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SMK’s Campaign Training Toolkit offers a range of training options designed to support campaigners at different stages of their journey. The Campaign Carousel™ is a comprehensive package that trains those at or near the start of their campaigning journey in a rounded set of campaigning skills and approaches [source: smk-campaign-training]. For those looking to hone specific skills, the Open Training Programme provides workshops covering basic building blocks of effective campaigning as well as more specialist sessions, with themes ranging from influencing in parliament to community organising [source: smk-campaign-training]. Additionally, SMK offers Commissioned Training for teams, organisations and coalitions, including off-the-shelf packages and bespoke training designed in partnership with clients [source: smk-campaign-training].
Beyond these core offerings, SMK provides specialised programmes for leaders and for those seeking deep expertise. Action learning sets, run in partnership with Josephine Knowles, address particular challenges in leading campaigning programmes for senior leaders and emerging leaders in campaigning organisations [source: smk-campaign-training]. The Deep Dive campaign masterclass programme, led by experts, provides intensive, focused sessions that explore specific subjects in depth [source: smk-campaign-training]. SMK has also developed an open access Changemakers’ toolkit, with the support of Wikimedia UK, to empower campaigners, activists, and changemakers of all types to campaign effectively [source: smk-campaign-training].
SMK also offers resources specifically for trustees and boards. In response to research showing that support for campaigning amongst trustees is high but confidence levels do not match, SMK produced a free short guide called “Navigating charity campaigning” that points to five essential conversations boards should have to develop confident campaigning governance [source: smk-campaign-training]. This guide can be used alone or as a starting point for a board conversation guided by SMK, with one-hour or three-hour sessions available to help boards explore campaign governance together [source: smk-campaign-training].
Use it for
A campaigner can use this toolkit to build their skills from the ground up or to deepen expertise in specific areas. For example, someone new to campaigning can enrol in the Campaign Carousel™ to gain a broad foundation, while a more experienced campaigner can select targeted workshops from the Open Training Programme to improve skills like influencing parliament or community organising [source: smk-campaign-training]. Organisations can commission bespoke training for their teams, and leaders can join action learning sets to address the unique challenges of leading campaigns [source: smk-campaign-training]. Trustees can use the free guide and facilitated sessions to build confidence in campaigning governance, ensuring their board supports effective campaigning [source: smk-campaign-training].