Hi everyone,
A wild decade just got wilder in the last 35 days as the USA pivots to full
fascist. That is why joining this year's *Campaigning Forum (ECF) event in
Oxford April 8-10* is more important than ever: *the world has changed (not
just this year) and we need to pivot too.*
*Apply and see more at https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>*
*(late rate kicks in after this Friday Feb 28th). *
*Every story of social change (good and bad) has at its inception a story
of people connecting in-person to share, bond and plan.* The annual
Campaigning Forum (ECF) event is designed specifically for this. Our
opponents are organising. You need to show up to be part of what comes next.
A *true* community event is rare
Most events that call themselves "community events" are simply designed to
be training and product promotion events. You can see the difference in the
agenda: true community events have mostly empty agenda slots for
participants to fill. Non-community events pre-select all the agenda
time-slots based on the organisers' goals.
*Don't be confused that ECF events are for training - they never were and
never are*. Yes, you learn a ton of new ideas and approaches. But this is a
by-product of what ECF really is: a campaigning community event: it is
designed to build life-long connections and confidence to learn how to
learn together. *That is key for us working together over our careers to
make deep sustained change.*
I've incorporated your input...
The big picture is that current events are leaving us all anxious and
feeling helpless. *This is by design*. So this year I've designed the ECF
event to:
1. *Renew* your hope and resilience
2. *Boost* your confidence that something can be done and you can do it
3. *Learn* from stories of successes and failure from each other
4. *Explore* how to counter disinformation and extremism
5. *Retrain* our minds to have a proactive response to changes
6. *Reconsider* what our role is in *shaping* the *next* decades
7. *Build* deep connections to expand your allies and peers to make the
above continuous
Latest event updates
1. As always, you can *see** who is else is coming* so far. 23 people
have confirmed and another few dozen are in the process of getting approval
and applying - See the list at
https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/#participants
2. Sarah P Corbett - known for her "Gentle Protest" approaches is the
lead speaker on day 1. Sarah's approach works particularly well in a high
polarisation and hich anxiety environment we are in - and so it is super
important more of us consider a range of approaches to organising
supporters and influencing decision makers.
So I really look forward to seeing you and your colleagues and peers at the
event this year. It feels to me that* if ever there was a time to show up -
it is this year!*
*Apply and see more at https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>*
*(late rate kicks in after this Friday Feb 28th - extensions can be granted
- just ask). *
Cheers,
Duane
========================================================
Duane Raymond (pronouns: he/him)
FairSay - Making Campaigning Count
UK: +44 (0)207 993 4200
Switzerland: +41 (0)43 538 3641
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/duane
Web: https://fairsay.com/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/fairsay.bsky.social
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fairsay
FairSay is a ltd. company registered in England and Wales. Reg. No. 5244802
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>
Hi ECFers,
Here are the latest postings of ECF events, ECFer/sector-shared event, tool
and opportunity announcements.
Join the events announcements-only list
<https://fairsayforum.com/join/lists/events.campaigningforum.com/> to only
get event and resource roundups directly without being part of the ECF
discussion list or other listing:
https://fairsayforum.com/join/lists/events.campaigningforum.com/
*Add your event, announcement or survey request
<https://fairsay.com/add-event/> before Sunday midnight* (GMT time zone) as
I compile them and send it out every week. Promotion requires
reciprocation, payment or being active in the ECF community - see the event
posting guidelines <https://fairsay.com/add-event/>. (note these 5-year-old
guidelines will be enforced from now on).
Official Campaigning Forum events
1. *Oxford*: Campaigning Forum Oxford,
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>*2025
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>*: Apr 8-10
*With all the deep and rapid changes happening this decade, coming
together to learn is more important than ever.* The annual Campaigning
Forum is a *one-of-a-kind event* that brings together campaigning
practitioners of all levels of experience, across the sector and multiple
countries.
