Summer's here, you've got a few things planned, including a lot of lazing around in the...er...English sun. Meanwhile, Members of European Parliament are deciding on their manifestos for next year's election. This is where they are trying to work out what is important to their constituents. I'm sure they'll have a few things on their list, but is anyone talking to them about the impact of European companies on human and environmental wellbeing? If you're anything like me, Europe might be a bit of a mystery to you. How does it actually work and who has the power?
Don't worry - take the first step and learn along your way.

• Step one: Find out who your MEPs are.

Go to www.europarl.org.uk/uk_meps/MembersMain.htm to find out. There are a few MEPs for your area, and you can write to any or all of them.

• Step two: Read about SPEAK's European Corporate Accountability Campaign.

Download a guide to our goals and actions.

Our coalition partners, the European Coalition for Corporate Justice have just produced a new booklet 'With Power comes responsibility'. You can find it on their website - www.corporatejustice.org

• Step three: Write a letter to your MEPs.

Use our template letter to get you started.

• Step four: Go to meet your MEP.

If your MEP replies to your letter, it is a good opportunity to discuss the issue further or go to meet him. Use our lobbying briefing to get prepared and go for it! Let us know how it goes.
If you want to read more about corporate accountability, you might find the following sites useful:

www.corporate-responsibility.org

www.corporatejustice.org

www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/corporates/index.html

And to find out more about the European Union visit:

www.europarl.org.uk

www.europa.eu