In 1997 the Centre for Alternative Technology initiated
a unique gathering for other ecological demonstration centres around
the UK in the conductive surroundings of CAT's visitor centre. It
was hoped that by establishing a network, the group could increase
the impact of each eco-centre's work in its own region, help new
centres get 'off the ground' and develop a collective voice.
The enthusiasm of the group was infectious as projects which had grown up in relative isolation were at last given the opportunity to network on a variety of issues. Sharing experiences, knowledge, successes and failures, ideas from the conference included producing a directory of centres, and a map of UK eco-centres, as well as holding more annual conferences!
Meanwhile, another network was looking for a new direction and funding. This network had largely grown out of the peace movement but also incorporated a wider social change element. It had held a number of very successful conferences in the early 1990's and was called 'Centres for Change.' However due to lack of funding, their annual meetings had temporarily ceased. Both groups believed that forming a network of centres working towards sustainability and providing mutual support was essential.
In 1998 the next eco-centre conference was hosted by the Earth Centre in Doncaster. Members of the Centres for Change network attended and announced that they had found two years' funding for a network co-ordinator, and proposed that the networks should combine, to include centres for both social and environmental change.
Centres for Change (C4C) is now a national network of local resource centres that promote social, economic and environmental sustainability across the UK. It currently involves over a hundred resource centres working on environment, development and social justice issues through education activities, campaigning, community provision, practical demonstrations, ethical trading and information services.