Campaign Locally

Campaign Locally

Suggestions and templates for writing to your local MP and local media.

You can make a vital contribution to the campaigns of the NSS by keeping alert to developments in your local area. Here are some suggestions as to how you can help:

1. Write to your local councillors

Many of our campaigns involve local government, including our work to end government prayers, discriminatory transport for faith schools, and public services being outsourced to religious groups.

If you discover that religion is inappropriately encroaching on the business of local government in your area, write to the Chair of the Council to raise your objection. Find out if any costs to the local taxpayer are involved, and if so, how much. You can visit our Campaigns page for facts to support your argument.

Share your findings with the NSS to add weight to our national campaign – email us at admin@secularism.org.uk

And of course, you can send a letter to your MP via a very simple system on our website.

2. Get your voice heard in the local media

Don't just stop there! Letters to your local paper, or phoning in to your local radio station, can reach thousands of people and is a great way to raise awareness of secular issues. The local media are always looking for stories, particularly those with a specific community angle. If you've discovered that your local council is spending taxpayers' money to support religious organisations or practises, make sure you get the word out so others in your neighbour become aware of the problem. You can our Campaigns page for facts to support your argument and to find out the NSS position.

3. Watch your local press

Scan your local media for any stories that might benefit from a secular response, such as a 'Big Society' initiative handing a local welfare service to a religious organisation, or a public servant not carrying out his/her full duties due to religious reasons (like the registrar who refused to perform civil partnerships for single sex couples). You can write a letter in response, and please do send information about the story to the NSS as well.

4. Hold a stall

You may wish to hold a stall promoting secularism or related issues in your local area. We can help by supplying leaflets, posters and other resources - contact our office on 020 7404 3126 or email us to request some.

5. Join/start an affiliated group

Find out if there's a local group near you, or a student group at your university. These groups are independent of the National Secular Society, but all support its aims. Local groups can offer support in a wide variety of campaigning strategies, including organising events, fundraising, assisting with lobbying MPs, and offering you the opportunity to socialise and network with like-minded people.

View a list of local groups affiliated to the NSS

If there is no local group in your area and you would like to set one up, please contact us

6. Volunteer with us

The NSS are always looking for volunteers who can lend their time and skills on both local and national projects. Click here for more information.

We're always keen to hear about any local campaigning you do, so please get in touch with any questions, and let us know how it went!