The Freedom To Campaign Guide to what campaigners CAN do under the UK’s Lobbying Act has attracted close to 400 downloads since it was launched a week ago.
The Guide, written in response to the Government’s rejection of reforming the law and the retrospective nature of the Lobbying Act, has met with a positive response from charities, campaigners and sector bodies.
One campaigner, Debbie Pippard, wrote:
Does just what it says on the tin… a handy guide from @campaignsUK to what #charities CAN do under the #Lobbying Act. Read, and don’t be afraid to campaign! https://t.co/KP47EcigP9
— Debbie Pippard (@debbiepippard) January 19, 2018
Meanwhile sector bodies, such as the Lloyds Bank Foundation commented:
Check out @CampaignsUK new “Freedom To Campaign Guide” to help charities of all sizes understand what they CAN do under the #LobbyingAct. Let’s get heard to influence issues we know so much about! Download for free: https://t.co/O7SqDePh8P pic.twitter.com/YP0ol86Lp9
— LloydsBankFoundation (@LBFEW) January 18, 2018
The media have also welcomed the publication of the Guide with coverage across the marketing and charity sector:
- PR Week set out the background to the Guide and why it was needed
- The Guardian published a summary of the main issues and advice
- Civil Society and Third Sector both highlighted the latest research showing the impact of the Act and how the Guide was necessary
Co-author of the Guide, Nancy Platts, commented:
We knew that the Guide was needed, but the response we have received to publication of the Freedom To Campaign Guide has been phenomenal.
To have 400 downloads of the Guide, plus hundreds more reading the content online, shows how deeply affected people are by the Lobbying Act.
Simon Francis, Founder Member of Campaign Collective, added:
A huge thanks to everyone who has shared a tweet, told their colleagues and passed on information about the Freedom To Campaign Guide.
But we know there is more to do. We must ensure that all charities know that they CAN campaign. No one should feel silenced by the Lobbying Act and the Freedom To Campaign Guide is a way to ensure this doesn’t happen.
The Freedom To Campaign Guide was produced using the profits generated by Campaign Collective.