Make change at Leeds Beckett

Start by building a team! This involves bringing people together. It’s not about leaving our differences at the door - we value contrasting perspectives and bring each person into the solution for change by finding common ground.

Communities of people are too often shut out from decisions that affect their lives, and not involved in finding the best solution to local issues. So, we listen to each other and our communities to find out what is putting pressure on them, their friends and their families. We spot issues of social injustice that make people’s lives difficult but which they feel powerless to do anything about. Listening not only helps you grow your team but unites people around the issues that matter, making your campaigns more robust.

We want you to write the script for your community’s future - where things change for the better. This includes planning for how your team will tackle the root cause of injustice, by identifying solutions and deciding which actions to take. This might look like researching more about the problem and understanding which powerholders to build relationships with.

We take action through fun and legal public demonstrations to hold those responsible to account. We do this to prompt a reaction, such as receiving an invitation to a meeting or a commitment to work together. We’ll support you through the steps to identify your team, equip your community with training, and connect you to the powerholders who can implement change. The hard work will be yours, but we’re here to support you and take action.

Finally, we negotiate with decision makers in government, businesses, the university - whoever holds power to find a solution together. We work together, with Citizens UK, to help change the debate and find a constructive way forward, making sure change is effective and sustainable. Communities participating in decision-making contributes to the common good and helps us all build a better, fairer society.