Growing up I supported some great campaigns, charities and lobby groups. Red Wedge, Anti-Nazi League, and Shelter to name a few. These organisations knew how to mount a social policy challenge, and were effective despite not having some of the technological advantages of their latter-day counterparts. Most recently I have used 38 Degrees, perhaps one of the best UK examples of how digital and social tech promises to democratize grassroots campaigning.

When it comes to the effective use of social and digital for mobilising en masse then look no further than Momentum a grassroots campaigning network of over 31,000 members, 200,000 supporters and 170 local groups that evolved out of Jeremy Corbyn’s 2015 election campaign. Momentum has built a consensus for the provision of secure, decently paid jobs; a properly funded education system; the building of comfortable and affordable homes; and the elimination of student debt.

In the last few years the UK has seen widening inequality

·         Exponential growth in the use of foodbanks despite being (still) one of the richest countries in the world

·         134% increases in rough sleeping  

·         Social housing rents increased by £1.731 billion despite an alleged 1% rent reduction

·         Systemic poverty as a direct result of Government policy in the form of Universal Credit

So where were the established anti-poverty, housing and homeless campaign groups when all this was unfolding? they never mentioned anything at all about the link between way above inflation social housing rent rises, homelessness and poverty.

Has their campaigning zeal been tempered by a fear of upsetting those in power whom some rely on for funding?

We have seen a ‘blurring of the lines’ with many established campaigning charities proudly waving their flags of independence whilst entering into ever closer ‘strategic partnerships’ with industries and sectors whose actions are in direct opposition to their original purpose.

Can these established charities and campaigning groups rediscover their fighting spirit?

If they don’t then a few moments on Twitter should stir them into action. There are plenty of grassroots campaigns and campaigners who are using digital and social tools to create a wind of change that could blow the paper tigers away.