Endorsements

Here is what a few people, who know how to make change happen, have said about 38 Degrees.

“Dark days in British politics, a grim economic situation, but the first and probably only chance for a generation to change the balance between freewheeling finance and real people. There is no more important moment for progressive people - across a whole range of pursuits and passions - to make their voices heard together. Perfect timing, 38 Degrees!”

Richard Bennett, Former Chair, Make Poverty History

“Our mainstream political parties are knackered. The Government is in
disarray. People are disgusted, disaffected and increasingly
disconnected from politics. We desperately need some new life breathed
into these decaying processes, and 38 Degrees is an inspiring new
initiative which aims to do just that.”

Jonathon Porritt, Founding Director of Forum for the Future

“Despite the current chaos in the palace of Westminster, this is a time, perhaps more than any other, that people should feel inspired, in control and engaged with politics and the decisions being made on our behalf - the launch of 38 Degrees is essential.”

Martha Lane Fox, Founder Lucky Voice and antigone.org.uk

“After working with MoveOn, Avaaz, GetUp, and the Obama campaign, I am
confident 38 Degrees is well poised to bring the same style of
people-powered organizing to Britain. This approach thrives when
the people have lost faith in politics as usual, but still fiercely
cling to their hope for change. By combining cutting edge technology,
old fashioned, neighbor to neighbor organizing and a commitment to
inclusive, member driven campaigning, 38 Degrees is ready to give
regular Britons a powerful voice in the future of their country.”

Ben Brandzel, Former Advocacy Director of MoveOn and North Carolina Online Campaign Director for Barack Obama

“We live in a world in which social injustice is rife, in which an
elite minority make decisions which marginalise and impoverish great
swathes of the planet’s population. I welcome the launch of a
campaigning organisation driven by the people, for the people. 38
Degrees is ideally placed to tackle the issues that really matter to
the man and woman on the street, and The Big Issue will support them
every step of the way.”

John Bird, Founder and Editor in Chief of The Big Issue

“Throughout history people have rallied together to take charge of the key issues of the day when politicians fail them. 38 Degrees will enable people in communities all across the UK to make their voices heard as well as taking action over the things that affect their every daily lives: food and how it is grown, marketed and transported: the quality of their local schools and hospitals: the crisis facing our environment. 38 Degrees will be a force to be reckoned with, providing a focus around which we can all rally. Politicians should never underestimate what groups of people can achieve when they are organized and passionate.”

Rosie Boycott, Activist and Food Advisor for Mayor of London

“I believe 38 Degrees will compliment the work of campaigning groups working on single issues such as the climate change crisis. It has come at a time when we need to mobilize people more quickly then ever before on the critical social and environmental issues we are facing. And for decision makers 38 Degrees will help hold them to account.”

John Sauven, Director, Greenpeace UK

“While those running our politics and our banks seem to by stuffing their pockets all around us, we cannot become cynical about the future.  We have an advantage over politicians—they are afraid of us, and we are not afraid of them.   A small group of people certainly can change the world, and 38 degrees is not too steep a slope.”

Clive Stafford Smith, Director, Reprieve

“Even though public trust in politicians is at an all-time low, it
doesn’t mean that people don’t want to be engaged and involved in
politics, and have their voices heard. 38 degrees is a fantastic
initiative that will help to mobilise collective action on issues that
really matter. Working together, organisations can really amplify the
impact of their campaigning activities to help push progressive
change.”

Patrick Holden, CBE, Director, Soil Association