Student Activism Guide
Everyone has the right to campaign, protest, and make their voice heard. Freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly are protected under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, enshrined in law by the Human Rights Act 1998. For decades, students across the world have been at the forefront of social change, from the civil rights movement in the 1960s, to campaigning for climate justice in the 21st century. St Andrews too has had a thriving activist community, with students coming together to organise vigils, letter writing campaigns, and creative actions to raise awareness of important causes.
As your Students’ Association, we are here to support student campaigning in line with our charitable objectives and charity law, and help you harness your power to call for change. However, it can be difficult to know where to start with addressing the issue you want to tackle. The following guide has been put together by the Director of Wellbeing and Equality and Wellbeing and Equality Coordinator, in partnership with University and Students’ Association stakeholders, to help you do just this. The guide covers information on creating a campaign, different tactics and key contacts for organising different actions, and relevant legislation on your rights and responsibilities as an activist. We hope you find this useful and can utilise this knowledge to create the change you want to see in St Andrews and beyond!