Interview with a London campaigner

Credit: Gerry Austin

Craig Walker is one of the founding members of the newly established London campaigns group. He explains what motivated him to get involved with campaigning for WaterAid:

"I have always had a keen interest in development issues and on a recent night out with friends I thought it would be a good idea to draw up a list of 30 things to do before I am 30, which is fast approaching! Campaigning is on that list and WaterAid has always been a charity I have respected – linking the two was the next logical step.

The London group

"We are a group of eight active members, but we may be about to expand! There are people who work in the water sector, those with an enthusiastic interest in water issues, students and even a member who has a family history of working with the charity. We are just starting out but the initial impression is that there is great potential, once we get to know each other better, to pool our diverse knowledge, skills and contacts to be an effective campaign group in the London area.

Progress to date

"We have met up a couple of times over the last month. Our main focus is WaterAid’s current activities as part of End Water Poverty. Eager to make a positive impact on the number of postcards presented to the Japanese Ambassador in July, two of the group held a stand at the Inland Waterways Canal Cavalcade festival in Little Venice over the May Bank Holiday. We are trying to organise stands at a number of other upcoming events.

Advice for budding group leaders

"I think the thing that I have realised in a short space of time when working with a campaign group is the need for good communication and flexibility. Members are giving up their spare time and so cannot always be as available as we would like. Having an efficient way of communicating with members is key to an effective group."

If you are interested in joining the London campaigns group or one of our other
groups across the country, please contact us at campaigns@wateraid.org.