Local Groups
Local campaigning is at the heart of CND's work, bringing the issue of nuclear disarmament to peoples' doorsteps and relating it to their communities. There are currently over 100 CND groups across the country engaged in a range of activities in their area and, as groups, becoming involved in the campaign at a national level.
The work of CND groups is vital as it reaches out to people who may not have considered the issue of nuclear disarmament previously and those who felt there was nothing they could do about it. If there is a group near you, do contact them. You can decide how much you want to be involved in local campaigning and give as little or as much time as you feel you are able and you may have some skills or ideas that could be of use. It is also a great way to make new friends and become involved in something you feel strongly about.
If there is no group in your area, why not start one? Starting a new group can seem like a daunting task but with some basic preparation it should be a very rewarding experience as well as crucial to CND's campaign for a nuclear free world. CND national office can help so do get in touch if you require advice or support.
There are various ways to start a group and there is not a prescribed procedure that you need to follow. As long as the group's campaigning focus reflects that of national CND, the way forward and method of organisation is entirely decided by the group's members.
To find details of your nearest local group, see the contacts pages.
Starting a New CND Group
As long as the group’s campaigning focus reflects that of national CND, the way forward and method of organisation is entirely decided by the group’s members. This is a suggested way forward which will hopefully assist you on your way to setting up a new CND group.
Initially, the organisers should ensure that there is enough support locally to allow a good spread of responsibility, effort and people’s time. There are various ways to gauge support:
- CND national office has a list of all national CND members arranged by postal code. Ask CND for this list for the postal code(s) relevant to your area and we can send it to you as label ready for posting
- Trawl through the list, there may be names you know, if so, contact them.
- Write a brief introductory note to the national members, introducing yourself(ves) and canvassing interest in starting a group.
Once it is clear that there is interest locally:
- Convene a meeting of those who respond Always proceed by consensus.
- Members will often be eager to start campaigning but make sure that a majority are happy with whatever is being suggested.
- Find out how much people are prepared to do and what their skills are
In order to join National CND you must:
- have at least 2 National company members and 10 supporters
- pay an annual £25 affiliation fee