Campaigning has become an extremely important aspect of work for a number of individuals and organisations involved in the area of visual impairment. As various pressures affect our economies, social structures, Built environments and Democratic processes, the need to proactively represent our needs is crucial; especially among the policy and decision makers. In the next series of blog articles, I’m going to look at some of the important work that is being undertaken by campaigners in a number of key areas. By highlighting the areas of Voting, The increasing use of silent electronic vehicles and the struggle for Accessible transport systems, I aim to show how Campaigning works and demonstrate its importance and relevance.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), has a network of national and regional campaigners who work hard to highlight a range of important issues. As the British General Election approaches, they are currently campaigning to highlight the need for Accessible Voting. This not only means Accessing forms and literature, but it expresses the need of each Visually Impaired person to be able to vote secretly and in private.
Along with their campaign staff and Campaign volunteers, RNIB encourage individuals to take part in taking action. Quite often, they provide letter templates to help you contact local MP’s, Counsellors and decision makers. In this latest campaign on voting, the following link will take you to the RNIB website where you can contact your local election candidates to highlight the need for accessible voting rights: http://bit.ly/1ODpRag
RNIB are always on the look out for campaigners and people who can join them in delivering key campaign messages. To find out more visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/campaigning
The advantage of being involved in campaigning with an organisation like RNIB is that you are part of a large national charity, who do a lot of work with decision makers to affect policy and influence change. In an ideal world, campaigning shouldn’t be a consideration, but idealism is never an option, so the importance to voice opinions, promote needs and highlight rights is stronger than ever – why not join in and make a difference.