Most campaigns and political movements rely heavily upon the active involvement of volunteer supporters. Volunteering for a campaign group or political organisation can be a great way to meet like minded people and of putting into practice what you believe in.
Please note that Volunteering England does not endorse the aims or activities of any of the organisations featured.
The following is just a sample of some of the campaigning opportunities available.
Human and civil rights
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a worldwide voluntary movement of people who campaign for human rights.
As well as volunteering in the London office, Amnesty has a number of local groups busy campaigning, lobbying, fundraising and publicising human rights issues.
For more information visit www.amnesty.org.uk
Liberty (National Council for Civil Liberties)
Works to protect civil liberties and promote human rights in the UK.
Opportunities to get involved in lobbying campaigns and in membership promotion activities.
For more information visit: www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/
The Refugee Council
As well as giving practical advice and support the Refugee Council promotes the rights of refugees in the UK and abroad.
For more details visit: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/
Stonewall
Works to achieve legal equality and social justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people.
Have a range of opportunities for volunteers including office work and helping out with special events.
For more information visit http://www.stonewall.org.uk/
World Development/global issues
CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development)
Official overseas development and relief agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities which include campaigning on issues such as debt, trade and justice.
For more details visit: www.cafod.org.uk
Oxfam
Oxfam GB is a development, relief, and campaigning organisation dedicated to finding lasting solutions to poverty and suffering around the world. They believe that every human being is entitled to a life of dignity and opportunity; and work with poor communities, local partners, volunteers, and supporters to help this become a reality.
As well as relying on volunteers in its shops Oxfam has a national and regional offices which need volunteer support.
For more information www.oxfam.org.uk
War on Want
Campaigns against world poverty and regularly involves volunteers in its campaigning work.
For more details visit: www.waronwant.org/
World Development Movement (WDM)
WDM's campaigns tackle the root causes of poverty. They work with people in the developing world to change the policies of governments and business that keep people poor. Their London and Edinburgh offices are partially staffed by volunteers, and there are many local groups to get involved in.
For more details visit www.wdm.org.uk
Environmental/conservation
Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE)
CPRE is a national charity which helps people to protect the countryside where there is threat, to enhance it where there is opportunity, and to keep it beautiful, productive and enjoyable for everyone.
There are volunteering opportunities at CPRE’s regional groups and county branches as well as at their national office.
For more details visit www.cpre.org.uk
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth campaigns for the protection of the environment and proposes alternatives to environmentally damaging policies and practices. Provides authoritative information and lobbies to change official policy. As well as a National Office FOE has regional offices and a network of over 250 local groups, all of which rely on volunteer help.
For more information visit www.foe.co.uk
Greenpeace
Works to protect the environment through non-violent direct action and scientific research. You can sign up to become an 'active supporter' and get involved in a range of campaign activities.
For more details visit www.greenpeace.org.uk
Women's Environmental Network (WEN)
WEN campaigns on environmental and health issues from a female perspective. Volunteer opportunities to help with local groups or in the national office.
For more details visit www.wen.org.uk/
Political Parties
Most political parties are run by volunteers at a local/constituency level. To get involved you will normally be expected to join your chosen party. Activities may range to serving on party committees to getting involved in an election campaign.
Labour
Conservatives
Liberal Democrats
UK Independence Party
Green Party
Respect
Other
Citizens Advice Bureaux
The CAB Service provides free, confidential, impartial, independent advice to everyone regardless of race, sex, disability or sexuality from over 2000 outlets in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We use evidence gathered from nearly six million enquiries from clients each year to campaign for change to national and local social policies and services.
All Citizens Advice Bureaux are independent charities and we are able to influence local and national government and companies of all sizes when we see that people are being treated unfairly or being denied their rights.
Visit their website at www.nacab.org.uk/ to find out more about getting involved.
Countryside Alliance
Campaigns for the countryside, country sports and the rural way of life.
Seeking volunteers to help organise regional events around the country.
For more information visit www.countryside-alliance.org/
Shelter Shelter helps 100,000 people a year fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. Shelter also tackle the root causes of Britain's housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions. Volunteer opportunities include working in Shelter shops and temporary Christmas card shops and volunteering in the Shelter Head Office.
For more information visit www.shelter.org.uk
