Campaigns, conferences and cuts

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As government cuts kick in, individuals and organisations are likely to start campaigns to protect public services. So, what makes an effective campaign?

Listen to the podcast, 31mins, 29s.

• Download the podcast (MP3, 21.6mb)
• Read a transcript of the podcast (Word, 84kb)

Campaigning

Campaigning is integral to charities' ability to get their message across and achieve their vision – whether that's helping people to better healthcare, or a louder voice in society.

But what's the best way of starting a campaign and how can you attract people to your cause? Plus how can you show your campaign is having an effect?

In this edition of the podcast we take a look at charity campaigning and hear from three individuals who all have first-hand experience of the conducting hard-hitting campaigns.

Party conferences

A great opportunity to mix and mingle with MPs and ministers? Or a three week canapé vacation? The party conference season is now a mainstay for the policy and lobbying teams of many UK charities – but how to make the most of your time away, and maximise the networking opportunities. We get the lowdown from Jonathan Ellis of Help the Hospices.

Gambling on the effect of the cuts

And whether we like it or not the government's Comprehensive Spending Review is looming fast (this was recorded before the CSR announcements were made). For many organisations tough decisions will be need to be made. Social entrepreneur, Craig Dearden Phillips suggests it's simply a game of cards and we have to decide which hand to play.

Programme guests

• Tom Levitt, former MP and charity sector consultant
• Tom McLaren Webb, Head of Campaigns - Action for Children
• Noori Bibi, Project Manager - Young Muslim Voices, a recent winner at the Sheila McKechnie Foundation 2010 campaigner awards
• Brian Lamb, former Executive Director of Advocacy and Policy at RNID & author of NCVO's Guide: Campaigning for Success
• Jonathan Ellis, Director of Public Policy & Parliamentary Affairs – Help the Hospices
• Craig Dearden Phillips, social entrepreneur and regular Guardian columnist

Programme links

• Noori Bibi - Participation Works

• Third Sector's digital campaign of the week - Action for Children
  

• NCVO - Campaigning for Success
  

• Public Service Trust - Publications

This podcast was produced by Sounddelivery in October 2010 as part of Society Guardian's Charity Effectiveness programme.

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