Changemakers Conference 2021 Programme

• Conference Opening: Changemakers- Real People, Real Change

Changemaker – Simply put: a person who takes creative action to solve a social problem. Hear directly from our partners in Kenya, hear how they’re making lasting change. Find out how you can support them. Come along to our conference launch and meet real people people creating real change. 

• Just Scripture

Just Scripture connects communities from across the world online, to dialogue about a passage of Scripture and how it can equip and inspire them to take action on injustice.

• Getting The Most Out Of Digital Fundraising

We know how much you’ve adapted to help us in these strange times and moved quickly to use a range of our digital fundraising platforms and opportunities. This session will aim to equip you with all the key skills and knowledge you need to ace your use of social media, e-envelope, Facebook Fundraising and even create simple digital content! We’ll also give an overview of how the Christian Aid team goes about its digital fundraising across the year-  to give you some top tips from other tools and channels you might like to try. And we’ll give you a view to the future and what our fundraising might look like over the next few years.

• Supporting Christian Aid in Emergencies

Join us as we discuss the impact of our emergency response to disasters worldwide and how you can get involved.  

• Pray for the Climate

This session is part of the prayer chain for climate justice. 

• The Kingdom of God and the Power and Meaning of the Prophetic Gesture

A look at some of the thinking that underpins our commitment to global justice and the way in which it can be imaginatively conveyed and prophetically acted upon. 

• How Telling Your Story Well Can Inspire Others

Have you ever stopped to reflect on why you do what you do? Sharing our own story of why we support Christian Aid is a powerful way to inspire others to give, act and pray. Come along and explore how to better tell your story.

• The Solidarity Sessions: Part 1 Faith and Activism

How do we stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the struggle against extreme poverty? Join us as we launch the Solidarity Sessions 2021 and get equipped for action. In this inaugural session we’ll explore how public prayer can be an act of solidarity and change. Leave with practical ideas to take away and try out with your church community.

• Virtual Fundraising

Twelve months ago, few of us knew what a zoom room was! Even when we get to our 'new normal' virtual events will still be with us. Whether you feel daunted or excited by the idea of hosting a virtual event, this session will give you all you need. We will share successful virtual events since lockdown, and ingredients for success for your own virtual fundraiser. 

• Prayer With Our Partners

Connecting with Christian Aid partners in prayer.

• 'I've got no cash on me'

With less cash in our pockets, and extra measures now needed to handle cash safely, surely there's an easier way to take donations at services and fundraising events? There is. Come along to find out about QR codes, card devices, personalised fundraising pages and more. This session will give you all you need to raise more and with less effort. It's a win win! 

• New Generations: How is Christian Aid Engaging Children and Young People?

Inspired by the vision, energy and leadership that we have seen in children and young people in the face of injustice, this session explores how Christian Aid is engaging a new generation of courageous advocates for change in schools and churches. With opportunities to learn more about the resources we provide, the session will explore the ways in which we support children and young people in their learning and how we help to amplify their voices. It will appeal to all who have any kind of role or interest in supporting children and young people in schools and churches. 

• Promoting Your Event

How to help raise the profile of your Christian Aid event in the local media. Tips from a former journalist and PR specialist in Christian Aid's media team to help you feel confident about approaching local news outlet.

• Doing Good, Feeling Good 

As we move forward into 2021, what can we do to keep our mental, emotional and spiritual health up? Join us for a session where we look not only at doing good at Christian Aid Week but also feeling good and having all round better wellbeing.

• The Solidarity Sessions Part 2 : Skills for Campaigning & Activism

How do we stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the struggle against extreme poverty? Join us for the Solidarity Sessions 2021 and get equipped for action. In this session we’ll look at some practical campaign skills to try out at your church in 2021.

• Praying For Our World

Prayers to ‘Build back better’ post coronavirus.

