Community Organising

What is community organising?

Community organising is about bringing people together to win change. This means building community-led solutions to big and small problems, that work for everyone.

Through community organising, we work together to make change on the issues that matter to you, from campaigning for better food options on campus, access to part-time work whilst you study, improvements to social spaces, or long-term campaigns to improve student housing.

We know that students like you can shape the world around you and together, we put the power back into your hands to hold those responsible to account. By building positive relationships between communities, elected representatives, student networks and business, we make sure everyone is heard, and no one is left out. This is how we shift the balance of power, helping people come together across their differences, find common ground and win change.

Community organising refers to people coming together to tackle shared problems, improve their communities, and create positive change through intentional, collective efforts. It encompasses various activities like campaigning, volunteering, fundraising, and peer support, all aimed at benefiting others or the environment. It NOT only strengthens communities and addresses inequalities but also empowers individuals, improves well-being, and helps develop new skills.

Community Organising is about bringing people together with shared interests, helping them to develop their confidence and sense of collective power, identify common goals and develop a strategy to achieve them – and motivate them to act together to achieve their goals and build their power. The action they take may be to something they can achieve themselves through working together, or it may involve campaigning for a change of policy or law. These actions are collectively described as social action – organised activity that seeks to improve human welfare, deepen civic culture and develop group life and commitment to others.

How do we do this?

Organise - Everyday people have the ability to win change

Start by building a team! This involves bringing people together. It’s not about leaving our differences at the door - we value contrasting perspectives and bring each person into the solution for change by finding common ground.

Listen - Your solutions form the roadmap to our campaigns

Communities of people are too often shut out from decisions that affect their lives, and not involved in finding the best solution to local issues. So, we listen to each other and our communities to find out what is putting pressure on them, their friends and their families. We spot issues of social injustice that make people’s lives difficult but which they feel powerless to do anything about. Listening not only helps you grow your team but unites people around the issues that matter, making your campaigns more robust.

Plan- We train you through the tools of community organising

We want you to write the script for your community’s future - where things change for the better. This includes planning for how your team will tackle the root cause of injustice, by identifying solutions and deciding which actions to take. This might look like researching more about the problem and understanding which powerholders to build relationships with.

Act - We shift the balance of power

We take action through fun and legal public demonstrations to hold those responsible to account. We do this to prompt a reaction, such as receiving an invitation to a meeting or a commitment to work together. We’ll support you through the steps to identify your team, equip your community with training, and connect you to the powerholders who can implement change. The hard work will be yours, but we’re here to support you and take action.

Negotiate - We bring together powerholders with civil society to hold them accountable and progress change.

Finally, we negotiate with decision makers in government, businesses, the university - whoever holds power to find a solution together. We work together, with Citizens UK, to help change the debate and find a constructive way forward, making sure change is effective and sustainable. Communities participating in decision-making contributes to the common good and helps us all build a better, fairer society.

Want to become a Student Community Organiser?

Student Community Organisers are students who take time to actively listen to students from all areas of the university to connect, exchange ideas and support you to build your collective power. As well as being leaders and supporting the activity of our Student Community Groups, the Student Communities, the Student Community Organisers are also your peers, understanding the unique challenges and experiences of student life. They are passionate about building a strong community that ensures that everyone feels valued and empowered to make a difference and would like to connect with you to make this happen.

If you are interested in being a community organiser, please email the Student Voice Team.