By Gemma Fletcher, Senior Art Director
A few weeks ago I attended People Power 2010, the first conference solely dedicated to the future of campaigning. Campaigners continue to fill an important role for charities and society, experts who bridge a vital knowledge gap that the government cannot cover. Below are a few key points that came out of the conference that I wanted to share.
Working together
Funding cuts and the rising scepticism surrounding campaigning have highlighted the need for strategic change within the sector. We need more collective action to conquer this disillusionment. Campaigning can be a competitive game, but it’s time to forget turf wars, and find links in campaigns, working together to achieve shared goals.
Over the next few years we could see a rise in coalitions, with charities joining forces to be smarter, louder and more effective. Likewise, charities which successfully close the gaps internally between departments, showing greater consistency, will attract greater support. There is no doubt there is more power in standing together.
Fast campaigning is not necessarily good campaigning
In the last few years there has been a huge rise in Internet campaigning via social networks. It was felt by delegates that some of these campaigns can lack depth: a quick click doesn’t require as much personal engagement and commitment to the issues. Social networks provide a great tool to reach out, but we need to involve people in a deeper way to recruit more committed supporters.
Evidence
Fact is king! Campaigns need to be more evidence-based with greater transparency to create a lasting impact of change. Legitimacy and accountability are going to be a big focus in the next few years. Beneficiary-fronted campaigns, used in fundraising, but often forgotten in campaigning, could make for more powerful and relatable campaigns.
Greater role of citizens
The game has changed, power has returned to the communities, small local campaigns will win out. There needs to be a growth in people playing a greater role in public policy. The panel predicted a rise in boycotts, simple but powerful actions by aware citizens ready to create a unified front. The documentary Food Inc and the recent palm oil scandal are all evidence of the power of informed consumers and people power.
The future’s bright
People Power raised some important questions and debates, providing lots of food for thought about what the future of campaigning could hold. Being in a room with some of my heroes including Tony Benn and Shami Chakrabarti, people who are truly committed to changing the world through campaigning, filled me with hope that collective action can still change lives around the world.
Monday, 26 April 2010
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
An organisation is only as good as its people…
By Vickie Hann, HR Manager
Here at TW CAT we have the best people.
I joined the company in June 2006 and have seen fairly dramatic changes in environment, process and hierarchy but one thing has remained consistent – the ethical, creative and team spirited atmosphere that really makes TW CAT a fulfilling place to work. It’s pretty unusual to be able to say that your work colleagues also count as your friends. The whole “work to live” not “live to work” ethos really comes into play if your working days are spent with people you actually have fun with, care about and respect.
As a company, we want to match the dedication and commitment of those extraordinary people with our own dedication and commitment to their welfare. Although getting the money right is important, it’s often the added extras that make a difference. So TW CAT offers more than 20 individual benefits over and above the basic requirements of an employer: days off to spend volunteering for a charity of your choice, excellent office surroundings and having your birthday off as an addition to your holiday allowance to name but a few.
The search for the best people never stops. This year we’re involved with Wired Sussex’s internship program and are really excited as we’re about to embark on the selection process for a local university graduate hoping to gain some real life work experience within our organisation. The successful candidate will be working closely with our Creative team but will ultimately be involved with everyone here. As well as offering an excellent insight into the working life of TW CAT and all that it involves we also really hope to learn from our new intern and listen to the input and ideas they may have.
As HR & Office Manager for TW CAT I’m really proud of our ‘family’ feel. Speaking to candidates seeking an opportunity to work with us as often as I do it’s really rewarding to know we have a reputation for being such a dynamic and well respected DM agency whilst retaining that ‘everyone matters’ approach. I hope and trust that all organisations strive to work in this way, but I know TW CAT already does!
Here at TW CAT we have the best people.
I joined the company in June 2006 and have seen fairly dramatic changes in environment, process and hierarchy but one thing has remained consistent – the ethical, creative and team spirited atmosphere that really makes TW CAT a fulfilling place to work. It’s pretty unusual to be able to say that your work colleagues also count as your friends. The whole “work to live” not “live to work” ethos really comes into play if your working days are spent with people you actually have fun with, care about and respect.
As a company, we want to match the dedication and commitment of those extraordinary people with our own dedication and commitment to their welfare. Although getting the money right is important, it’s often the added extras that make a difference. So TW CAT offers more than 20 individual benefits over and above the basic requirements of an employer: days off to spend volunteering for a charity of your choice, excellent office surroundings and having your birthday off as an addition to your holiday allowance to name but a few.
The search for the best people never stops. This year we’re involved with Wired Sussex’s internship program and are really excited as we’re about to embark on the selection process for a local university graduate hoping to gain some real life work experience within our organisation. The successful candidate will be working closely with our Creative team but will ultimately be involved with everyone here. As well as offering an excellent insight into the working life of TW CAT and all that it involves we also really hope to learn from our new intern and listen to the input and ideas they may have.
As HR & Office Manager for TW CAT I’m really proud of our ‘family’ feel. Speaking to candidates seeking an opportunity to work with us as often as I do it’s really rewarding to know we have a reputation for being such a dynamic and well respected DM agency whilst retaining that ‘everyone matters’ approach. I hope and trust that all organisations strive to work in this way, but I know TW CAT already does!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
