Last Saturday, at the Together Alliance March, youth organisation Woodcraft Folk came together as a movement to send a a very powerful message against the far right; that they are not welcome in Britain.
The Together Alliance, is a UK-based coalition of over 250 civil society organisations and trade unions united against far-right division, racism, and discrimination.
Woodcraft Folk members, supporters and alumni marched in a vibrant show of solidarity, hope, and determination. There were hundreds that choose to speak up.
Thousands of people from across the UK were brought together in London calling for cooperation, inclusion, and social justice—values that sit at the heart of Woodcraft Folk’s mission.
Before the march Woodcraft Folk ran a stall where they spread the news about the crucial work they do, as well as organised parachute games and other engaging activities for young people and there was a space for placard creating too. Along the march the organisation sang Woodcraft Folk songs and encouraged others to join the movement.
Woodcraft Folk Comms Manager, Lauren Penny says:
“Thanks to all those who gave up their time and volunteered in our bloc, we couldn’t have done this without you!
The organisers reported half a million strong attended the event; the biggest march against the far-right in British history.
It was inspiring to see our young members speaking up about the change and future they want to see.
This is just the beginning, what is important is this momentum continues!”
Woodcraft Folk belives it plays a crucial part on building and growing the movement. It’s where young people learn peace, equality and cooperation in real, practical ways, through games, camps, discussion and action.
Woodcraft Folk have been giving young people a voice and calling for a peaceful, fairer world for over 100 years and are encouraging everyone to get involved with the crucial work they do.
If you felt inspired to get involved with Woodcraft Folk following last weekend events here’s how you can help:
- Join a Woodcraft Folk local youth group – youth groups are the lifeblood of the organisation and they have them across Britain catering for all ages. There, young members learn about big ideas and topical issues such as the environment and world peace through fun activities like craft, games, camping, and debating. Find your nearest group here. Don’t have a group near you, start your own.
- Volunteer – from helping to run a local group to supporting at one of Woodcraft Folk’s youth centres to getting stuck in at a national camp there are lots of ways to get involved in a safe space where everyone is welcome. Develop skills, meet new people and support our work in your local community. Training is provided and the organisation have lots of flexible roles to suit a variety of needs. Find out more here
- Stay at our centres – each one of Woodcraft Folk’s centres is unique and from families to youth groups they cater for everyone. Better still, bookings made funds the great work Woodcraft Folk do! Find out more about their centres here.
- Organise a community group – To turn 28 March’s show of strength into a permanent force, Woodcraft Folk’s movement is being encouraged to move from marching to organising. This means building power where people live and work. Fill out this short form to start your journey as an organiser and someone from the Together Alliance Team will be in touch.
- Sign up as a Lifetime Member – Woodcraft Folk’s Kinsfolk Life Membership is a special membership that lasts longer than a year. Pay forward your membership fees for future years in a one-off payment. This generous lifelong support allows Woodcraft Folk to better develop plans, strategies and events, ensuring our work is accessible for young people, for years to come. Sign up here to choose to support Woodcraft Folk for life. Open to all members, supporters and alumni.
Whilst Woodcraft Folk were delighted to celebrate their centenary last year, marking 100 years giving young people a voice and calling for a peaceful, fairer world, like many organisations they are financially struggling. Their future and the impactful work they do is under threat.
One of the biggest and easiest ways you can support Woodcraft Folk’s work and secure their future is to become a regular donor, a Friend of the Folk. Regular donations mean the organisation’s crucial youth work can be here for generations to come. For as little as £5 a month you could give a child a free residential a year or for £3.25 a month you could cover a volunteer’s yearly admin fees! Sign up today.
Last Saturday, Woodcraft Folk were part a movement that showed up, built on unity, in the face of hate and division.
Lauren adds:
“We are stronger together. Love is stronger than hate, hope is stronger than fear. Hatred grows when good people do nothing. We’ll be sharing more updates soon. In the meantime, please share any photos you took on the day with us that you would be happy for Woodcraft Folk to use at lauren.penny@woodcraft.org.uk.
Let’s keep spanning the world with friendship and calling for the changes we want to make!”