Campaign to Enlist Political Support for Co-ops launched by Social Economy Alliance

The General Election Charter Campaign has one clear aim – to get as many parliamentary candidates as possible to come out in support of the social economy. There are now less than three months before polling day in what is set to be one of the most unpredictable elections in recent history. Candidates are going to be clamouring for your vote and, with public faith in politics at a low, they will be out on the ground meeting constituents and visiting organisations.

The Social Economy Charter

The Social Economy Charter is a statement of support for the social economy which the SEA – and Co-operatives UK as a founder member – want your candidates to sign. Both organisations know the impact the social economy is having on communities across our country and want to make sure our elected representatives know this as well.

Co-operatives UK is appealing for its members to send The Charter to their local candidates and a special site has been developed for that purpose. All members need to do is enter your postcode and the details of your local candidates will appear. You can then email them directly from the site.

Click here to send The Charter to your local parliamentary candidates.

There are thousands of social enterprises, co-operatives and other organisations in the social economy which are improving lives, creating jobs, revitalising communities and protecting our environment. Imagine if we all united with one voice and told parliamentarians that this is something too important for them to ignore! Once you’ve contacted your candidates remember to share The Charter with your family, friends and colleagues.

The Campaign Pack

The election campaign does not end with The Charter. If you work for an organisation in the social economy, why not organise a visit from your candidates to show them the work you are doing on the ground? Nothing changes minds and builds support more than seeing something in action! The SEA has put together a campaign pack to arm you with the tools needed to engage with both your local candidates and local media. It contains template letters, press releases and tip sheets.

Click here to see the Campaign Pack.

The social economy is all about people power. Last year, the SEA took on the lobbying power of big business and launched a crowdfunded advertising campaign which occupied Westminster station and raised the organisation’s profile considerably. This is the next step. The SEA, and its members, want to embed the social economy in the minds of all candidates so that if they enter the corridors of power in May they know that it is something they need to get behind. Co-operatives UK is now urging members to send their candidates The Charter and have a read of the campaign pack. Together we’re building a new kind of economy – let’s make sure our politicians support it.

Source: Co-ops UK