Body
Campax is an organisation that campaigns for an ecological, social, and fair Switzerland, and it secures its independence through donations from individuals. [source: campax] The organisation’s success relies on the engagement of many individuals who come together for important issues and provide a stable financial base through donations. [source: campax] This crowdfunding approach ensures Campax’s independence, and individual, monthly, or yearly contributions enable the planning and implementation of effective campaigns. [source: campax]
One current campaign focuses on extreme heat, which is described as no longer a temporary summer problem. [source: campax] Heat affects the environment, the climate in settlements, people’s health, and the working conditions of those who work outdoors. [source: campax] Cities and municipalities are said to bear particular responsibility for taking protective measures against extreme heat, because many heat burdens arise in built-up areas due to asphalt, concrete, lack of shade, and too few green spaces. [source: campax] Campax is calling on the Swiss Association of Cities and the Swiss Association of Municipalities to launch a national heat-protection offensive. [source: campax]
Campax also covers a range of other topics, including elections and votes, flight and asylum, equality, climate, animals, human rights, whistleblower protection, anti-racism, and housing. [source: campax] For example, the organisation reports on the housing shortage in Switzerland, noting that affordable housing is becoming increasingly scarce and that rents are rising rapidly in many cities and municipalities while cheap apartments disappear. [source: campax] It also highlights the housing protection initiative in Zurich as a potential turning point in the city’s long-standing housing crisis. [source: campax]
Additionally, Campax addresses gender-specific violence, stating that it is not a fringe issue and can be a matter of life or death. [source: campax] The organisation notes that ten women have already been killed in the current year and that political progress is slow, with many measures being a cantonal matter. [source: campax] Campax also organises monthly events for its community, such as a webinar about the consequences of a “yes” vote on the SVP’s “chaos initiative” (the “No 10-Million-Switzerland” initiative). [source: campax]
Use it for
A campaigner can use Campax as a platform to launch or support campaigns on ecological, social, and fairness issues in Switzerland. [source: campax] The organisation’s model of crowdfunding and individual engagement provides a way to gather financial support and build a community around a cause, as seen in its call for a national heat-protection offensive. [source: campax]
Campax also offers a space to raise awareness about specific political issues, such as housing shortages, gender-based violence, or migration-related initiatives, and to mobilise action around upcoming votes. [source: campax] By participating in Campax’s community events or contributing to its campaigns, a campaigner can leverage the organisation’s network to push for policy changes at the municipal, cantonal, or national level. [source: campax]