SMK continues to run 'Introduction to Campaigning' workshops across the UK. These workshops are for beginner campaigners and focus on the key skills needed to run an effective campaign to influence local or national decision-makers.

Upcoming workshops are being held in:

• South East England (Folkestone), 24th September, 9.30am-4.30pm.
• South West England (Taunton), 19th November, 9.30am-4.30pm.

There is a £10 commitment fee for each workshop. To find out more and reserve your place visit the events section of our website website.


Influencing Change is an introductory level course on how to gain influence and campaign for change in public policy. 

This is a four-day course spread over four months and includes the opportunity for further group sessions and one-to-one coaching. Guest speakers with expertise in campaigning, tactics, media and government will provide in-depth knowledge and insider perspectives.

Participants will learn about developing a campaign strategy and plan, working with the media, tactically addressing issues and involving stakeholders.

Apply now.

The course is supported by Trust for London and delivered by SMK.

The deadline to submit an SMK Campaigner Award application has been extended. Thank you to everyone who has already sent in their application for the 2010 awards.  For all of you planning to apply, after having seen the weekend weather forecast and reading the sports pages, we decided to extend the final deadline to submit an application. You are now able to enjoy the sun on Saturday, the England vs Germany match on Sunday and/or the tennis!

An SMK Award is for people who want to take their campaign to the next level. Over six months, SMK devises a bespoke programme of support, tailored around your needs, to help you with your campaign.

There are eight Award categories and the closing date for applications is now 12pm next Wednesday (30th June).

All costs of participating in the programme are covered by SMK.

The awards programme is very niche, so don't think there’s only a 'needle-in-a-haystack' chance of winning. If you look at the FAQs and think you meet the criteria, you’ll have a good chance of being shortlisted.

Apply now!

The deadline to submit your SMK Award application is fast approaching!

An SMK Award is for people who want to take their campaign to the next level. Over six months, SMK devises a bespoke programme of support, tailored around your needs, to help you with your campaign.

There are eight Award categories and the closing date for applications is 12pm next Monday (28th June).

All costs of participating in the programme are covered by SMK.

The awards programme is very niche, so don't think there’s only a 'needle-in-a-haystack' chance of winning. If you look at the FAQs and think you meet the criteria, you’ll have a good chance of being shortlisted.

Apply now!



SMK has launched its annual awards programme for emerging and grassroots campaigners. The awards are for individuals who are new to campaigning or operating with few resources and who show passion, tenacity and the potential to create change – locally, nationally or globally.

You might not see yourself as a “campaigner” but if you are demonstrating commitment to a cause we want to hear from you.

The awards do not offer cash prizes but rather draw on the expertise of experienced campaigners and use a model of action learning to share knowledge and acquire skills. You can look through the awards categories or FAQs to learn more about the programme.

We are now accepting applications for 2010, download an application form or nominate someone you know for an award.

Applications can be submitted until 12 noon GMT on Monday 28^th June 2010.

Our most recent annual report is now available to read online. See how we connected, informed and supported campaigners in 2008/2009 through the Annual Reports section of our website.

The Office of the Third Sector has withdrawn its £750,000 Campaigning Research Programme, just weeks after it promised the funding to 32 grassroots campaigning groups.

The OTS announced last Friday (13th November) that it had decided to divert the funding into its Hardship Fund. A campaign against the decision has been started up, and you can join in the debate through Twitter, using the search term '#otscampaign’. The OTS has admitted that the decision breached the principles of the Compact, which is an agreement between the public and voluntary sectors about how they work together.

You can also sign the petition at NCVO’s Louder website.

You can read more about the issue on the Third Sector website and read the Directory of Social Change's analysis here.

On October 7th 2009 SMK's 2009 Award Winners went to meet SMK Patron Rt. Hon Gordon Brown PM at 10 Downing Street. They met with the Prime Minister and were then given a special tour of Downing Street. To see photos of the trip click here.

The winners and finalists of the SMK Campaigner Awards 2009 were announced yesterday at a ceremony hosted by Channel 4 Newscaster and Patron of SMK, Jon Snow. Awards were presented by: Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty; Tony Juniper, former Director of Friends of the Earth; and Terry Waite CBE, humanitarian and former envoy for the Church of England. 

12 awards were presented to exciting and emerging campaigners working on a diverse range of issues. Read the press release and visit the SMK Campaigner Awards 2009 section of our website to find out more about the winners and finalists.

Our annual search for emerging, talented campaigners culminates on Wednesday 16th September at a special awards ceremony hosted by Jon Snow, Channel 4 Newscaster and Patron of SMK.

Awards will be presented by Shami Chakrabarti (Director of Liberty), Tony Juniper (renowned environmental campaigner and former Director of Friends of the Earth) and Terry Waite CBE (humaintarian and former envoy for the Church of England).

We will be presenting awards to 12 campaigners from the UK and abroad who are tackling a diverse range of social, cultural and environmental injustices and inequalities.

Press enquiries: Please contact Harmit Kambo, SMK's Communications Manager on 020 7700 8128/07780 994 204.