Join to connect, learn, share and be inspired by your peers. As a
participant-led event, the agenda is shaped from who joins and the topical
issues to campaigning. It *explores the latest zeitgeist and prepares
participants to handle the emerging societal reality.* Late rates kick
in in early March, so apply today
Find out more about the format
<https://fairsay.com/events/ecf-2025-oxford/sessions-speakers-curators-and-m…>,
see a list of past participants
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/> and the starting agenda
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/#agenda> (it evolves)
Partner events
1. *Online*: University of Westminster Postgraduate Open Day
<https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/open-days-and-events/postgraduate-onlin…>
*When*: February 26, 2025 12:00-13:30
*Overview*: Hosts of the *MA/Certificate in Media, Campaigning and
Social change
<https://www.westminster.ac.uk/media-and-communication-courses/2024-25/septe…>*,
the open day enables you to talk to course leaders about the courses and
how we teach them, and discuss possible career options and prospects. Find
out about the application process and the academic and pastoral support we
provide. Ask about funding, the postgraduate loan, student accommodation,
and anything else. Online open days provide flexibility for virtual
interactions with course leaders and students, accessible from anywhere
<https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/open-days-and-events/postgraduate-onlin…>
.
2. *Sep 2025-Apr 2026: MA/Certificate in Media, Campaigning and Social
change
<https://www.westminster.ac.uk/media-and-communication-courses/2024-25/septe…>*
(U.
of Westminster). Enrol for this innovative course was founded by two ECFers
to create an academic course in campaigning - and has alumi from around the
world. Course lead (and long time activist) Michaela O'Brien can be
reached at M.Obrien(a)westminster.ac.uk
Sector events
1. *Online*: Strategies for Countering The Far Right
<https://www.fabriders.net/facilitating-collective-power/>
*When*: March 12th & 13th - 4 pm to 7 pm UTC (check your time zone
<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=The+Facilitating+…>
)
and March 19th & 20th - 10 am to 1 pm UTC (check your time
zone
<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=The+Facilitating+…>
)
*Overview*: Around the world, the far-right is in ascendance—eroding
democratic norms, dismantling public services, attacking marginalised
communities, and spreading disinformation. In the face of these challenges,
our ability to build strong movements that harness collective power is more
critical than ever. Join us in building the skills to resist, strategise,
and win.
* The Facilitating Collective Power* Lab is a hands-on training designed to
equip organisers, activists, and facilitators with the skills to foster
inclusive, participatory spaces where people can strategise, resist, and
build alternatives together. Hosted by FabRiders, this course will deepen
your ability to guide groups toward meaningful collaboration—ensuring that
we are not just reacting to authoritarian threats but proactively shaping
the future we want.You can learn more and register at
https://www.fabriders.net/facilitating-collective-power/
Scholarships are available for anyone facing hardship due to the US
Foreign Aid Freeze and Stop Work Order or if the registration fee poses a
barrier to participation.
<https://www.fabriders.net/facilitating-collective-power/>
Platform and tool announcements
1.
*Stand out to decision makers with printed postcards <https://postbug.com/>
Printed postcards are a great way to stand out with decision makers *you
are engaging with. It gives them something to put up on the wall and remind
them of your campaign each time they see it. PostBug.com offers this by
enabling your supporters to *send real printed postcards and letters* from
their device. Printed postcards and letters get noticed because
they are *physical,
tactile, portable with a presence* when designed well and piled up on a
desk or notice board. Plus less is more: it only takes a few to be noticed.
See possibilities <https://postbug.com/solutions> and case studies
<https://postbug.com/case-studies> and request a demo
<https://postbug.com/demo>.
(PostBug is run by FairSay)
Cheers,
Duane
PS: To have your event or announcement included, email me before Sunday
midnight (any time zone) as I compile them and send it out every Monday.
========================================================
Duane Raymond (pronouns: he/him)
FairSay - Making Campaigning Count
UK: +44 (0)207 993 4200
Switzerland: +41 (0)43 538 3641
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/duane
Web: https://fairsay.com/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/fairsay.bsky.social
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fairsay
FairSay is a ltd. company registered in England and Wales. Reg. No. 5244802
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>
Hi ECFers,
Here are the latest postings of ECF events, ECFer/sector-shared event, tool
and opportunity announcements.
