About SMK

SMK was established in 2005 to help develop a new generation of campaigners who are tackling the root causes of injustice. Set up in memory of Dame Sheila McKechnie, SMK is entirely dedicated to helping campaigners create positive and lasting social change.

SMK runs programmes for individuals and groups providing support, advice and a place to share information on key areas of effective campaigning: from strategy, tactics, and targets to evaluating successful campaigns.

Whatever your issue, whether you are trying to improve disabled access on local transport or promote solutions to conflict, we can help you to develop new tactics and plan high impact campaigns through our awards programme, workshops and training programmes, and bespoke consultancy.

Our current programme

• The SMK Campaigner Awards
• Campaign Central, a social networking website and comprehensive information source for campaigners
• Events and workshops

Our vision and values are the driving force behind each area of our work. Our programme is designed to develop campaigning potential, bring people together to share learning, and campaign on key issues that effect campaigners.

Background to SMK

SMK was created by a founding group of Trustees who all knew and worked with Sheila at the Foyer Federation, Shelter, Which? (f. Consumers' Association) and the Architecture Foundation. They believed that the insight and experience Sheila displayed in her own lifetime as a campaigner should be passed on to a new generation of campaigners fighting for social justice. The Foundation gained charitable status in February 2005.

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation is a registered charity no. 1108210, and company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, no. 5331412.