In this blog, we round up feedback from participants from our series of Deep Dives across 2025- 2026.
Building campaigners’ confidence and power for change
At a time when campaigners are navigating increasingly complex challenges, from influencing local decision-makers to countering far-right narratives, SMK’s Deep Dive workshops are providing practical skills, expert insights and renewed confidence to help people create change.
Feedback from participants shows that the sessions are not only highly valued (participants consistently rated both the facilitation and content highly, with many giving scores of 4 or 5 out of 5) but are helping campaigners feel better equipped to apply their learning directly to their work. Workshops cover topics such as:
- Policymaking
- Local power
- Theory of change
- Narrative change
One participant from the National Secular Society described the opportunity to learn directly from experienced practitioners as:
“Being able to hear from a Whitehall veteran and ask questions – really valuable insight!”
The practical nature of the sessions was a recurring theme. Participants particularly valued examples, frameworks and exercises that they could apply immediately in their campaigning work. A participant from Z2K highlighted:
“Exercises in breakout rooms with practical guidance to complete” and the “strategic comms formula to offer a vision of hope”.
Another attendee of the narrative change workshop reflected on how the training made theory tangible:
“Practical communications examples that helped to bring the theory to life. And the creative activities were challenging but valuable.”
Learning from expert voices
Participants repeatedly praised the quality and expertise of SMK’s facilitators and guest speakers.
One attendee described the trainer on the narrative power session as a:
“Really knowledgeable and experienced communicator, energetic and hopeful.”
Another participant simply described the session as having a:
“Brilliant speaker and content, lots of really great examples shared.”
Others highlighted the value of hearing insider perspectives from policymaking and local government, helping campaigners better understand the systems they are seeking to influence.
Practical Skills for Today’s Challenges
The workshops are helping campaigners tackle some of the most pressing issues facing civil society today.
Participants cited learning about:
- strategic narrative and framing techniques
- influencing policymakers and decision makers
- understanding local power structures
- developing theories of change
- creating compelling campaign communications
- building hopeful narratives that counter division and misinformation.
One participant from the Welsh Refugee Council highlighted the value of the “Value, Villain, Vision” framework and the opportunity to generate ideas collaboratively with peers.
Another attendee said the most useful aspect was:
“The inclusion of the topic of checking our assumptions when developing theory of change models.”
Creating Space for Collective Learning
Alongside practical skills, participants valued the opportunity to learn with and from other changemakers. Breakout discussions, collaborative exercises and open conversations were frequently mentioned as highlights.
One participant noted that what worked best was:
“Practical activities and opportunities to work together as a group.”
Another appreciated:
“The mixture of presentations, examples and practical work.”
This combination of expert input and peer learning helps create an environment where campaigners can test ideas, share experiences and build confidence together.
Looking Ahead
Perhaps the strongest endorsement of the programme is that participants overwhelmingly said they would recommend the training to others and expressed a desire for further learning opportunities. Topics requested for future sessions included
- Media engagement
- Ethical video content
- Social media campaigning
- Lived experience participation
- Coaching skills
- Deeper exploration of how social and political change happens.
SMK’s Deep Dive workshops are equipping campaigners with the confidence, knowledge and practical tools to navigate power, shape narratives and create change.
Book one today or sign up to our newsletter for information about future Deep Dives and topics.