Join the events announcements-only list
<https://fairsayforum.com/join/lists/events.campaigningforum.com/> to only
get event and resource roundups directly without being part of the ECF
discussion list or other listing:
https://fairsayforum.com/join/lists/events.campaigningforum.com/
*Add your event, announcement or survey request
<https://fairsay.com/add-event/> before Sunday midnight* (GMT time zone) as
I compile them and send it out every week. Promotion requires
reciprocation, payment or being active in the ECF community - see the event
posting guidelines <https://fairsay.com/add-event/>. (note these 5-year-old
guidelines will be enforced from now on).
Official Campaigning Forum events
1. *Oxford*: Campaigning Forum Oxford,
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>*2025
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>*: Apr 8-10
*With all the deep and rapid changes happening this decade, coming
together to learn is more important than ever.* The annual Campaigning
Forum is a *one-of-a-kind event* that brings together campaigning
practitioners of all levels of experience, across the sector and multiple
countries.
Join to connect, learn, share and be inspired by your peers. As a
participant-led event, the agenda is shaped from who joins and the topical
issues to campaigning. It *explores the latest zeitgeist and prepares
participants to handle the emerging societal reality.* Late rates kick
in in early March, so apply today
Find out more about the format
<https://fairsay.com/events/ecf-2025-oxford/sessions-speakers-curators-and-m…>,
see a list of past participants
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/> and the starting agenda
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/#agenda> (it evolves)
Partner events
1. *Sep 2025-Apr 2026: MA/Certificate in Media, Campaigning and Social
change
<https://www.westminster.ac.uk/media-and-communication-courses/2024-25/septe…>*
(U.
of Westminster). Enrol for this innovative course was founded by two ECFers
to create an academic course in campaigning - and has alumi from around the
world. Course lead (and long time activist) Michaela O'Brien can be
reached at M.Obrien(a)westminster.ac.uk
Sector events
1.
*Online: Holding Space in Uncertain Times: The Session Design Lab*
*When*: February 11 & 12 10-13:00 UTC & February 18 & 19 16:00-19:00 UTC
*Overview*: In these times of uncertainty, how we gather and facilitate
conversations matters more than ever. FabRiders’ Session Design Lab is a
collaborative space where facilitators, trainers, and organisers refine
their session design skills to create inclusive, impactful, and responsive
gatherings.
Whether you’re navigating shifting priorities, hybrid environments, or
emotionally charged discussions, this lab provides a structured yet
flexible approach to designing sessions that foster connection, clarity,
and action. Join us to strengthen your ability to create spaces that
co-power participants, adapt to complexity, and hold the uncertainty with
purpose.
You can learn more and register at
https://www.fabriders.net/session-design-lab/
Scholarships are available for anyone facing hardship due to the US
Foreign Aid Freeze and Stop Work Order or if the registration fee poses a
barrier to participation.
2.
*Online*: How to develop effective campaign strategies
<https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/how-to-develop-effective-campaign-strategies/>
(Deep Dive session <https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/support/deepdive/> led
by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation)
*When*: Feb. 25th 10-13:00 UCT
*Overview*: We know from talking to campaigners and changemakers that
there is active demand for training in how to develop impactful campaign
strategies. This in-depth session for experienced campaigners and leaders
will explore how to do campaign strategy better. Find out more and book
here:
https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/how-to-develop-effective-campaign-strategies/
3.
*Online*: Understanding Local Power
<https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/deep-dive-understanding-local-power-insider-p…>
(Deep Dive session <https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/support/deepdive/> led
by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation)
*When*: March 6th 10-13:00 UCT
*Overview*: Understanding Local Power spotlights the devolution agenda.
As more power is transferred out of Westminster, we’ll dive deep into
understanding where local decisions are made and how to increase your
campaigning impact. Find out more and book here
https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/deep-dive-understanding-local-power-insider-p…
4.
*Online*: Theory of Change
<https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/deep-dive-theory-of-change-a-framework-for-ef…>
(Deep Dive session <https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/support/deepdive/>
led by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation)
*When*: This two-part training will take place on: March 5th, 10am-12pm
and March 19th, 10-11.30am
*Overview*: This session will dive deep into the TOC process and equip
you with a tried and tested approach to developing impactful theories of
change for your campaigns and organisations. Find out more and book here
https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/deep-dive-theory-of-change-a-framework-for-ef…
Platform and tool announcements
1.
