Campaign tips and FAQs
The what, why and how of campaigning with CAFOD - and some top tips to make sure your actions make a difference. Including how do I make a difference, does campaigning work, what if I'm under 18 and how do I contact my MP.
Top tips for campaigning online >>
>> How do you choose what to campaign on?
We campaign on the issues which matter, so that we can create significant and lasting change in the lives of the world’s poorest people. When laws or policies stand in the way of justice, and where the poor communities that we work with are already speaking out – that’s where we choose to campaign.
We choose issues on the public agenda, so that politicians are ready to listen to us. With the support of campaigners like you, we can challenge unfair policies and create a more just world. So we want to hear from you about what you care about and think that we should be taking action on.
>> Does campaigning really make a difference? Aren’t we better concentrating on grassroots change where individuals can feel the impact straight away?
Campaigning requires patience and determination. Campaigns can take years to bear fruit and seem to make slow progress. But when successful, have far-reaching and long-lasting results, benefiting many more individuals than an organisation like CAFOD could help directly.
For example, the Jubilee 2000 campaign succeeded in cancelling $110 billion worth of debt owed by poor countries. This freed up more money for health and education than 2,000 years of CAFOD fundraising could!
Read about more our campaign successes >>
For CAFOD, campaigning goes hand-in-hand with funding long-term development projects which provide immediate benefits.Both are vital.
>> There are so many agencies and so many campaigns! Why don’t you all just work together?
We can sometimes be stronger by working together. For example, in 2005, over a hundred organisations joined MAKE POVERTY HISTORY because we knew that was the best way that we could get our voices heard.
We remain part of coalitions such as End WaterPoverty and Stop Climate Chaos , where we unite on specific issues under common goals and promote shared actions and events.
But there are times when we can be stronger by focusing on an issue where, because we have particular expertise, evidence or energy, we are uniquely placed to make a difference.
>> What has campaigning got to do with my Catholic faith?
As Christians, we believe that every person is made in the image of God, however rich or poor they are. Each person deserves to be treated with dignity and to have access to food, water and a safe and healthy environment.
When we see our brothers and sisters living in poverty or treated unjustly, we have a responsibility to support their struggle to live life to the full. This is a fundamental part of our faith.
When we speak up together, the Catholic community has a influential voice. Campaigning is a powerful way to change the way that the world is organised, so that all people have the opportunity to live life to the full. It isn’t party political. It is prophetic: challenging people in power to remember to act towards the common good.
Worship resources on poverty and justice >>
You don’t have to be Catholic to campaign with CAFOD. A commitment to overcoming poverty and injustice is all it takes.
>> What happens when I send my campaign postcard?
If you sign a postcard at Mass, a campaign event or in Side by Side magazine, it will usually come to the CAFOD office first. Here, we record how many actions have been taken. We make sure that you start to receive Action News emails, if you have requested to do so, to keep up to date with the latest actions and events.
We deliver your campaign cards when they will have the most impact. Like just before a meeting of world leaders or a big press event. When your card is received and counted by the relevant government department, they send a response to us at CAFOD. Then we feedback to you, usually on our website, on what you’ve achieved and what to do next.
>> I’d like to contact my MP about the issues that CAFOD campaigns on, but I’m not sure where to start – or what to do if they write back?
Meeting and writing to MPs is one the most effective ways to change policy. We’d love it if every MP regularly received letters from CAFOD supporters.
MPs have direct access to government ministers and they develop legislation, for example on aid or business practices, which has a huge impact on the lives of people in poor countries. They are accountable to you, their constituents, so you can have real influence over your local MP.
We can provide resources, training and tips, as well as guidance about responding to your MP’s replies and questions.
Become an MP correspondent >>
>> Why can’t I put a stamp on my campaigns postcard?
Strange as it sounds, sticking a stamp on a Freepost envelope, doesn’t necessarily save us money. We can still get charged if the card has our Freepost licence number on it. There’s no need to use a stamp on any campaigns postcard with a Freepost address.
Occasionally we do ask you to write direct to a decision-maker, then you’ll need to use the correct postage.
>> Is there any point in sending standard postcards or template emails? I’ve heard these just get ignored.
Personal is always more powerful. So if you have the opportunity to personalise a message or email – do it.Explain why you are concerned, add an example from your own experience, or simply change the subject line! This shows you care about the issues, and have thought through why you are taking action.
However when large numbers of people take action in an email, petition or postcard campaigns, it makes an impact. Sheer quantity and speed of correspondence makes an impression on government ministers, heads of state or company directors.
Read about more our campaign successes >>
But if you want to build up a relationship, say with your local MP, then a personal letter or even a face-to-face meeting will be far more effective. Watch one MP explain how lobbying influences him >>
>> I can’t vote because I’m under 18. Why would politicians bother to listen to me?
MPs represent everyone in their constituencies, whether or not they voted, and politicians are often keen to listen to young people. They know that you can influence your friends and families right now and that you will be able to vote in the future.
Our campaigns usually have actions and ideas designed specially for young people – as individuals, in schools and in youth groups. You’ll be amazed by how many different ways you can make people in power sit up and take notice.
Take a look at our youth resources >>
>> Surely just sending emails and postcards can’t make much of a difference?
Campaigning is not just about sending emails and postcards. These make a difference because they show the scale of support for an issue, but there are so many ways to get your message heard.
Your campaigning is backed up by lots of work behind the scenes. Public pressure – through the media and campaign actions – is supported by lobbying and research rooted in the experience of poor communities overseas. It’s a winning combination.
>> Ready to get started?
Sign up (in the box on the right of the page) for our regular e-news for the latest actions, updates and campaign successes.
Meet other local campaigners and find events near you – contact your diocesan office >>
 It only takes one minute to... ...follow your Thirst for change actions to Downing Street. Watch our slideshow from the campaign hand-in here. |
 It only takes two minutes to... ... email the UK government today and urge them to open up the books, close the loopholes, and protect the poorest. |
 It only takes three minutes to... ...find out what's happening in Rio this summer, and how you can call on your MP for a greener, fairer future for all. |
