Methods

Question 1

Lobby (as an insider)

Answer 1

Groups meet with politicians and civil servants in order to argue their case and try to persuade them to adopt their ideas

The British Medical Association (BMA) lobbied to make it illegal for people to smoke in cars with children inside. This was successful and was passed in 2015

Question 2

Research and publish reports

Answer 2

Research con provide evidence to support a group’s argument and can be used to inform politicians and raise public awareness of the cause

Question 3

Give evidence at hearings

Answer 3

Public consultations, legislative committees and select committees will hold hearings to help them determine a decision or action. By giving evidence and speaking on behalf of their members, groups can exert influence on those in a position of power

Question 4

Organise publicity campaigns

Answer 4

Groups may organise publicity campaigns to raise public awareness of their cause. This might be to raise awareness of a particular issue and encourage the public to take action themselves, or it might be to encourage the public to put pressure on elected officials

Question 5

Organise public demonstrations

Answer 5

Groups may organise large demonstrations, such as marches and rallies, to demonstrate to those in power the strength and scale of support for their cause. A large demonstration is also likely to gain publicity and help spread awareness

In 2012, Greenpeace protested against Shell’s plans to drill for oil in the Arctic. This was successful and 74 of UK Shell petrol stations shut down and 24 campaigners were arrested

Question 6

Publicity stunts

Answer 6

Small groups without the resources to pay for a media campaign may use publicity stunts in order to attract media attention and thereby gain publicity and generate awareness of their cause

In 2004 and 2015, fathers, from Fathers 4 Justice, scaled Buckingham Palace to protest fathers’ rights. This was unsuccessful and the fathers were removed

Question 7

Civil disobedience

Answer 7

Some groups may use illegal methods as a form of civil disobedience, by disrupting public events or staging a sit-in in order to cause disruption and bringing attention to their cause. This usually happens because they feel they have no other option

In 2015, Plane Stupid chained themselves on the northern runway at Heathrow airport to campaign against runway expansion. Flights were delayed. They were unsuccessful and the protesters were arrested

Question 8

Go on strike

Answer 8

Workers may go on strike to put pressure on those in power in order to try to reach an agreement with them. A strike can be damaging and unpopular for a govt or organisation and may force them to accept the group’s demands

Question 9

Use celebrity as a spokesperson

Answer 9

Groups may recruit a celebrity spokesperson in order to raise the profile of the group, gain media attention and attract more support by sharing in the popularity of the celebrity

Question 10

Bring test cases to court

Answer 10

Some groups provide legal expertise and bring a case or help to bring a case to court. In this way they can look to secure the rights of their members and ensure those rights are protected

Question 11

Digital campaign

Answer 11

Groups may set up websites to promote their cause and use social media to publicise events. Also, media support and petitions

In 2014, the Guardian newspaper backed a petition by the group Equality Now who campaigned against violence to women urging the then Education Minister Michael Gove to take action against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and it attracted 250K signatures