*SMK National Campaigner Awards 2025
<https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/connect/awards/awards-nominations-2025/> Get
nominating for the SMK National Campaigner Awards 2025! You have until
Friday 28 February to nominate yourself or a favourite campaign or
changemaker you know. Nominate
here: https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/connect/awards/awards-nominations-2025/
<https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/connect/awards/awards-nominations-2025/>
Every year SMK have incredible winners and last year was no exception. Need
inspiration watch this video
here https://youtu.be/rdNe08jDWyE?feature=shared
<https://youtu.be/rdNe08jDWyE?feature=shared>. SMK’s interest is in finding
those who have made change happen – most effectively, creatively, and
courageously. That change might be in law or policy, it might be in
attitudes, social norms or behaviour, it could be in how services are
provided, or in the protection of a service or asset. A campaign could be
aimed at righting a wrong or holding a body to account. *
2.
*Stand out to decision makers with printed postcards <https://postbug.com/>
Printed postcards are a great way to stand out with decision makers *you
are engaging with. It gives them something to put up on the wall and remind
them of your campaign each time they see it. PostBug.com offers this by
enabling your supporters to *send real printed postcards and letters* from
their device. Printed postcards and letters get noticed because
they are *physical,
tactile, portable with a presence* when designed well and piled up on a
desk or notice board. Plus less is more: it only takes a few to be noticed.
See possibilities <https://postbug.com/solutions> and case studies
<https://postbug.com/case-studies> and request a demo
<https://postbug.com/demo>.
(PostBug is run by FairSay)
Cheers,
Duane
PS: To have your event or announcement included, email me before Sunday
midnight (any time zone) as I compile them and send it out every Monday.
========================================================
Duane Raymond (pronouns: he/him)
FairSay - Making Campaigning Count
UK: +44 (0)207 993 4200
Switzerland: +41 (0)43 538 3641
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/duane
Web: https://fairsay.com/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/fairsay.bsky.social
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fairsay
FairSay is a ltd. company registered in England and Wales. Reg. No. 5244802
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>
Hi ECFers,
Here are the latest postings of ECF events, ECFer/sector-shared event, tool
and opportunity announcements.
Join the events announcements-only list
<https://fairsayforum.com/join/lists/events.campaigningforum.com/> to only
get event and resource roundups directly without being part of the ECF
discussion list or other listing:
https://fairsayforum.com/join/lists/events.campaigningforum.com/
*Add your event, announcement or survey request
<https://fairsay.com/add-event/> before Sunday midnight* (GMT time zone) as
I compile them and send it out every week. Promotion requires
reciprocation, payment or being active in the ECF community - see the event
posting guidelines <https://fairsay.com/add-event/>. (note these 5-year-old
guidelines will be enforced from now on).
Official Campaigning Forum events
1. *Oxford*: Campaigning Forum Oxford,
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>*2025
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>*: Apr 8-10
*Overview:* With all the deep and rapid changes happening this decade,
coming together to learn is more important than ever. The annual
Campaigning Forum is a *one-of-a-kind event* that brings together
campaigning practitioners of all levels of experience, across the sector
and multiple countries.
Join to connect, learn, share and be inspired by your peers. As a
participant-led event, the agenda is shaped from who joins and the topical
issues to campaigning. It *explores the latest zeitgeist and prepares
participants to handle the emerging societal reality.* Late rates kick
in in early March, so apply today
Find out more about the format
<https://fairsay.com/events/ecf-2025-oxford/sessions-speakers-curators-and-m…>,
see a list of past participants
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/> and the starting agenda
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/#agenda> (it evolves)
Partner events
1. *Sep 2025-Apr 2026: MA/Certificate in Media, Campaigning and Social
change
<https://www.westminster.ac.uk/media-and-communication-courses/2024-25/septe…>*
(U.
of Westminster). Enrol for this innovative course was founded by two ECFers
to create an academic course in campaigning - and has alumi from around the
world. Course lead (and long time activist) Michaela O'Brien can be
reached at M.Obrien(a)westminster.ac.uk
Sector events
1. *Online*: Holding Space in Uncertain Times
<https://www.fabriders.net/session-design-lab/>: The Session Design Lab
*When*: *February 11 & 12* 10-13:00 UTC & *February 18 & 19* 16:00-19:00
UTC
*Overview*: In these times of uncertainty, how we gather and facilitate
conversations matters more than ever. FabRiders’ Session Design Lab is a
collaborative space where facilitators, trainers, and organisers refine
their session design skills to create inclusive, impactful, and responsive
gatherings.
