[Selsdon Man]

I also pity the poor Thatcherites who had to endure Hezza's speech. It must have been like a bad dream - a ghost of the past coming back to haunt you.

[Margaret]

This website was born out of deep anger and frustration at a political establishment which over the decades has increasingly treated the British public with contempt.

It explains how our democracy is being eroded - and spells out how together we ordinary people can halt the slide into bureaucratic tyranny.

http://www.votersrevolt.org.uk/?tab=V1

[Selsdon Man]

"This leaflet might be a little bit gimmicky but quite how encouraging Conservative members to give blood and re-use plastic bags is worthy of criticism is beyond me..."

Then I thank God you are not my councillor, Iain Lindley. If you do not understand that the leaflet is patronising, then I pity your colleagues on the council.

[michael mcgough]

So most of the Class A section of the party are closet tradesmen and product placemen.Nice handbags,furniture and wallpaper etc etc.Is this a political party at a conference or a trade show?

[Jaz]

What a pathetic amount of complaining over a leadflet, even though we should all do these things.

[william]

The no to ID cards doesn't add to much if the centralised computer records are still going ahead. Our every credit card/switch card transaction will tell government where we are at any time of day or night.

The movements of our cars will monitored by satellite. Our faces will be identifiable to CCTV as we move through shopping centres and railways stations. Everything will be centrally controlled - as will be political parties. It's the end of individual freedom. It's the beginning of a police state such as the matrix. No independent voise will be tolerated.

But such issues are too much for our pretty little Conservative heads. We must only think about giving blood and picking up rubbish.

Once government has us in its power, we are pawns fit only for media manipulation. Cameron and Maude are traitors to liberty and independence, and don't they just love it - treating people like morons, while congratulating themselves as they accumulate the power they crave, obeying their masters in Brussels.

All our personal information will be made available to EU police forces of course. But we must worry not about that but about picking up a piece of rubbish.

[Richard]

"What a pathetic amount of complaining over a leadflet, even though we should all do these things."

It's because we should do them that there's no need for a leaflet! It states the blatently obvious. Don't overfill your kettle indeed! Does he take us for morons?

I've tried to be fair to Cameron over the past few days despite my misgivings but this really is absurd.

IF I WANT A NANNY I WILL HIRE ONE.

I accept that in the age of modern politics there will always be a degree of infantilism and style before substance but this seems to be verging on parody. Next we'll be reminded to tie our shoe laces.

Less of this gimicky rubbish, more on the principles, beliefs and policies. Cameron has said promising things but then goes and ruins everything with this peculiar act of gesture politics.

[Dick Wishart]

100% with you Richard, if this is the best the highly paid advisors can come up with then its about time they had a cull at CCO

[Richard]

OK, I've calmed down a bit now.

If I thought this measure would actually contribute towards a positive image of the Conservative Party in the eyes of voters I might be able to stomach it.

Perhaps I view the electorate as more cynical than they are, but I expect most people will look on this as an exercise in meaningless gesture politics. Don't overfill your kettle - that will really win the voters over!

How about a list of Conservative principles (and ones that clearly distinguish us from Labour, not phrases like "we believe in opportunity for all")?

[Selsdon Man]

A CCHQ insider has just emailed me the Wave Network guide on personal safety that will be distributed at party conference in October.

1. Drive on the left hand side of the road in Britain.

2. Do not cross the road when a car is coming.

3. Wear a seat belt when travelling in a car.

4. Do not use a candle when trying to find a gas leak.

5. Check the credentials of meter readers before letting them into your home.

6. Do not stand in front of a golfer when he is about to hit the ball.

7. Do not stick sharp knives up your bottom.

8. Don’t surf the internet on your laptop when taking a bath.

9. Install smoke alarms in your house.

10. Leave a light on when you go out to deter burglars.

That will scare off Gordon Brown. The next election is in the bag!

[esbonio]

Well said William.

There might be a temptation to say that the "leadership" have lost the plot. However I think what is coming out of the current leadership is so eccentric that such an interpretation is unfair. I feel some of us must accept there is such a real disconnect between the current leadership and traditional supporters that it cannot be an innovation but represents a profound philosophical difference as to the nature of conservatism. If they want a schism so be it.

[James Maskell]

The lists provided by the Conservatives are getting more and more ridiculous. The Built to Win list isnt a list of principles. They are not only contradictory, they arent principles. Vague statements are not principles.

This list is laughable. Picking up rubbish??? I was pulled out of the Cadets after 3 weeks because they were going to do that. Of course be personally responsible for your rubbish but this is ridiculous. In my eyes hes making things worse and worse. His policies are very weak and ignore the idea of party unity. Hes kicked the Right into touch and Im starting to think renewing my membership in November was a bad idea.

