“Yes, we can!’

DSC’s Chief Executive Debra Allcock Tyler noted the buzz in the air following Barack Obama’s victory in the US elections, which she argued showed the power of grassroots campaigning, at our Campaigning Conference this month.

The day saw several inspiring speakers sharing their experiences and advice on campaigning.

In her speech Debra acknowledged calls for more evidence to support campaigns, but stressed that we should not lose sight of our principles, and that evidence based on the experiences of individuals can be perfectly legitimate and effective.  Principles, she said, were the foundation of many of great campaigns, such as the abolition of slavery.

However, Debra went on to say, in times where economic impact seems to trump all we need to be realistic.  Whilst we are right to maintain our belief that “the result of this work is a happier human being”, principle alone may not be enough to convince decision-makers in the current climate.

She concluded by hailing the role played by the voluntary sector in developing innovative policy and acting as “an army of unpaid policy bullshit detectors” for government.  She said that our “bloody-mindedness” was a virtue, even if those in government hate it when we complain that they’re getting it wrong, and that we should never give that up.

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, presented some examples of effective campaigns.  Alluding to Guy Fawkes as a good example of a failed campaign, he joked that “his plans might not have passed CC9” (the Charity Commission’s guidance on campaigning).

Paul related lessons learned from decades of experience as a mental health campaigner, and discussed the need to take the long view of your campaign.  He recalled how changes he had started fighting for as long ago as 1997 were only now coming to fruition, and that he had seen off a succession of different health ministers along the way. 

Paul also outlined some key questions to ask at the start of any campaign to help make it a successful one, which are included in the writeup of last month’s quick survey.

Ben Wittenberg, DSC’s Director of Policy and Research, discussed his own campaigning experience, including his attempt as a student campaigner to raise awareness about the Euro by wearing a ‘Euroman’ costume, complete with yellow cape and blue lycra bodysuit.

Ben went on to describe the need to learn from failures as well as success (Euroman didn’t really do the trick), and highlighted the importance of identifying win-win solutions if you are working to change government policy. 

He closed with the observation that politics and government are predisposed against the long view; campaigners are often faced with a succession of short-term scenarios (one minister or civil servant after another).  We may represent the long term public consciousness for the issues we campaign on and it’s important to keep the faith and persevere.

Patrick Cox, Chief Executive of the Small Charities Coalition, inspired the audience with his tale of setting up the Coalition and of his various efforts to get larger charities to support smaller ones. 

He stressed the importance of communicating your own passion, maintaining belief in your ability to change things and the need to be able to inspire others to win them over and get them on board.

Patrick also talked about the importance of coalition-building and networking – building up contacts who can help – and thinking creatively about non-financial help. 

It’s a lot easier to ask for help rather than money (especially if you’re asking other charities).  Could they lend you a policy adviser or fundraiser for a week?  Could they provide facilities for your organisation?  Could Google build or host your campaign’s website?

DSC launched The Funders’ Almanac 2008 and a new multi-faceted Great Giving campaign, which aims to achieve important changes in the funding of charities and voluntary organisations.