One month on from the UK general election, we’ve seen the impact campaigners can have on the political agenda. When heading to the polls, people might of asked themselves who they trust to transform the country for the better. Different people will have reached different conclusions. However, it’s crucial to remember that we, as individuals, communities, and members of organisations, whether large or small, all have the power to create change. The election might be over, the transition of power complete, but there’s still plenty of opportunity for us to influence and shape the places we call home.
It’s always helpful to remind ourselves of the incredible changes driven outside – and often in spite of – government. That’s why, during our recent SMK staff and board away day at The Foundry (a building dedicated to fostering change), we began by discussing campaigns that have inspired us.
It was a wonderful way to start the day, feeding off each other’s energy, optimism, and shared belief in the power of campaigning. It was especially delightful to meet and welcome SMK’s newest trustees(find out who they are here). In the spirit of inspiration, here are a few campaigns we shared.
Our Chair, Pete, chose Jubilee 2000 a global campaign calling for the cancellation of developing countries’ debt by the year 2000. This international coalition, spanning 40 countries, ultimately led to the cancellation of more than $100 billion of debt owed by the 35 poorest countries in the world.
Lorna, our Operations and Systems Manager, chose This Girl Can because it inspired her daughter. Launched in 2015, This Girl Can tells real stories of women who get active in ways that suit them, addressing the gender activity gap often driven by women’s fear of judgement in sports. One only needs to look at England’s Lionesses to see how far women’s sports have come in such a short time, thanks in no small part to this campaign.
Deputy Chair Kimberly chose Wards Corner, an SMK award winner, but we promise this isn’t biassed – they were chosen as a testament to what a local community can do! The campaign to save Wards Corner and Seven Sisters Indoor Market (Latin Village or Pueblito Paisa) in Tottenham, North London, began in 2003 when the site was listed for redevelopment. Alongside protests, community events, and legal challenges, the campaign developed an alternative Community Plan to restore and manage the Wards building and the market for the benefit of local residents and businesses. They won! The campaign to save Wards Corner and Seven Sisters Indoor Market (Latin Village or Pueblito Paisa) in Tottenham, North London, began in 2003 when the site was listed for redevelopment. Alongside protests, community events, and legal challenges, the campaign developed an alternative Community Plan to restore and manage the Wards building and the market for the benefit of local residents and businesses. They won!
SMK CEO Sue Tibballs picked Crustacean Compassion; a campaign close to SMK’s heart, having received a small grant from us in its early days. Sue picked the campaign because it started with just a few dedicated volunteers and have gone on to change what it means to be alive (quite literally!) This award-winning animal welfare organisation is dedicated to improving the treatment of animals such as crabs, lobsters, and prawns. After years of campaigning, scientific research, and engaging with policymakers, the campaign succeeded in amending the Sentience Bill to include decapods – a change that passed with cross-party support.
Alex chose #LoveWins, a campaign that is positive and creates unity, and one that she has a personal affinity with as its success enabled her to marry the person she loves and together create a family that is recognised. The campaigning hashtag spread worldwide to celebrate love and drive marriage equality in response to the US Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of same-sex marriage. The campaign rallied support from millions, making it easy for others to share messages of love and sparking discussion and debate far beyond America.
There were dozens more amazing campaigns discussed: Freedom from Torture’s Stop the Flights, the campaign to register the exiled Afghan Women’s football team, the creation and early successes of XR, the innovative work of Led by Donkeys, Alan Bates and the Post Office Scandal, and Martha’s Rule, which allows families of NHS patients to seek an urgent review where their condition deteriorates and they are concerned about the response.
The list goes on and will continue to grow in the coming years. Campaigning and social change are very much alive, driven by amazing people across the country. So, it’s always helpful to remember that the power to create change doesn’t end with a tick in a box.