There are many possible definitions for a campaign and the activity of campaigning. Some of the more useful definitions are as follows:

• Campaigning is speaking up, drawing a community’s attention to an important issue, and directing decision-makers towards a solution.
• Campaigning involves putting a problem on the agenda, providing a solution to that problem and building support for action to solve the problem.
• Campaigns can involve many specific, short-term activities to reach a long-term vision of change.
• A campaign is a series of actions directed at changing the policies, positions or programmes of any type of institution.
• Campaigning involves working with other people and organisations to make a difference.
• Campaigning consists of differing strategies aimed at change at the local, provincial, national and/or international levels.

(Adapted from SARA/AED Advocacy Training Guide, by R. Sharma)

In summary, a campaign is an effort to bring about some change. It is not one single action, but a combination of a number of actions, reports and events put together in a sequenced plan (UNDP, Blue Book).

A campaign should be big enough to make a difference, but manageable enough to get short-term results. It should build the base for future campaigns and actions.

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