Join us as a Higher Education institution

Why do universities join?

Many universities and university departments choose to be members of Citizens UK. It is an opportunity to demonstrate they are civic institutions committed to social justice and to invest in their people and communities. Community Organising methodology enables academics, professional services staff and students to develop the capacity and skills to build relationships both internally and externally. These relationships and techniques enable staff and students to create effective partnerships and achieve tangible impact.

Which universities do we work with?

We already work with universities nationwide to support student leaders' development, build universities' relationships with local organisations, and embed community organising and civic engagement into the curriculum.

See below for a list of our current university members and some case studies of our work together.

We help universities have impact and win change

The real Living Wage in Cardiff

Cardiff University Business School has worked with Citizens Cymru Wales to win pay rises for thousands of low-paid workers in Wales. Our Community Organisers have run training seminars with students to help them connect to local issues facing low paid workers in and around the university campus, helping them learn principles of Organising and connect them to their university study.

Youth Mental Health in Birmingham

Newman University, Birmingham has worked with Citizens UK to end the gap in access to specialist mental health treatment for 16 to 17 year olds (impacting approximately 4,000 young people in Birmingham). They remain a long standing member of our Citizens UK Birmingham chapter and every year students attend Community Organising training as part of their development in university life.

We help universities develop their leaders and strengthen their institution

Staff and student training in London

At King’s College London, Organisers ran a "service-leaders programme" training 30 academics, professional service staff and students to build relationships and create change. Trainees have used the skills to strengthen internal teams, to build relationships with the local Latin American community (Empoderando Familias), set up student societies and run campaigns on welcoming refugees, switching energy companies, and the digital divide. 

Conversations about race uses the House Meetings tool to have tough and honest discussions that explore the experience of race at the institution and develop ways to improve the experience of students and staff of colour.

Case studies