Campaigns

Key Contacts: If you have a question about campaigning or activism, contact Sophie, the Activism Programme Coordinator at sophie.l.birch@durham.ac.uk

Reach out to your Officers: President / Opportunities / Undergraduate Academic / Postgraduate / WelfLib

NEW ACTIVISTS

If you’re new to campaigning and don’t know where to start, here are a few useful starting points:

Campaign support

Running a campaign and need support?

  • Book in a planning session with the activism programme coordinator for campaign guidance and advice - book here or email sophie.l.birch@durham.ac.uk.
  • Discuss what support you need with your campaign and organise regular check-in meetings.  

Campaigns training 

Here are the training sessions currently on offer. If you would like to book one of these sessions email sophie.l.birch@durham.ac.uk

  • Understanding a problem - delve into the causes and effects of a problem and dissect it into smaller, more manageable issues that you can tackle.  
  • Understanding power - identify who has the power to create change and understand how to harness power to achieve your campaign goals. 
  • Understanding tactics - learn how to choose the right tactics to achieve your campaign aims. 

New Ideas for Change/Campaigns

Is there something you want to change?

Do you have an idea for a campaign?

Submit your idea here and we’ll get back to you within 5 working days. 

Grants for Campaigns

The purpose of this grant is to support students in running campaigns. This funding could go towards producing materials such as posters or banners, hosting campaigns-related events, inviting guest speakers and more!

Resource Library

We have lots of resources to help you with your campaigning journey. Resources include: 

  • Planning your campaign 
  • Launching your campaign
  • Planning a protest 
  • External resources
  • External training 
  • Volunteering/campaigning in Durham  

Campaigns Network

Sign up to the changemaking mailing list to:

  • Receive updates on campaigns.
  • Share upcoming events e.g. protests, open letters.
  • Access useful resources.
  • Find out about upcoming training.

Sign up instructions: 

  1. Log in to durhamsu.com
  2. Go to your account/profile
  3. Select "My details" from the left-hand menu
  4. Scroll down to "Questions" and tick the "change making and representation" box (or any others)
  5. Select "Update" to save your changes

 

Equipment hire

Durham SU has equipment that you can hire out for campaigning activities. Whether your group is registered with the SU or not, you can still hire equipment. To hire out equipment follow these steps:

Equipment that is available for hire includes:

  • Portable PA System and microphones
  • Megaphone
  • High vis jackets
  • Extra chairs
  • Extra tables
  • Hot water urns
  • Speakers
  • Microphones

 

Campaign Materials

At Durham SU, we have campaigning materials available for activist groups to use. Current equipment available includes:

  • Acrylic paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Bed sheets
  • Fabric pens
  • T-shirts

If you would like to use these resources, please email sophie.l.birch@durham.ac.uk to arrange collection or book a session to create campaigning materials e.g. placards.