ABSTRACT
The formal meetings are characterised by intense sociality and shared rhythms. This chapter explores the different ways that Friends of the Earth (FoE) International is portrayed and most importantly experienced as a global grassroots federation. The specific character of the changes in identification and sense of belonging that activists undergo in the international meetings is a pivotal refraction in the spectrum of Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) global imaginary of its environmental activism. During FoEI meetings, an Executive Committee is elected to run the day-to-day decisions of the Federation. The Abuja pre-conference was entitled Energy Sovereignty, hinging on the long-standing oil-induced crisis in the Niger Delta. The creative, strategic process of imagining is accepted not only by activists but also by funding bodies. The chairwoman of FoEI explains the outcome of the voting to each individual representative and welcomed them in as full FoEI members.
