May 18, 2011
Calling all campaigners
In many instances, community action starts with an individual who feels passionate enough about something to start campaigning about it. The Sheila McKechnie Foundation was established in memory of one of the most prolific and passionate social campaigners of recent times. Each year, the Foundation recognises the achievements of the next generation of campaigners at an awards ceremony – and makes the offer of some pretty valuable support
Background
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation offers annual awards for people starting out in campaigning. The winner will receive help with his/her campaign in a variety of ways: notably he/she will receive one-to-one coaching from someone especially chosen with experience in the campaigner’s preferred field; participation in an interactive residential skills building weekend; and attendance at a high-profile awards ceremony, to be hosted by Jon Snow. There are nine categories in the 2011 Campaigner Awards. For more information about the Awards please visit our website, www.smk.org.uk/smk-awards-2011.
• If you would like to apply for an Award, please visit the relevant award category via the above link
• If you know of anyone who you believe should apply for the awards, please nominate them at www.smk.org.uk/nominate-a-campaigner.
Finally, if you have any questions, either have a look on the FAQ section of the website, www.smk.org.uk/faqs, or do not hesitate to contact us at temp@smk.org.uk or on 020 77008189.
Three former Scottish winners of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation Award
Ilena Day
Campaign – ‘Look Ok…Feel Crap?’
Ilena is working with young people to provide support for those struggling with depression in Scotland. By launching a website to offer resources and emotional health courses, Ilena is creating awareness about depression so that people don’t feel alone. Her goal is for young adults to connect with the appropriate health organisations and seek support early on. Ilena is working to modernise current mental health messages in order to accurately support young adults with depression.
Penny Halliday
Campaign – Kinship Care, You Are Not Alone Family Support Group
Penny is campaigning for kinship carers and for children who are looked after by them, to be equally valued and financially supported like other children with carers. After founding the You Are Not Alone Family Support Group in Scotland over ten years ago, Penny joined-up with other kinship carers to develop the campaign. She is keen to ensure that kinship carers are supported both practically and financially and that they are valued as a serious alternative to institutional care.
Dan Glass
Campaign- Plane Stupid Scotland
Dan is one of the founders of Plane Stupid Scotland. The campaign consists of a network of groups taking action against airport expansion and climate impact. They organise popular education programmes to instil community self-determination in tackling climate change. Through public events, rallies and reports Plane Stupid has instigated flight reduction policies in various universities, secured energy ‘descent’ plans, green rep-schemes and has prompted universities to create ethical sponsorship policies which supports green energy. Dan also campaigns for better education into the aviation industry to inform the younger generations of the results of increased aviation.