This campaign communications workshop will help you to develop high quality relevant campaign communications – including crafting and delivering clear and appealing messages – as an essential part of your campaigning approach.
What is campaign communiations?
Campaign communications is how you tell stories to engage people’s emotions, shift their thinking, and inspire them to act.
Why is campaign communications important?
According to SMK’s expert Associates, learning campaign communications is important in order to communicate effectively. It’s how you know know who you’re speaking to, what you need to say to connect with them, and how you can reach them.
What do I need to know about storytelling, framing, or communications in campaigns?
To have effective campaign communications, you will need to learn how to successfully use powerful framing, narratives and stories, and communication channels for campaigns. This includes:
- How to successfully identify and reach different key audiences.
- How to develop powerful stories for campaigns
- Examples of effective campaign communications
- How to choose the right channels and messages
- The essential ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of campaign communications.
SMK’s Storytelling For Change workshop will teach you all of this, and it compliments the Social media to win campaigns workshop well.
What will I do in SMK’s Storytelling for Change workshop?
- Learn how to develop powerful framing, narratives and stories for campaigns
- Analyse examples of effective campaign communications
- Practise how to choose the right channels and messenger and learn how to use different channels together to complement each other
Please note that this workshop has participatory elements. If you are unable to participate for any reason or in a specific manner (e.g. speaking, camera on, chat function, breakout rooms, etc.), please put that in the “Accessibility Requirements” section during checkout, and remind your facilitator at the beginning of the session.
If you would like to speak to someone further, please email megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk
Where can I learn more about campaign communications?
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation is the best place to learn about campaign communication. Check out these options:
- The free Communicating for Change module on the Changemakers Toolkit.
- This blog from SMK on the Top 3 Mistakes Campaigners Make When Communicating For Change
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much are the workshops?
SMK’s Open Workshops run on a progressive pricing model:
- Small orgs (£10k – £100k) – £96 + VAT
- Medium orgs (£100k – £1m) – £160 + VAT
- Large orgs (Tier 1: £1m – £10m) – £240 + VAT
- Large orgs (Tier 2: £10m+) – £280 + VAT
Independent campaigners will pay the ‘small orgs’ fee.
How can I pay for a workshop?
You have the option to pay by card or invoice – just choose your preferred method during the checkout.
Are the workshops online or in-person?
They’re delivered online via Zoom.
How long are the workshops?
The workshops are three hours long. The online get-togethers are an hour and a half.
What if I can’t participate during the workshop?
This workshop includes participatory elements. If you have any access requirements or prefer not to participate in certain ways (e.g. speaking, camera use, chat or breakout rooms), please note this at checkout and let your facilitator know at the start of the session.
Can I attend any of these workshops as a package, instead?
Yes. You can find out more information about our Campaign Carousel programme here.
Who can I contact with questions about this workshop?
For any questions about our Open Training, please email SMK’s Programmes Manager Megan Poyiadzis
Workshop Dates
Wed 6th May 2026, 10am-1pm
Tues 29th Sept 2026, 2-5pm
Tues 2nd Feb 2027, 10am-1pm
Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin
SMK Associate
This workshop will be led by SMK Associate, Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin, who has worked with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Shelter and Save the Children UK in senior press and digital roles.
She believes in using clear, bold, honest messaging to strengthen movements and win change.
She’s worked with organisations including the TUC, Shelter and Save the Children, in senior press and digital roles, as well as editing the progressive blog Left Foot Forward, and contributing to publications including the New Statesman and the Independent.
In different roles, Niamh has developed and delivered communications strategies across a wide range of issues, including rights at work, child poverty, housing, LGBTQ+ rights, sexual harassment and climate justice.
What participants say:
Gill Kirk
Community campaigner, Head of Strategic Communications, West of England Combined Authority
‘’A cracking bit of training, packed with best in class, practical eye-openers.”
Participant, 2025
“[The most useful part was] devising a strong message, the components of that, dos and don’ts. Steps and clear info helps for me to put into practice.”
Participant, 2023
“I think the examples brought from other campaigns really helped to illustrate the points being made. I also think the structure of the workshop was really great.”
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