Community organising is about bringing people together to win change. This means building community-led solutions to big and small problems, that work for everyone.

Through community organising, we work together to make change on the issues that matter, from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign.

We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them and together, we put the power back into people’s hands to hold those responsible to account.

By building positive working relationships between communities, elected power-holders and businesses, we make sure everyone is heard and no one is left out. This is how we shift the balance of power, helping people come together across their differences, find common ground and win change.

Together, we have a proven track record of winning change on the things that you and your community care about most.

So, how do we do this? We follow the 5 steps to Social Change.

Start by building a team!

This involves bringing together everyday people from local organisations such as schools, faith groups, universities, charities, unions and others. It’s not about leaving our differences at the door – we value contrasting perspectives and bring each person into the solution for change by finding common ground.

Communities we work with are too often shut out from decisions that affect their lives, and not involved in finding the best solution to local issues. ​So, we listen to each other and our communities to find out what is putting pressure on everyday people and families. We spot issues of social injustice that make people’s lives difficult but which they feel powerless to do anything about. Listening not only helps you grow your team but unites people around the issues that matter, making your campaigns more robust.

We want you to write the script for your community’s future – where things change for the better. This includes planning for how your team will tackle the root cause of injustice, by identifying solutions and deciding which actions to take. This might look like researching more about the problem and understanding which power-holders to build relationships with.

We take action through fun, imaginative and legal public demonstrations to hold those responsible to account. We do this to prompt a reaction, such as receiving an invitation to a meeting or a commitment to work together. We’ll support you through the steps to identify your team, equip your organisation with training, and connect you to the power holders who can implement change. The hard work will be yours, but we’re here to support you and take action. ​

Finally, we negotiate with decision makers in government, businesses, or whoever holds power to find a solution together. Citizens UK provides communities and power holders support to help change the debate and find a constructive way forward, making sure change is effective and sustainable. Communities participating in decision-making contributes to the common good and helps us all build a better, fairer society.

90% of our community leaders in new Citizens alliances feel that they are better equipped to build stronger relationships in their own organisation and 82% report that community organising enables them to better connect with people of different backgrounds in their area.