Campaigning for social change
Why are we here? To make the world a better place, of course. And we do this by campaigning in all the right ways for social change. Social change organisations don’t succeed by being reasonable, by doing things the way they’ve always been done. The first aspiration of all nonprofit organisations should be to do themselves out of business. All campaigners and fundraisers should be restless challengers of the status quo, never ever satisfied that we are doing quite enough. Why? Because we only exist to change the world.
Youthreach: ‘if I were rain’ publishing for a good cause
by SOFII
This book poignantly captures how children retain their intelligence and innocence despite the most trying circumstances. This book transforms lives. And raises money too.
Read moreThe Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade: minute regarding the need for fundraising from 1788
by SOFII
This piece offers a unique insight into how, 220 years ago, funds were raised to help fight one of the greatest social evils of all time. In its formality, the 114-word single sentence of this solicitation has a distinctly quaint character.
Read moreBhopal Medical Appeal: B’Eau Pal publicity stunt: don’t go near the water!
by SOFII
Don’t go near the water: 25 years after the world’s worst ever man-made disaster, B’EauPal shows that effective political campaigning takes ’bottle’ (a commonly used London term for courageous risk-taking). This is a classic opportunistic protest in a good cause.
Read moreOxfam’s press ads from the 1950s and 60s
by SOFII
These press advertisements really did change the course of fundraising in Britain. They helped Oxfam to grow into a substantial international charity. Though they might seem crude and simplistic now, these ads very effectively alerted the post-war British public to considerable humanitarian needs abroad.
Read moreCure Cancer Australia: ‘can too’ sporting events
by SOFII
Young people raise money for a great cause while being coached by professionals in a whole variety of sporting skills.
Read moreThe Foundation for Childbirth with Dignity: 'you have a right to ask’ campaign
by SOFII
This brave, important campaign broke new ground in public education in Poland and raised money too.
Read moreRSPCA’s ‘sow tethering’ telephone campaign
by SOFII
Any marketing campaign that can have such an impact on members of parliament on the eve of taking their country to war has to be worth recording. This campaign is notable as one of the early UK examples of fundraisers using the telephone.
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