Why activism and campaigning matter now more than ever

As we move into the festive period, many of us will be reflecting on what this year has meant for us. We may also be looking ahead, planning our resolutions, joining the local gym (again), digging out that diet plan (again) - you know the drill. For many of us in the third sector, a look back at 2013 will not be a positive experience. Austerity and constant attacks on the poor bleed into our thoughts, hopes and plans. We despair at policies which have blatantly discriminated against people and hurt families across the country. As Christmas approaches, we know that the cumulative impact of a range of reforms to the benefits system will mean thousands of families will have nothing and I mean absolutely nothing. A sobering thought.

If we don’t speak up, who will?

Charities have worked hard to campaign against devastating policies, but still they keep coming. We’re still seeing elements of the ‘blame game’ between politicians and the people affected get lost in the very systems which are meant to help them. Many families are running on empty and the third sector continues to pick up the pieces. The development of baby banks is a particularly disturbing new development. There are times this year when many activists within the sector have felt a real sense of hopelessness. We wonder how can we stand up and be counted as poverty and inequality increases in a very wealthy country. I have learned something very important this year. In the face of the very real attack on the welfare state, when our neighbours and our fellow citizens are fighting just to access the basics of life, everything we do matters. Donating to the local food bank, visiting an elderly neighbour, giving our time to a local charity - every small act of kindness counts because it makes a difference to people’s lives. Never before has active campaigning been more important. If we don’t speak up, who will? Bedroom tax campaigns are starting to shift political opinion in the right direction. Concerns about in work poverty are being heard. What we do as campaigners matters because the smallest of actions can lead to great movements for change. Think about Rosa Parks. Finding a positive way in times of adversity is what the third sector does best. This is our starting point as we gather our energies and look ahead to the coming year. But, we must do more to work collectively. We must connect with individual activists and ensure that our own campaigns and work are better connected. So the challenge for 2014 is this: let’s not lose sight of who we are fighting for and why we are here. To campaigners and activists alike, have a good break and come back fresh for the continued fight.