Linda Butcher explains why Scotland's campaigners should be recognised for their role in empowering people and communities
If the Scottish referendum demonstrated one thing it is that so many of us are passionate about affecting change, both locally and nationally. With an amazing 84.59% turnout on the day, what was most exciting was that so many people were out on the streets, making their voices heard. Whether campaigning for the yes or no campaign, more young people were engaging with politics than ever before and more people were keen to express their views than ever before.
This just goes to show the power of campaigning. It’s important that we don’t let this momentum go, especially with the general election coming in May 2015. It’s crucial that a range of people’s voices are heard during the forthcoming election debates and that as many people as possible engage with the democratic process. More than ever we have to ensure that we keep our colleagues, friends and communities engaged and active.
We’re celebrating the very best in campaigning across a range of fields including health and social care, environment, economic justice and transport
Linda Butcher
That’s what the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) is all about. The organisation was set up in memory of Sheila McKechnie, who described herself as a “fully paid up member of the awkward squad”. This mind-set, combined with formidable research and a commitment to constructing watertight arguments, meant that her campaigning powers were legendary. She drew on these skills throughout her life; as a child growing up in Falkirk, her mother remembered her “fizzing at injustice”, going on to make most impact during her career at Shelter and the Consumers' Association (now known as Which).
Sheila was passionate about ordinary people making change and being able to play a full role within their local communities, empowering people to have a voice and speak out. For our 10th anniversary in 2015, we’re holding a very special awards ceremony at the House of Lords in February. We’re celebrating the very best in campaigning across a range of fields including health and social care, environment, economic justice and transport.
Please do go to the Sheila McKechnie Foundation website and nominate someone who you think should be recognised for their campaigning work.
Recognising campaigners with awards is just one way of keeping momentum going and ensuring people do stay active and engaged. There are many others, including reading blogs like this one or taking part in refresher training groups. It’s important to remember though that whilst not everyone does get an award, many people are out there every day bringing about lasting, positive change.
Linda Butcher is chief executive of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation. Follow SMK on Twitter and on Facebook
