FAQs

What does the name 38 Degrees mean?
What does 38 Degrees stand for?
How does 38 Degrees work?
Is 38 Degrees connected to a political party?
Where does the idea for 38 Degrees come from?
Who started 38 Degrees?
Who runs 38 Degrees?
What is required to be a member?
Where does the funding come from?
Where do donations go?
Does 38 Degrees campaign on local issues?
Can I suggest a campaign?
My MP has responded, would 38 Degrees like to have a copy of the letter?
Why am I on your Mailing list?
My email address has changed. Can you update your records?
I have problems using/ comments about your website.
I’m a member of the press. How do I get in touch?
How do I contact you?

What does the name “38 Degrees” mean?
In nature, avalanches begin when they reach the tipping point angle of 38 degrees. In the UK, 38 Degrees will enable people to act together, to create an avalanche for change.

What does 38 Degrees stand for?
38 Degrees believes that power should rest with the people: we provide simple and effective tools to enable our members to influence the organisations and institutions who make the decisions that affect us all. Together, we intend to defend fairness, protect constitutional rights, promote peace, preserve the planet and deepen democracy. Some people might call those goals ‘liberal’, ‘left’ or ‘progressive’. We call them common sense for a better world.

How does 38 Degrees work?
38 Degrees members take simple, powerful actions to weigh in at critical moments when our values are at stake and we can make a difference. We use the latest technologies and techniques for organizing in the 21st century. Sometimes we act online, like signing a petition or emailing an MP or corporate leader. Sometimes we act offline, like calling an MP or visiting a surgery.

Is 38 Degrees connected to a political party?
Definitely not. 38 Degrees is completely independent from any political party. We are driven by issues and outcomes, and judge all politicians by the same standards.

Where does the idea for 38 Degrees come from?
38 Degrees is inspired by the impact of groups like MoveOn in the United States, GetUp in Australia and Avaaz around the world. These groups have used the same model, technologies and techniques to mobilize nearly 9 million people. The historic election of Barack Obama has shown what’s possible when people come together in this new way. We aim to bring this approach to the UK.

Who started 38 Degrees?
38 Degrees was founded by a group of activists and funders concerned about the state of our democracy and determined to try something different. Founders include Gordon Roddick, co-founder of The Body Shop and Henry Tinlsey, Ex Chairman of Green & Black’s Chocolate. The project was developed by Ben Brandzel, formerly of MoveOn, Avaaz, GetUp and the Obama campaign, Pete Myers of enoughsenough.org and onehundredmonths.org, Nina Kowalska, a communications activist, and Warren Puckett, an IT expert. 38 Degrees was partly founded in honour of Anita Roddick, a lifetime champion of the power of ordinary people to make a difference.

Who runs 38 Degrees?
38 Degrees maintains a small staff who make day to day decisions and keep things running. But the real leadership will come from 38 Degrees members, who set our agenda and most importantly take the actions that change the world.

What is required to be a member?
The only requirement of membership is to take an action, as simple as signing a petition, or as complicated as hosting a rally. There is no charge for membership.

Where does the funding come from?
We’re an independent not-for profit organisation and don’t accept money from government, political parties or big business. Our start up funding has been provided by a group of founding contributors. In time, we aim to be fully funded by donations given by individual members. If you would like to support our work please donate using our secure online donation system. If you are a foundation interested in funding our work or an individual wishing to give a large gift please contact us here.

Where do donations go?
38 Degrees keeps costs low by maintaining a small staff so the majority of donations can fund campaigns. We rely on donations from individuals to help pay for the technology, the research, the equipment and the small office we need to organise campaigns. You can donate here using our secure online donation system. If you donate in response to a specific campaign your funds will be allocated to that specific purpose including supporting staffing and other direct costs that enable that particular campaign to happen.

Does 38 Degrees campaign on local issues?
Yes. 38 Degrees campaigns on both local and national issues. If you have a campaign suggestion we’d love to hear it. You can tell us all about it here.

Can I suggest a campaign?
Absolutely. We love to hear from our members. We have an online form for people to suggest campaigns, here. Please fill this in and we will then discuss your idea as a team and, if there is an opportunity for us to take action, we’ll let you know about it.

My MP has responded, would 38 Degrees like to have a copy of the letter?
Yes please. Please forward your responses to mpreplies@38degrees.org.uk. If you are unable to scan in or photograph the letter, please send us an email including your MP’s name and a very brief summary of his/her response.

Why am I on your Mailing list?
We only send emails to people that have taken actions on our website. We don’t acquire email addresses from any third party organisations. If you’d rather not receive our emails you can unsubscribe at any time here.

My email address has changed. Can you update your records?
Of course. Please let us know through our contact form, here.

I have problems using/ comments about your website
We’re a new organisation and are growing fast. We are already working hard at improving our website in a number of ways. However, if you have any particular comments or concerns, please send us a message, here.

Media questions
For media enquiries only please call our media spokesperson on 07979 541520.

How can I get in touch?
We’d love you to get in touch. Use our contact form, here.