Together With Refugees is launching a new initiative – the Campaign Organising Network – a network of passionate people working with others in their communities to unlock the energy, commitment and power of local people to take action to win a fair new plan for refugees.
This way we can show our politicians that people in their own constituencies – the people they represent and keep them in parliament – care enough to volunteer their time, get organised and act, so they must too.
And with legislation from the new government expected next year the urgency to build a committed group of supportive MPs is greater than ever.
What’s new?
As the largest pro-refugee coalition in British history we are a powerful movement. We know you are already doing great work in your communities, including taking action with Together With Refugees. Now is the time to build on this by powering up grassroots action to help secure the support of the new UK government and parliament for the changes we need to win for refugees. Through a coordinated network of hard working people with a package of support behind them, even more is possible. Using campaign organising methods to join with others in your area you can:
- Build strategic relationships in your communities with other groups and people who believe in a better system for refugees
- Through coordinated action, publicly demonstrate to MPs that their local constituents support refugees
- Identify and engage key local influencers – from faith to business leaders and sports clubs to GP surgeries
- Build support for a fair new plan for refugees from local MPs
- Connect with other organisers locally and around the UK as part of a new network of shared learning and impact
To empower you to do this we are scaling up our support with:
- Training in campaigning and organising
- An online community for resource sharing and peer support
- A range of actions to choose from to influence decision-makers
- In 30 key constituencies with particularly high political significance we will offer enhanced support including additional training, in-person events, 1:1 sessions and regional networking
Combining local parliamentary constituency engagement with our ongoing programme of campaigning, media, communications and lobbying work in Westminster, means every MP, every minister, everyone with decision making power will have to listen.
Who is this for?
We know that our member organisations are full of hardworking and brilliant people, deeply committed to improving the system for refugees. These people – you – are key, and we hope you will consider joining us in the Campaign Organising Network as campaign organisers. Email us at the address below if you or others in your organisation want to find out more.
With 80% of the British public wanting an approach to the asylum system that is well managed, fair and compassionate we know there are many others who will join you.
What change do we want?
The UK’s refugee system is chaotic, uncaring and costly – it isn’t working for refugees and it isn’t working for communities across the UK. But building relationships and being heard by decision makers in Westminster has been very challenging. Now, for the first time in 14 years, we have a new government and, with legislation expected next year, we must act.
We are calling for a reset of the system, to get it working again with a new plan for refugees – one that is fair, just and compassionate. A plan that upholds the UK’s commitment under international law including the right to claim asylum, a proper strategy of welcome with a real chance for people to rebuild their lives, and stronger global cooperation including safe routes to reach the UK.
But none of this is possible without you and the many others like you in your community, working hard together to make things better. Ramping up pressure and support for change in local communities across the country will be vital in the months ahead.
That’s why we hope you will consider being part of a network building local power for national change. Because change starts with us, and in our neighbourhoods.