Whether you’re navigating shifting priorities, hybrid environments, or
emotionally charged discussions, this lab provides a structured yet
flexible approach to designing sessions that foster connection, clarity,
and action. Join us to strengthen your ability to create spaces that
co-power participants, adapt to complexity, and hold the uncertainty with
purpose.
You can learn more and register at
https://www.fabriders.net/session-design-lab/
*Scholarships are available* for anyone facing hardship due to the US
Foreign Aid Freeze and Stop Work Order or if the registration fee poses a
barrier to participation.
2.
*Online*: How to develop effective campaign strategies
<https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/how-to-develop-effective-campaign-strategies/>
(Deep Diver sessions by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation)
*When*: Feb. 25th 10-13:00 UCT
*Overview*: Deep dive sessions are led by experts to provide senior
campaigners with intensive, focussed sessions that explore subjects in
detail.
Understanding Local Power spotlights the devolution agenda. As more
power is transferred out of Westminster, we’ll dive deep into understanding
where local decisions are made and how to increase your campaigning impact.
Find out more and book here
https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/support/deepdive/
3.
*Online*: How to develop effective campaign strategies
<https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/how-to-develop-effective-campaign-strategies/>
(Sheila McKechnie Foundation)
*When*: Feb. 25th 10-13:00 UCT
*Overview*: Deep dive sessions are led by experts to provide senior
campaigners with intensive, focussed sessions that explore subjects in
detail.
Understanding Local Power spotlights the devolution agenda. As more
power is transferred out of Westminster, we’ll dive deep into understanding
where local decisions are made and how to increase your campaigning impact.
Find out more and book here
https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/how-to-develop-effective-campaign-strategies/
Also other Deep Diver sessions in March at
https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/support/deepdive/
Platform and tool announcements
1.
*SMK National Campaigner Awards 2025
<https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/connect/awards/awards-nominations-2025/> Get
nominating for the SMK National Campaigner Awards 2025! You have until
Friday 28 February to nominate yourself or a favourite campaign or
changemaker you know. Nominate
here: https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/connect/awards/awards-nominations-2025/
<https://smk.org.uk/what-we-do/connect/awards/awards-nominations-2025/>
Every year SMK have incredible winners and last year was no exception. Need
inspiration watch this video
here https://youtu.be/rdNe08jDWyE?feature=shared
<https://youtu.be/rdNe08jDWyE?feature=shared>. SMK’s interest is in finding
those who have made change happen – most effectively, creatively, and
courageously. That change might be in law or policy, it might be in
attitudes, social norms or behaviour, it could be in how services are
provided, or in the protection of a service or asset. A campaign could be
aimed at righting a wrong or holding a body to account. *
2.
*Stand out to decision makers with printed postcards <https://postbug.com/>
Printed postcards are a great way to stand out with decision makers *you
are engaging with. It gives them something to put up on the wall and remind
them of your campaign each time they see it. PostBug.com offers this by
enabling your supporters to *send real printed postcards and letters* from
their device. Printed postcards and letters get noticed because
they are *physical,
tactile, portable with a presence* when designed well and piled up on a
desk or notice board. Plus less is more: it only takes a few to be noticed.
See possibilities <https://postbug.com/solutions> and case studies
<https://postbug.com/case-studies> and request a demo
<https://postbug.com/demo>.
(PostBug is run by FairSay)
Cheers,
Duane
PS: To have your event or announcement included, email me before Sunday
midnight (any time zone) as I compile them and send it out every Monday.
========================================================
Duane Raymond (pronouns: he/him)
FairSay - Making Campaigning Count
UK: +44 (0)207 993 4200
Switzerland: +41 (0)43 538 3641
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/duane
Web: https://fairsay.com/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/fairsay.bsky.social
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fairsay
FairSay is a ltd. company registered in England and Wales. Reg. No. 5244802
<https://fairsay.com/campaigning-forum-2025/>
