Influencing Change: A Campaigning Handbook for Community Organisations

Every single day, critical decisions made by ministers, MPs, local councillors, and public bodies directly impact our communities. For Muslim-led voluntary and civil society organisations, having a seat at the table and advocating for positive change is vital to tackling social and economic injustice. However, navigating complex legislative processes, understanding regulatory rules, or building a public campaign can often feel daunting—especially in a landscape where Islamophobia, structural racism, and discrimination create additional barriers to being heard.

The Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is proud to present Influencing Change: A Campaigning Handbook for Community Organisations. Developed to build confidence through action, this comprehensive, practical guide equips grassroots campaigners and sector leaders with the foundational knowledge required to engage with political systems and advocate safely, legally, and effectively.

Built upon real-world charity case studies, expert learning, and sector-wide good practice, this handbook breaks down the barriers to entry for public affairs and strategic advocacy.

What’s Inside the Handbook:

• Navigating Westminster: An essential guide to mapping out the House of Commons, the House of Lords, government departments, and the Civil Service to find your ideal target decision-makers.
• Practical Advocacy Tools: Ready-to-use tips and templates on how to write effective MP briefings, draft specific parliamentary questions, and successfully engage with select committees.
• Influencing Local Government: A breakdown of different council tiers, cabinet models, and local systems, alongside place-based strategies to drive community-led change.
• Staying Safe in Polarised Environments: Proactive advice, risk assessments, and guidance for managing public events, online engagement, and political hostility safely.
• Amplifying Your Message: Strategic insights on developing political champions, mobilising your organic supporter networks, building coalitions with cross-sector allies, and mastering the media.
• Regulatory Frameworks and Election Law: Crucial, clear guidelines on keeping your campaign aligned with Charity Commission political activity rules (CC9) and navigating non-party campaigning laws during regulated election periods.

Whether you are a local community group launching your very first campaign or an established charity looking to build structural policy alignment, this handbook gives you the clarity and tools to make a lasting systemic difference.