• Exploring the Intersections of Climate Justice and Racial Justice

Why are some communities more affected by climate change than others and how can our actions make a positive difference. A space to find out more about our landmark report on communities bearing the brunt of climate change. Collectively explore the connections between race and the climate, ally-ship and the power of our shared actions for positive change. 

• Christian Aid Week Innovators

This session is a celebration of Christian Aid Week done differently. We will share some amazing real and innovative fundraising from churches across the UK. The bad news is they aren't likely to work for you, as what they all have in common is that they were born out of their own unique community and context. The good news is that in this session we will use innovation tools to help you tap into your local context and start your own Christian Aid Week rebellion!

• Climate Justice 2021

2021 is crucial in the journey towards climate justice, so how can we help make it a reality? As the UK prepares to host the G7 this summer and the UN climate talks (COP26) in November, find out how you and your church can push for ambitious outcomes that promote justice.

• Just Scripture

Just Scripture connects communities from across the world online, to dialogue about a passage of Scripture and how it can equip and inspire them to take action on injustice.

• Volunteer Speaker Training

A chance for a deep dive into scripture through the lens of our Christian Aid Week stories. We will look together at the lectionary passages set for Christian Aid Week to help form ideas for sermons and talks. There will also be a chance to talk to other volunteer speakers in smaller groups and share experiences of things that have worked well and creative ideas for services which are gathered in person and virtually leaving you equipped to speak in Christian Aid Week.

• Surrey, Hampshire, IOW and Channel Islands: local fundraiser meetup

Meet like minded Christian Aid supporters from our region to share ideas and get inspired.

• Local Fundraising Ideas: North East & Cumbria

Come along to get inspired and share ideas and successes with the Christian Aid family from across the North East & Cumbria.

• East Midlands Supporter Gathering

Meet other Christian Aid supporters from across the East Midlands, to share fundraising ideas and successes, and explore opportunities to partner with our work this Christian Aid Week and beyond.

• Dorset & Somerset Supporter Gathering

Meet like minded Christian Aid supporters from our region to share ideas and get inspired.

• Home Counties Supporter Gathering

Meet other Christian Aid supporters from Beds, Berks, Bucks,Herts and Oxon to share fundraising ideas and successes, and explore opportunities for Christian Aid Week and beyond.

• Four Great Fundraising Ideas by Local Groups in East Anglia

Find out how 4 Christian Aid Groups and churches in East Anglia have created new fundraising ideas in their area for Christian Aid Week. Find out what went well and also the challenges.

• Devon & Cornwall Get Together

Meet like minded Christian Aid supporters from our region to share ideas and get inspired.

• Cynulliad Cefnogwyr Cymru

Cyfle i gefnogwyr Cymorth Cristnogol o Gymru i gael eu hysbrydoli, calonogi, annog a'i herio i gamu allan mewn ffydd y flwyddyn hon i gefnogi ein brodyr a'n chwiorydd sy'n byw yn wyneb yr argyfwng hinsawdd. This will be a Welsh language session.

• Gr Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire

A meeting for supporters from Gr Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire. A chance for us to share & be inspired ahead of CAW 2021.

• Turning Ideas into Action - Yorkshire

A gathering for Yorkshire folk looking at fundraising ideas and supporting each other to plan for Christian Aid week.

• From London to Kitui, Kenya - The Climate Crisis Up Close & Personal

The Climate Crisis impacts us all. Water transforms lives. Follow the trail of your personal giving along the Thames to meet the heroes in Kenya.

• Ideas into Action Glos, Wilts, Bristol

Fundraising ideas and inspiring youth.

• Pray With our Partners

Connecting with Christian Aid partners in prayer.

• Conference Close: Changemakers - Real People, Real Change  

Join our Director of Fundraising and Supporter Engagement Nick Georgiadis and Christian Aid colleagues as we celebrate our week together with you. Revisit what it is to be a changemaker and how you can use the workshops over the week to make a difference to those living in poverty this Christian Aid Week.