Secrets of Successful Local Campaigning Revealed

How to get what you want: the new social phenomenon of grassroots campaigning

May 06, 2008 - Press Dispensary - An inspiring book reveals for the first time the secrets of successful local grass roots campaigning groups. Lawpack’s ‘People Power: How to run a campaign and make a difference in your community’ (http://www.lawpack.co.uk/people_power.asp) is published on May 6, 2008 and provides an easy to use manual for would-be campaigners who want to bring about real changes in their own communities.

Local campaigns are a growing social phenomenon, and some high-profile success stories have proved that they can make a difference - but victories depend entirely on the tactics used.

Recent high-profile local campaigns that ‘People Power’ documents include the battle to stop a local council from bulldozing a much loved playground for yet another Tesco, protests to stop a waste transfer facility opening right next to a school, healthy school meals campaigns and successful attempts to make a town plastic bag free.

‘People Power’ aims to give local campaign groups the information and the techniques they need to make a real difference. “Effective campaigning isn't rocket science but it does need strategic thought and planning. A sense of burning injustice and indignation is only going to get you so far,” says Jon Robins, journalist and co-author of People Power. “The purpose behind our book is to explain the crucial elements of a successful campaign. We speak to veteran campaigners, as well as first timers, about what works and what doesn’t. The techniques that we advocate in ‘People Power’ are tried and tested in the field.”

The book covers everything campaigners need to know to run a successful local campaign. It contains information on how to plan and organise a winning strategy, raise money and awareness, win decision makers over and promote the campaign locally and on the web. It also provides crucial information on how to use the freedom of information legislation, and other aspects of the law, to assist the campaign.

Paul Stookes, co-author, comments: “Campaigning is about making a difference and delivering real change in your own community. Increasingly, communities are recognising that they do have the power to fight back, not only to ward off unwelcome developments, but to make a positive contribution. It’s a social phenomenon.”

A spokesperson from campaigning charity Friends of the Earth comments: “This is a timely and useful book. Local campaigners can benefit from precisely the sort of information and advice that is in this book when they are setting themselves up and when they are designing and implementing their campaigns.”

Review copies and case studies are available on request.

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About Lawpack
Lawpack Publishing Limited is the UK’s bestselling self-help legal publisher. Lawpack has sold over one million Will Kits, and also specialises in property and business titles.

About Jon Robins
Co-author Jon is an award-winning journalist who has covered legal issues for The Times, The Independent and The Observer.

About Paul Stookes
Co-author Paul is an environmental law activist who for over a decade has been working with local campaign groups.

For further information, please contact:
Jamie Ross, editor, Lawpack Publishing Ltd
Tel: 0207 3944055 / 07963 610017
Email:
Site: www.lawpack.co.uk