[Voice from the South West]

Richard - I think you will find there were other members in that hall who agree with your sentiments. I'll post on this more fully later, however it goes without saying that one of the members in the group I was with left the conference tearing up the leaflet. Perhaps it might help you calm down if you tear it up also Richard?

[Rishi Saha]

Rishi from Wave here, we published the short pamphlet currently under discussion - I just wanted to clarify a few points if I may.

Firstly, the page you see above is just 1 of 8 that make up this document. In between the 10 suggestions that are made above, and in a very small font size (therefore unreadable in the scanned image), we make the point that as a Party we have 8197 councillors, 270,000 members and got 8.7m votes at last year's General Election - and that if we were able to encourage this huge network of people to do some very small things (like occasionally reuse plastic bags), then that could create a massive positive impact.

However, over the next 2 pages of the pamphlet we describe 4 examples of Conservative members - some in conjunction with Wave - who have initiated more substantive social action projects: Damian Hinds who organised a membership drive for a local credit union (Manchester); Sayeeda Warsi who set up a volunteer-led reading project for young children (Dewsbury); Joan Blaney who has developed a business mentoring scheme for young entrepreneurs (Birmingham); and my experience of currently helping a community radio station generate more advertising revenue and listeners (Harlesden). Our belief is that as opposition Conservatives in cities where we are a distant 2nd, 3rd or even 4th, it is important to actively get involved in community enterprise on a personal level as we don't have any councillors or MPs to do this formally.

On the final page we list a number of community networks and voluntary bodies that people could contact if they wanted to find out more about charitable works in their area that they might want to get involved with. We did this because having presented some of our social projects at last year's Blackpool conference, we were approached by lots of people who wanted to do similar things where they lived but didn't quite know where to start - hence, we published a few useful starting points.

I understand some of the criticisms made above - and indeed if all we did was to produce a leaflet arbitrarily listing 10 things - then that might be rather odd. But this was more than just a 1-pager, and these words are backed up by small-scale social initiatives that we have, and will hopefully continue, to be involved with.

In the meantime I'll email Tim a full pdf of the pamphlet.

[Selsdon Man]

There is no excuse for publishing patronising rubbish like that list. Save the paper and a few trees by sticking to events.

[Richard]

"I understand some of the criticisms made above - and indeed if all we did was to produce a leaflet arbitrarily listing 10 things - then that might be rather odd. But this was more than just a 1-pager, and these words are backed up by small-scale social initiatives that we have, and will hopefully continue, to be involved with."

Thank you for coming on here and explaining. The other pages sound much more promising. This is the sort of voluntary action that the Tories should be championing. Remember Burke and the "little platoons"?

[Dick Wishart]

I presume from this leaflet that Francis Maude and David Cameron et al all caught the bus home, i mean a normal service bus and not some fancy coach

[Rick]

I hope Cameron won't be claiming the full £20.000 housing allowance that makes MPs such multiple property owners...............clean and honest accounts and none of this £250 without receipt expense stuff.

Good clean honest expenses for our MPs.....................some hope

[Cllr Iain Lindley]

Then I thank God you are not my councillor, Iain Lindley. If you do not understand that the leaflet is patronising, then I pity your colleagues on the council.

Salford is one of the most deprived authorities in the country. Some of our schools struggle to 20% 5 A*-C in their GCSEs. People's houses are being bulldozed as part of regeneration schemes. Hope Hospital's maternity services are under threat.

Forgive me for concentrating on issues like this, as well as my casework and improving the quality of life and environment in my ward, rather than getting hot under the collar about a leaflet suggesting that we recycle more and give blood! How controversial...

[Selsdon Man]

Iain, you have proved again to be patronising. I now add self-rightious and sarcastic. What a dork!

[Voice from the South West]

Dick Wishart - Nope, I saw Francis Maude in Manchester Train station so I presume he went back on the train - I wonder whether he got the bus there though, I suspect not.

[Voice from the South West]

Unfortunately Selsdon Man the Conservative Party has proved to be very adept at patronising its members, and looking at the assorted leaflets I collected from the conference, is going to become very adept at patronising the voters as well.

[Cllr Iain Lindley]

Selsdon, I'm not going to stoop to a childish slanging match, especially with someone who isn't prepared to put his name to his opinions.

[Voice from the South West]

Iain - its not that the leaflet is controversial, it’s the fact that it, or rather that particular section, was downright patronising. I'm sorry but if I were asked to deliver these I would send them back to CCHQ, this was money not well spent.