Library
For those keen to take their learning even further, here is a selection of some of the books we think are well worth a read.
How Change Happens helps us to understand the events, individuals & systems that have changed the world.
Lessons from the groundbreaking grassroots campaign that helped launch a new political revolution.
How Organisations Develop Activists
An in-depth look at the models and strategies civic associations use for engaging activists in the Internet Age.
The bible for change-makers. Written in the 1970’s as an organiser’s manual. Still a great read today.
A practical guide for creating and running successful campaigns.
By using our skills and talents and mobilizing others, we can bring about social and political change.
This book offers encouragement to would-be activists everywhere to get involved and offers seven practical principles that can help people effect change.
How to tackle issues not with shouting and aggression but with gentle protest.
Engagement Organizing: The Old Art and New Science of Winning Campaigns
This book is written for grassroots organizers, NGOs, civil society organizations, unions, political parties, and anyone seeking to mobilize people politically.
Resources
We have produced guidance that we hope will be of use, and continually look for other publications and toolkits that we think could be of interest. If you know of other resources you think we could usefully share, please let us know.
The documents provide advice for campaigners and activists, but as much of content was produced between 2008 and 2014 we would strongly recommend that you seek additional and more up to date information particularly on any content related to legislation and legal issues.
Useful websites
Good practice
Campaigning Strategy website: Information to help you think strategically about your campaign.
Reports and papers
Good Guide to Campaigning and Influencing: The Good Guide to Campaigning and Influencing is a guide to effective campaigning.
New Philanthropy Capital: Theory of Change: A theory of change is a tool that sets out a clear path from your day-to-day activities to the outcomes you achieve to the change you want to create.
New Philanthropy Capital: Measuring the effectiveness of your campaign: A short guide highlighting a number of evaluation resources and techniques to help you evaluate your campaign through a series of simple steps.
Government guidance
Charity Commission – Speaking Out – Guidance on Campaigning and Political Activity by Charities: Charity Commission’s guidance on rights and restrictions of charities to undertake campaigning.
Electoral Commission: Guidance for campaigners: Detailed guidance from the Electoral Commission on campaigning in the run up to elections and referendums.
Funding sources
Grant finder: Details of more than 8,000 funding opportunities, including grants, loans and awards from local, regional and national UK government, European funding, charitable trusts and corporate sponsors.
Funding Central: Government funded website with information on grants from the European Union, UK Government, the Lottery and Grant Making Trusts.