The Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s SMK Campaigner Awards 2010 offers “a support programme for emerging and grassroots campaigners. “individuals who are new to campaigning or operating with few resources and who show passion, tenacity and the potential to create change – locally, nationally or globally. You might not see yourself as a “campaigner” but if you are demonstrating commitment to a cause then SMK wants to hear from you.” There are different award categories in the programme and while the International Campaigner category is for “campaigners outside the UK working to achieve social or environmental justice in their home countries,” the rest are for those living in the UK (these award categories include Consumer Action, Environment, Local Campaigner, London Social Justice, Shout Out!, Social Inclusion and Transport). The applicant for the International Campaigner award should be over the age of 18 and must be a resident of one of the 75 eligible countries listed at Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s website.
“The awards scheme offers a development package to winners, the aim is to equip campaigners with the skills they need to make a greater impact and achieve real change. The package of support does not include cash prizes but uses a model of action learning to share knowledge and acquire skills. This programme is completely bespoke involving an initial assessment; one-to-one coaching sessions; development workshops; and shadowing or mentoring opportunities.”
The Foundation is “looking for committed individuals who are campaigning for sustainable solutions to social, economic and/or environmental issues. We are particularly looking for people at the early stages of working on or running a campaign, who, with advice and support, could achieve much more. The application form is an opportunity for applicants to say who they are, what kind of change they want to bring about, why it is important to them, and how an SMK award will help them achieve their goals.”
The deadline to submit applications for various award categories is 28 June 2010. Application form can be downloaded from the website and can be submitted by email. For more information, visit this link.
