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38 Degrees is a British non-profit, left-wing, political activism organisation that campaigns on a diverse range of issues, such as protecting the environment and tackling climate change, democratic media ownership, child poverty and political reform. The organisation claims to "campaign for fairness, defend rights, promote peace, preserve the planet and deepen democracy in the UK".[1] 38 Degrees takes its name from the critical angle at which the incidence of a human-triggered avalanche is greatest.
History 38 Degrees says it was inspired by groups like MoveOn in the United States, GetUp! in Australia and Avaaz globally. These organisations all use the internet to mobilise people and connect them and their governments. 38 Degrees believed an organisation based on a similar model was needed in the UK.[1] The organisation launched on 26 May 2009.[2] Founders include Gordon Roddick, co-founder of The Body Shop, and Henry Tinsley, ex-chairman of Green & Black's chocolate.[3] The Executive Director is David Babbs, who signs off some emails and appears in the media. Babbs was formerly Head of Activism at Friends of the Earth where he was responsible for the Big Ask Campaign. Babbs also previously worked at People & Planet.[4] Previously known as Progressive Majority, 38 Degrees is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.[5] Methodology 38 Degrees describes itself as a people-powered and multi-issue movement. It aims to empower UK citizens by providing easy ways for them to take action on the issues they care about e.g. climate change, human rights and poverty. Campaigning techniques include both online methods, such as online petitions, and offline methods, such as calling an MP or visiting a surgery. Campaigns Campaigns include: - Proposed sale of state-owned forests. In October 2010, Caroline Spelman Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced plans to sell off publicly owned forest and woodland in England.[6] 38 Degrees launched a petition against the selling off of forests, raising concerns about loss of public access and impact on conservation. 38 Degrees members paid for an opinion poll which showed that 84% of the public were opposed to the government plans, and funded national newspaper adverts condemning the proposal. The 38 Degrees petition passed 500,000 signatures on 11 February 2011. 38 Degrees' campaign against forest privatisation has been praised by environmentalist Jonathon Porritt who contrasted their clear stance and responsiveness to member concerns with the "betrayal" of other green groups.[7]
- Tax avoidance. On 5 January 2011, 38 Degrees ran a series of member-funded adverts in national newspapers, challenging George Osborne for his record on tackling tax dodging, highlighting an alleged 120 billion lost in unpaid tax annually and Osborne's own involvement in a tax dodge. The adverts were timed to coincide with a rise in VAT from 17.5% to 20%. They were printed in the Independent and the Guardian, while the Daily Telegraph, Metro and the Daily Mail refused to run them.[8]
- "Stand up for the NHS". 38 Degrees members campaigned against the closure of NHS Direct closure plans which were subsequently scaled back although ministers denied this was because of public pressure. 38 Degrees members also organised a series of public meetings around England in January 2011 to highlight concerns with NHS reforms proposed by Andrew Lansley.
- House repossessions. A campaign launched with the Big Issue to freeze repossessions during the recession. Every year in the UK, 75,000 homes face repossession.[14]
Results 38 Degrees is credited with: - Playing a key role in persuading the UK government to drop plans to privatise England's forests in February 2011.[15][16]
- Being nominated for an Observer ethical award as campaigning group of the year in May 2011.[17]
- Being listed in Wired magazine's May 2011 Wired 100, described as a "powerful political force".[18]
Controversies - 38 Degrees director David Babbs was the subject of a controversial interview by Sky News anchorwoman Kay Burley who was accused of aggressively interrupting Babbs and telling him to leave a protest about electoral reform and instead "go home and watch it on Sky News". The term "sack Kay Burley" subsequently trended on Twitter and hundreds of complaints were made to Ofcom.[19]
- 38 Degrees has been criticised by a Conservative MP, Dominic Raab, for allowing members to send "clone emails" to MPs via its website.[20] Raab stated he would lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office about 38 Degrees using his parliamentary email address, but no complaint was ever upheld and it remains possible to email Raab via the 38 Degrees website.[21] 38 Degrees has also been criticised by a Conservative MP, Eleanor Laing, for allowing members to send "clone emails".
See also References - ↑ a b
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- ↑ How England's forest were saved for the nation The Telegraph
- ↑ Forest sell-off: Social media celebrates victory Fiona Harvey, Environment, Guardian.co.uk
- ↑ Observer Ethical awards Winners 2011 Guardian.co.uk
- ↑ 2nd annual Wired 100: Positions 100-80 Wired.co.uk
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