Guide DogsSafe and Sound

Rachael Smith, Campaigns Officer

@gdcampaigns #safeandsound

Getting into gear…• 150 MPs attend stand at Party Conferences in

September 2012 for campaign launch• Support from UK MEPs brings success in

European Parliament, early 2013

@gdcampaigns #safeandsound

Stop, look… listen?• Repetitive actions, write to: your MP, your

MEP, your MP again… and again…

• Dropping supporter engagement

• Template Ministerial

responses are stalling

the campaign

@gdcampaigns #safeandsound

• Simple, one page form• Personalised boxes at the top to

ensure completion• Example answer given to inspire

responses• Widgets are versatile, can be

embedded on to webpages, social media etc.

Making a Ministerial Mix Tape!

@gdcampaigns #safeandsound

Thunder rumbling in the distance. Waves lapping on a beach. a friendly dog "woofing" a welcome. the crackling of a

log fire. birds singing at first light. swishing through autumn

leaves. rain on windows. bacon sizzling. a child giggling. the click of a tea spoon against the cup. popping bubble wrap.

trains going over rails (da da dada). tennis ball bouncing. Crowd cheering when Dundee United score. footsteps

through gravel. Champagne cork popping.

What’s your favourite sound?

@gdcampaigns #safeandsound

@gdcampaigns #safeandsound

Transport Minister, Norman Baker MP:

“The guide dogs events are, and their whole campaigning style is, tremendously inventive. And you always make people

listen to your campaign, compared to others who take a more antagonistic

approach. You actually encourage us to listen to what you are saying, which I think is a tribute to your campaigning style… I will certainly take it away and

you can assure yourself that your message has been communicated.”

@gdcampaigns #safeandsound

What happened next?• Westminster Hall Debate, October 2013• Over 23,500 individual emails sent in 2013 • 62% of all Engaging Networks actions in 2013

were for this campaign• Secured mandatory sound

generators on all new hybrid

and electric vehicles from 2019• To be continued…

@gdcampaigns #safeandsound