Campaigns

Get involved in RNIB campaigns

Summary: How you can get closer to our campaigns.

• Campaign Supporters Network
• What do campaign supporters do?
• What will you get from us?
• What have campaign supporters achieved?
• Joining the Campaign Supporters’ Network
• Campaigning in your area
• Become an RNIB member
• Advocating for yourself

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Campaign Supporters Network

Join over two thousand people who make a real difference campaigning to improve many areas of every day life for people with sight problems. Most of our campaign supporters have a sight problem, others are friends and family, or sighted supporters.

As campaigners we need to keep constant pressure on decision-makers. We also need to make sure that the media reports the issues that affect us. If each campaign supporter does one simple thing – the results quickly stack up. Together we can influence policy makers and achieve results.

What do campaign supporters do?

• Send letters to MPs, Members of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly Members and other decision-makers on campaigns that matter to them.
• Contact local newspapers and local radio stations, creating local awareness about important issues.
• Take part in surveys, helping us with research for our campaigns.
• Attend events like lobbies of Parliament, consultation sessions or campaign launches.
• Your real-life experiences can be used to influence the media and also be included in campaign reports.
• Work to influence service providers to improve their provision for people with sight problems.

What will you get from us?

• A Campaign update for RNIB's campaign supporters network which lets you know how to get involved and feeds back on the vital difference that your involvement makes to RNIB campaigns.
• More detailed briefings about campaigns that you can use when contacting decision-makers or the media.
• Sample letters that you can send to decision-makers like MPs, MSPs and Assembly Members.
• Sample press releases or letters to editors that you can use to influence your local news.
• Support with your local campaigning.

What have campaign supporters achieved?

Many campaigns would never have succeeded without Campaign Supporters who demonstrated the strength of feeling, pressurised policy makers and made them realise their decisions affect real people. Bills going through Parliament and government policy have changed due to the dedicated efforts of campaign supporters. A good example is the Communications Bill:

• Campaign supporters repeatedly contacted their MPs over the last two years, asking for support in changing the Communications Bill, which has ensured improved access to digital TV for people with sight problems.
• Over 80 campaign supporters came to an RNIB consultation event on access to television, radio and phone services. Government Civil Servants who came to speak were lobbied by campaign supporters and left with clear messages about changes needed.
• Over 350 campaign supporters travelled to Westminster in the freezing weather this February to attend a mass lobby of Government on the Communications Bill.

Read about the Communications Act and changes achieved.

Joining the Campaign Supporters’ Network

If you want to join the Campaign Supporters Network you can call the Campaign Team on 020 7391 2123, or email campaign@rnib.org.uk Please let us have an email address if you have one.

Campaigning in your area

Find out more about RNIB campaigns in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - and how you can work with us to help achieve real change on the issues that matter to you.

Each of our campaigns has information about the ways that you can take part. From writing to your MP, to helping us spread the word, there is something for everyone.

Our campaign toolkit has further information and advice to help you make the most effective impact with your campaigning.

Become an RNIB member

Did you know that RNIB is a membership organisation? The more members we have the greater our weight when we campaign. Members can vote or stand for places on RNIB’s Assembly which means you can influence RNIB’s direction.

Advocating for yourself

Everyone has the right to have his or her voice heard and everyone has the right to challenge the rules that govern their life. Just because something is policy or the law doesn't mean it is right or fair.

If the people who hold the power to make decisions that affect you don’t hear how you are feeling, they will assume that everything is fine. The only way they are going to know that you are unhappy with something is if they are told. But it's often difficult to speak up for yourself. RNIB's self advocacy packs offer advice and guidance on what you can do.

Content author: campaign@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 07/04/2009 14:26