With protest and debate spreading around the world following the killing of George Floyd, there is recognition that campaigning organisations must make racial justice part of their own practice. Taking our lead from #CharitySoWhite, we reflect on how the change-making community (and SMK) can do that.
Civil society must throw away the idea that speaking up is ‘too political’ and step into public life – for the sake of us all
We don’t know how long the Covid-19 emergency will last. Charities, not-for-profits, community groups and mutual aid groups are now rightly focused on the immediate needs of the communities they serve, and on staying active so they can meet them.
We’re not usually ones for New Year resolutions, but 2020 is gearing up to be an important year for civil society and change-making. So, we’re starting as we mean to go on!
We no longer trust ‘facts’, it’s getting harder to be heard over the din of increasingly busy media coverage, and charities are anxious about being seen as ‘party political’. How can civil society stay part of our national political debate?
Don’t dismiss using the law in your campaigning and change-making before you understand it better
The SMK Change Network welcomed Irish campaigners who secured an overwhelming ‘yes’ vote in last year’s referendum on abortion. It was our best Change Network to date – constructive, emotional and inspiring.
As the weather cools, hopefully minds are clearing. What better time to set aside an hour or so to reflect on your own habits as a change-maker?
