One of the easiest ways to engage with MPs or candidates is by directly sharing the manifesto with them via email. It’s a simple and quick method to share the campaign and begin building a relationship.
If you’ve already established a relationship with your MP, fantastic! It’s still beneficial to send an email sharing the manifesto, especially if you’re aware they support Scouts.
Once you’ve sent the email, a member of their team will read it and inform the MP or candidate. As a constituent, you’ll receive a response, and you can extend an invitation to visit your scouts’ group or upcoming events.
Who can contact MPs or candidates?
Any volunteer is encouraged to share the manifesto with their local MP. If you need support, you can work together with your group leader or district commissioner or contact the policy and public affairs team.
How do I contact my MP?
You can find your MP’s contact details here: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP
Simply search using the Group’s postcode or town it sits in and copy the constituency office email available on the website.
Here is an example of an email you could send to the MP:
Dear [MP’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
My name is [Name], I am a constituent of yours in [Enter constituency], and [volunteer title] at [enter name of group] Scout Group/Explorer Unit/Network. I’m excited to share the launch of the Scouts’ manifesto: “Building Brighter Tomorrows”.
Scouts play a crucial role in your constituency, equipping young people as young as 4 with skills for life. However, the harsh reality is that across the UK, nearly 100,000 young people are on a waiting list, in our constituency there is [insert number of young people on the waiting list] due to a shortage of volunteers.
Created with young Scouts and volunteers across the United Kingdom, this manifesto is a call to action, and a blueprint for a brighter future for young people, volunteers, and civil society.
Now, why should you care? Because by supporting what we’re asking for, you’re showing you care about young people and want to make our community better for everyone.
Please see attached the Manifesto and consider how you can support our nine policy asks.
I look forward to hearing from you and seeing how you can help Scouts in our community.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,