Do you want:
· Equality for disabled people built into national and local policies from the outset?
· Full social inclusion for all disabled people?
· Your voice heard by legislators and policy makers?
· An end to discrimination?
· To campaign locally and nationally on issues that matter?
If you have answered yes to any of the above, RADAR invites you to join the RADAR Change Network and work with other like-minded people to improve our lives as disabled people.
It is open to everyone, not just RADAR members and is free to join. If you are passionate about improving the lives of disabled people, this network is for you.
What is it?
The RADAR Change Network is designed to support groups and individuals to create a momentum for local and national change. That might mean getting involved in:
· Influencing MPs and Government to make their new policies work for disabled people – such as ‘welfare to work’ leading to careers not poverty; planning for 3 million new homes to meet disabled people’s requirements; ensuring that education to age 18 works for young disabled people.
· Influencing local organisations to ‘build equality in’ – through real engagement by local services, or making independent living a reality, or setting up your own campaign.
The network will principally work in four ways:
1. It will enable individuals and groups to campaign locally on issues that matter to them in their area.
2. RADAR will ask members of the network to take part in occasional letter, postcard, or email campaigns in support of our national activities.
3. RADAR will act as the repository for all activity undertaken by network members. The information you provide to us will be organised and used to inform our discussions with key decision makers. RADAR will also build a bank of member case studies on issues of importance in the sector to use in campaigns and in lobbying Parliamentarians.
4. RADAR will put you in touch with other local campaigners and can direct you to services or other sources of information should you feel you have been discriminated against. However, we cannot take the case on your behalf and please remember that RADAR is not an information or advice organisation.
Why have a network and why should I join?
The potential of tapping into and channelling local campaigning energy is staggering. With 11 million disabled people in the UK we can create a voice that is impossible to ignore.
By being part of the network, you will be offered opportunities to be linked with other local campaigners, be provided with active campaigning tools, and attend regional events to facilitate local discussion. You will also have the opportunity to have a face-to-face discussion with your MP.
What will I have to do?
You can get involved as much or as little as you want – from signing a petition to raising issues in the local press. The network will link people with common interests to influence change. RADAR will provide guidance on working with MPs, the media and more.
Will I be sent a lot of literature?
No. You will only receive communications pertinent to policy changes and campaign related issues. For more in-depth and comprehensive disability information we would encourage you to also join RADAR as a full member.
How do I join?
If you would like to join the network or want more information, please email nisha.patel@radar.org.uk, phone us on 020 7566 0117 or click on the links at the top and bottom of this page.
You can also click here to download a PDF copy of the Change Network Flyer to distribute to friends, family and colleagues. Get them to fill it out and return it to us and we will join them up. This flyer is also available in Microsoft Word format by clicking here.
The bottom line
Together we are stronger
Together we have a louder voice
Together we can make change inevitable
We need your help.