Together, we’re building the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to work more closely with people directly affected by housing injustice in our campaigns for social change. And we’re sharing what we learn to help others.
This programme draws on SMK’s unique analysis of social change, solidarity and power. Our tools can help you understand and plan how to make meaningful change alongside people with first-hand experience.
But there’s no quick fix. This isn’t a regular training programme where we provide easy answers. Working in solidarity not just changing what we do, but also how we think and show up in our work. We’re building a community dedicated to solidarity in social change across the Oak partnership, so we can learn and support each other.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is for UK-based Oak Foundation grantees who want to strengthen or develop the campaigning and advocacy areas of their work. All elements of the programme are free to participate in. However, places are limited for each type of training, and you will need to send an expression of interest clearly stating your selected trainings and preferred dates to sana.naz@smk.org.uk by Tuesday 13 January 2026.
Once the expression of interest period ends, participants will receive further information along with a unique booking code to complete their free registration.
Watch our short film to find out more
Ways to take part
It’s entirely flexible so you can take part as much or as little as you need.
Whether you are new to campaigning or looking to deepen your expertise, our capacity building offer has something for everyone. Take part in flexible online workshops, peer learning groups, and in-depth masterclasses designed to strengthen your skills, build confidence, and connect you with others in the social change space.
Join the conversation by signing up for one – or all – of our open community events. Our bite-sized online sessions blend theory and practice in campaigning for social change, while our in-person events focus on strengthening connections, building collaboration, and learning together across the partnership
Stay informed by signing up to our newsletter for the latest insights and stories from the programme and join our email group to connect with others in the partnership, share ideas, and exchange resources.
Building Campaign Capacity
Take part in a mix of one-off sessions or workshop series to strengthen your campaigning skills and deepen your practice.
Strengthening Connection
Sign up to our online and in-person community events and meet others from across the programme.
Ready to take part?
Take a look at our SMK Power and Social Change Capacity Building Prospectus 2026 which includes detailed information about each training opportunity, including session topics, formats, and who each offer is designed for
Here’s what to do next:
- Browse the prospectus – Get familiar with the training offers and decide which ones suit your needs.
- Select your preferred trainings and dates – Choose the sessions that best align with your goals and availability.
- Send your expression of interest – Email your selected trainings and dates to sana.naz@smk.org.uk by Tuesday 13 January 2026. Be sure to include your full name and organisation.
- Wait for confirmation – Once the expression of interest period closes, we’ll send you booking details and a unique code to register for your chosen sessions.
For any questions, feel free to contact sana.naz@smk.org.uk
What are we learning?
We’re building a picture of what it means to work in deeper solidarity in social change. Take a look at insights emerging from the programme, and what we’ve been learning about delivering the programme, in our Year One and Year Two reports.
Insights about working in solidarity
Insights and practical action emerging from the programme.
Learning about programme design
Our own reflections on designing and delivering the programme.
Insights about working in solidarity
Insights and strategies for deepening solidarity for individuals, organisations, the wider sector and in our campaigns for social change.
Learning about programme design
Our theory of change and the difference it’s making to participants.
What participants say
“What’s great about this programme is it gives you space to step back and reflect on how you approach your role, rather than just telling you what to do. This is lifelong work but the only thing that really makes the difference… It’s vital to take time to explore this – otherwise, what kind of leaders will we be?”
Polly Stephens, Head of Policy, Learning and Communications, New Horizon Youth Centre
SMK’s tools and analysis
The learning shaping this programme draws on SMK’s foundational research and convening. SMK asks how change is happening today, and how we can build solidarity across the social change ecosystem. We do this by building connections, listening to the people making change, making sense of what we hear and sharing what we learn.
Social Power
The Social Change Project found that civil society can unleash ‘Social Power’ by being bolder and braver. Includes tools to help you think differently about social change.
It’s all about power
The Power Project called for a new way of thinking about power, and action to build solidarity in social change. Includes tools to help you think differently about power.
Latest from Solidarity in Social Change
What’s next for solidarity in social change?
Some reflections from our work with grantees of the Oak Foundations’ Housing & Homelessness Programme. In recent years, we’ve worked closely with Oak Foundation’s Housing and Homelessness Programme to better understand how organisations can truly centre the needs...
Campaigning in solidarity: Evaluating what matters
Fourth and last blog in our series about campaigning in solidarity. How do we know our campaigns are making a difference? And who gets to decide that anyway? We spoke to our Learning Partner and participatory evaluation specialist, Sarah Rose, and to Gemma McCaughley...
Campaigning in solidarity: Stories for change
The third in our four-part series about campaigning in solidarity. Telling stories for change is a key issue for professional campaigners seeking to work meaningfully alongside people with first-hand experience. How do we communicate effectively, and how can we...
Share your story
There’s so much expertise on the Oak partnership. We can help you make the case for working in solidarity by featuring your work as a blog.
Tell us what you need
We’re always listening for new ideas on how we can improve this programme. Share your thoughts and ideas to help us deliver the support you need.
Power and Social Change newsletter
Working for an Oak funded organisation? Sign up to our Solidarity in Social Change newsletter to hear about news, inspiration, and upcoming events.