Hope for the Future launches new “counterlobbying” approach to democratic engagement

We have launched a new “counterlobbying” approach designed to help communities, campaigners and organisations push back against the growing influence of corporate lobbying in politics.

The new training offer comes at a time when concerns about corporate influence in politics are increasing.

In response, Hope for the Future is helping people reclaim democratic engagement by ensuring politicians hear directly from the communities they represent. Our new counterlobbying approach equips people with the confidence, skills and motivation to become powerful advocates for climate, nature and social justice.

Since introducing this new framing, we have seen a 412% increase in public engagement with our training and support, demonstrating a growing appetite for more direct and empowering ways to engage with politics.

Developed in response to rising public distrust and frustration with politics, the approach reframes democratic engagement as an active way to fight back against the influence of money and big business in decision-making. We have found this message is particularly effective at engaging people who feel ignored, marginalised or powerless within the political system.

The training sessions, delivered by our policy and engagement experts, explore the realities of corporate lobbying, what campaigners can learn from lobbyists, and how ordinary people can become more effective advocates for the issues they care about. Sessions can be delivered online or in person for campaign groups, charities and organisations across the UK.

As the UK’s only charity dedicated specifically to empowering citizens to use democracy to tackle the climate and nature crisis, we hope the new approach will help more people see democratic engagement as worthwhile, impactful and accessible.

If you are interested in exploring how our "counterlobbying" approach can help strategically drive your climate and nature campaign, get in touch.