Better Business / Member news
Led By Donkeys and HOPE not hate on panel discussion in Bristol
Campaigning for a cause in today’s chaotic, polarised media landscape demands more than just awareness—it requires creativity, boldness, and a strong focus on community-building.
These themes emerged from a recent discussion hosted by Bristol-based Strike Communications, featuring representatives from organisations such as Led By Donkeys, HOPE not hate, We The Curious, and St Paul’s Carnival.
Georgie Laming, campaigns and communications director for HOPE not hate, emphasised that to build a strong community around a cause, it’s vital to foster unity and engage with groups that might initially disagree with your stance.
“Instead of focusing on the obvious ‘low-hanging fruit’—the people already on board—start with those who are most likely to disagree,” she said.
Laming explained that HOPE not hate had found common ground with certain voters of Reform UK, who shared similar concerns over public services, workers’ rights, and corporate accountability. This approach challenges assumptions and encourages broad-based mobilisation.
A similar ethos of inclusivity is evident in the work of We The Curious, a science centre and educational charity. Its chief executive, Donna Speed, pointed out the historical exclusivity of the science community, noting that many people feel it’s not for them.
Catherine Frankpitt, founder and managing director of Strike Communications hosted a panel event discussing communications for a cause in today’s chaotic, polarised media landscape
“We’re moving away from polarised views and giving people a place to explore together,” she explained, stressing the importance of creating a space where everyone feels welcome.
Led By Donkeys has also made a mark by combining creativity, emotion, and simplicity in its campaigns.
James Sadri, co-founder of the group, discussed their impactful actions, such as the Covid-19 Memorial Wall in Westminster, which combined art, activism, and community to create something tangible and powerful.
“It involved painting 150,000 hearts on the wall opposite Parliament… part of the act itself was to reclaim that space,” Sadri explained, describing how the memorial became a living wall, maintained by family members every week.
Georgie Laming, campaigns and communications director for HOPE not hate, emphasised that to build a strong community around a cause, it’s vital to foster unity and engage with groups that might initially disagree with your stance
Humour is another powerful tool in activism. Sadri noted that creativity and humour offer a cathartic release from the heaviness of activism.
For instance, their Liz Truss lettuce banner combined humour with serious commentary, engaging people in a light-hearted yet thought-provoking way.
Personal stories and greater representation can also bridge divides. St Paul’s Carnival in Bristol celebrates the resilience of the Windrush generation through storytelling.
“Narratives can enable you to connect with people on many levels,” said LaToyah McAllister-Jones, executive director of the carnival, emphasising how shared stories help remove barriers and foster understanding.
James Sadri at Led By Donkeys noted that creativity and humour offer a cathartic release from the heaviness of activism
While activists’ visibility can inspire and humanise a movement, it’s important to ensure the campaign remains the focus, not the individual.
HOPE not hate’s documentary, Undercover: Exposing the Far Right, showed the tough and often dangerous work of infiltrating far-right groups. Yet, Laming acknowledged the personal risks involved: “On the night the documentary aired, someone did a live stream trying to find our addresses.”
The role of the mainstream media remains both a tool and a challenge. While it offers the reach to connect with broad audiences, it can also exacerbate division. “When we do mainstream media badly, it disrupts democratic institutions,” Laming warned, citing how misinformation led to destructive riots during the UK’s summer unrest.
Active participation for the audience on the power of compelling storytelling
To address misinformation, campaigns must tackle not just technology but the biases underlying people’s views.
“We need to build trust through personal, human connections,” Laming explained, stressing the importance of engaging people in a way that fosters understanding rather than further polarisation.
Ultimately, successful campaigns create lasting change through creativity, simplicity, and emotional resonance.
Strike Communications hosted an event featuring people behind We The Curious, HOPE not hate, St Paul’s Carnival and Led By Donkeys
As the panellists demonstrated, even small, nimble teams can make a significant impact. You don’t need an army behind you to enact change—you just need a bold vision and a commitment to bringing people together.
All photos: Rafael Bastos
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