The danger of co-option

I had just started my presentation on coping when you make a breakthrough on a campaign, when I was asked a killer question from the back of the room. This session was part of INTRAC’s advocacy training course. As ever the course was attended by an impressive array of campaigners from NGOs across the globe. […]

Surprising allies

Recently I did a session on the certificate in campaigning course. It is great to be involved in this initiative and be in the same room as a whole group of people who want to change the world. I am always interested to hear about the key issues raised in the subsequent discussion. Last time […]

Campaigning is just about stunts

I recently found myself talking to a chief executive of a leading UK charity, and I asked about her view of charities campaigning. Her response surprised me – she replied by saying, “oh, we won’t be doing much of that – campaigning is just about stunts.” Campaigning can certainly include stunts. I remember when Tony […]

Did Bagpuss have The Right Ethos?

Children’s television programme maker Oliver Postgate died aged 83 in December. He was behind the classic children’s TV programmes Bagpuss, The Clangers, Noggin the Nog, Ivor the Engine, Pogles and Pingwings. He made the bulk of the shows while living at Wave Crest in Whitstable – about half a mile from where I’m writing this […]

Another postcard?

I am a member of more campaigning organisations than is probably good for my health. One trend that I have noticed, which is really welcome, is an improvement in communications between these organisations and their campaigners. From small to large organisations, there has been real investment made in developing communications with their supporters, who are […]

Marketing campaigns – is it really campaigning?

Have you ever wondered where marketing campaigns fit in with campaigning on single issues? By the term marketing campaign I mean campaigns like Oxfam’s ‘I’m in’ and the NSPCC’s Full Stop Campaign. Such marketing campaigns have been great for awareness raising and recruitment. The success of such campaigns is clear. I have run a number […]

Anita Roddick – did she have the right ethos?

Last week the memorial to Anita Roddick was held at Westminster Central Hall in front of 1500 people on what would have been her 65th birthday. I’m sure many people reading this article that work for campaigning organisation will have a story to tell about her. She played a major part in the funding and […]

Is campaigning a global activity?

Is campaigning a global activity? Can campaigning ideas be shared across the globe? Recently I had the chance to find out as I led a day at the International NGOs Training and Research Centre’s (INTRAC) summer school on advocacy. In the room that day were an impressive array of campaigners from across Europe, Asia and […]

Charities campaigning….are they having a laugh?

Over the last five to ten years, charities have moved into campaigning and started getting political. They have entered territory where previously only more politcal campaigning organisations would venture. Organisations such as Amnesty, Greenpeace etc. set up purely to campaign have been joined by their charity counterparts in the arena of campaigning. Or are they […]