I came across a blog post recently, which did chime with some of my current thinking on campaigning. It made me reflect that over the last year, I have been working to promote my simple and practical tools to support people who want to campaign for change.

And a recent challenge by a colleague had then really got me thinking; he asked me why when I had used my campaigning tools, I had had success on some occasions and not so much success in others. It really made me stop and think, and I’m really grateful for this challenge because I consider that I came up with an interesting insight around what I think is the most precious thing for a campaigner.

Yes, campaigning tools are important, but most importantly it’s all about having a diverse group of people around you, who are all passionate about your issue, that makes the difference. You can see my short video here where I explain what I mean by this precious thing for a campaigner.

And then I came across this great blog post by Katie Roberts from the Sheila MacKechnie Foundation. Her words really resonated with me, and I can do no better than share with you the two paragraphs that really hit me:

“Humans have created endless tools designed to make work more effective and individual performance more impactful. Tools such as the SMART framework or Theory of Change. However, sometimes it feels like the tool we are asked to use ends up making things harder.

Sometimes you need a simple tool for a simple job – hammering in that nail. But in skilful hands even a simple tool could help sculpt a thing of beauty. The difference in outcome is all about the people using the tools. In our case, the campaigners and changemakers across the UK.”

I loved her words and I think they are so powerful and so right. As campaigners having practical tools can be so helpful. I would’ve so appreciated having access to my practical tools when I started my campaigning, and I’ve seen how across the world my practical tools have really helped people who have a passion to campaign for change.

But they are not at the end of itself; they are the means. Campaigning is a human dynamic of committed passionate people coming together refusing to accept the status quo and working together in diverse and different ways to bring about the change they want to see in their world.

So yes, do look at a variety of campaigning tools including my own set out in my free pamphlet on my website. Having a framework of tools can really help you build momentum for the change you want to see. But if you are truly passionate about bringing about the change you want to see in your world, the most important thing that you should do, and keep around you, is a small group of equally committed and passionate people.

Never forget that powerful quote from Margaret Mead – it is as true now as it has ever been:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

To find out more about Jonathan’s work, do visit his website: https://jonathanelliscampaigns.com