Our approach to local group organising
We believe that grassroots local groups are the foundation of a powerful, resilient, and growing movement for animal freedom. By organising locally, building strong communities, and developing strategic capacity, we can create long-term impact and mobilise at scale when opportunities arise.
Why Local Groups Matter
Historically, grassroots networks have been at the heart of major victories in the UK animal rights movement, including bans on fur farming, live exports, and animal testing for cosmetics. Local groups provide a recruitment funnel for activism, ensuring that more animal lovers become movement participants, leaders, and changemakers.
However, the movement today is fragmented, with national groups working in silos and many local activists struggling to find a clear pathway to engagement. Our local organising strategy aims to rebuild this grassroots network, ensuring local activism thrives while remaining connected to national and global campaigns.
Our Organising Model: Decentralised, Empowered, and Impactful
We foster autonomous, strategic, and well-supported local groups that:
✅ Take independent action – deciding on their own campaigns, tactics, and strategies.
✅ Support national campaigns – amplifying their impact through coordinated grassroots pressure
✅ Engage and develop new activists – creating a movement pipeline where people can grow into leaders
✅ Create synergy between groups – ensuring different types of activism reinforce each other rather than compete
How We Support Local Groups
1. Building a Thriving Local Network
Connecting existing chapters: We encourage local chapters of different organisations (e.g. Animal Save Movement, Hunt Saboteurs, Plant-Based Treaty) to work together under a unified local umbrella.
Facilitating collaboration: Groups can share intelligence, resources, and strategies, strengthening collective power.
Providing a launch model: New groups start with public meetings, with guidance on recruitment, leadership development, and campaign strategy.
2. Training & Capacity Building
Workshops & bootcamps: We run regular training sessions on campaign strategy, community organising, and direct action
Skill-sharing culture: We create peer-learning networks, so that experienced activists can mentor new organisers
Narrative & messaging support: We help local groups craft compelling narratives that resonate with their communities
3. Infrastructure for Coordination
WhatsApp communities: Local organisers stay in constant communication with their networks, making rapid coordination possible
Digital and print resources: We provide customisable campaign materials, outreach guides, and messaging frameworks
Regular convenings: Local groups come together for regional and national gatherings, building deeper relationships and alignment
4. Campaigns & Mobilisation
Local campaigns: Groups run strategic campaigns on local zoos, fur shops, factory farms, animal testing labs, and more, winning winnable battles that build confidence and capacity for bigger more complex long-term battles
Mass mobilisation: When major events arise (e.g., an animal cruelty exposé), local groups can rapidly mobilise, ensuring the movement seizes political moments
Scaling successful models: When a local campaign proves effective (e.g., shutting down an animal exhibit), we create the infrastructure for the model to be replicated across multiple locations
Creating a Self-Sustaining Movement
We don’t just need activists—we need movement builders. By investing in local organising, leadership development, and community-building, we aim to transform the UK animal movement into a deeply connected, unstoppable force for change.
Join us. Start a local group. Build the movement. Change the world.
