38 Degrees

38 Degrees is the angle at which avalanches begin. It's also the name of a campaign organisation established to use modern technology to harness the power of ordinary
people to effect change at a local and national level in the UK.

STATEMENT OF INTENT

38 Degrees is part of a growing movement rejecting the neo-liberal obsession with the individual that has dominated the last thirty years, in favour of a communal approach
to life which privileges co-operation over competition. As the organisation puts it:

We work together in our thousands to defend fairness, protect rights  promote peace, preserve the planet and deepen democracy. Some people might call those goals 'liberal', 'left-of-centre' or 'progressive'. We call them common sense for a better world.

WHO'S BEHIND IT

Launched in May 2009, 38 Degrees was set up co-founder of The Body Shop Gordon Roddick and Henry Tinsley, the former chairman of Green & Black's chocolate. The organisation is independent of government and political parties and takes its inspiration from campaign groups like Avaaz.org, GetUp.org.au and MoveOn.org. Among its campaigns are a rethink on Trident and a tax on bankers' bonuses. It has already had a major triumph in ensuring that the Iraq enquiry was held in public.

SIGNING UP

By becoming a member you agree to take an action. You can decide your level of participation. You might just add your name to a petition, get in touch with your local MP or join a protest. You can suggest campaigns and use this tool to spread the word.

22 June 2010