[Here's an interview with volunteer deckhand Emma Giles, who joined the Rainbow Warrior in Melbourne.]
Where and when did you get involved with Greenpeace?
I used to think that Greenpeace was a place for superheroes. I never dreamed that I would one day be on board the Rainbow Warrior. It all started when one day about 5-6 years ago, when I came across a Greenpeace frontliner in a city street of Brisbane. I was more than happy to become a member and sat talking about Greenpeace and environmental issues for a good couple of hours. I went home so happy to finally be doing something to help, but couldn't stop thinking... 'surely there must be something more I can do?'. Then I started chasing further ways to involve myself and became a volunteer with my nearest Local Group.
Why did you get involved?
My concern for the health of our planet and everything it holds seemed to become stronger and stronger each day. All around I kept seeing so much disrespect to the earth and our environment. I felt a duty to do something, to create awareness about the destructive behaviours that are harming us each day. I decided that I was a person who would stand up and make a difference, which brings to mind one of my favourite quotes: 'In all of our action, we must seek to be living examples of the change we wish to see in the world, by walking the path, we make the path visible' - Phil Lane Jnr
How did you become a deckhand on the Rainbow Warrior?
Recently the Rainbow Warrior visited the shores of Australia as part of our Anti-GE (Genetic Engineering) campaign. After being involved for some time now, and not having sailed on any Greenpeace ships before, I was offered a place for the transit across the Tasman Sea to the next port of call - Auckland. This journey was an extremely rough one (force 11 winds and a huge swell). Luckily didn't feel a hint of seasickness (which is how I landed my onboard nickname, Iron Maiden). Because of my 'iron gut' I was asked to stay on board for the Seamounts campaign in which we needed to brave the bumpy oceans again.
What environmental matter concerns you the most?
This is quite a tricky question to answer, as I feel that we still have many steps to take and many issues to deal with before we reach a green and peaceful future. One thing that really scares me though is Climate Change. Now is a crucial time, we really don't know what disastrous effects Climate Change could bring.
What do you miss most by being at sea?
I miss hacky sack, climbing trees, my friends and full cups of tea.
What message do you want to give people who are reading this?
I am a big fan of quotes so I hope you don't mind if I use another one: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has' - Margaret Mead
...and besides that, always remember to HAVE FUN!
Comments
hey ya EM!
Nice one sista, stay beautiful and remember; 'What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other.'
I'll be waiting in sydo's. Thinking of you, go get those nasty trawlers!
mat
xx
Posted by: mathew harvey at June 18, 2004 05:21 PM
More of these stories and interviews, please. (I also appreciated the quotes!
