SEAD (Scottish Education and Action for Development)

SEAD is re-launching its historic 1% campaign in response to the new challenges faced by Scotland and the world.

The campaign was originally launched following severe cuts to the development aid budget in the early eighties. The aim was to build a network of donors and activists who would contribute up to 1% of their income to make up the aid budget shortfall. Over the years the 1% campaign grew into an action fund that was used to make direct grants to community groups and to support our popular education program.

Faced with the same challenges today SEAD is renewing the 1% campaign. In the current climate funding for community projects has dried up, and many are struggling to stay on their feet just when the need for them has never been greater. The donations of 1% members will contribute to our work to mentor and support small community initiatives, and to direct financial aid that will help them get off the ground, expand and take on new work.

Unlike the one-percent we hear about in the news, SEAD’s 1% represent some of the most committed and charitable people in our society. They are members who regularly donate up to 1% of their income to support SEAD and fund community projects in Scotland and around the world.

The principals of the 1% campaign are direct support and activism. Rather than leaving development to the whims of government and wealthy individuals, some of the money that 1% members donate will be used to provide direct financing to community development projects that are led by the people living in the community.

By renewing the 1% campaign SEAD is returning to first principles. Since it was founded SEAD has worked to build a broad, inclusive network of likeminded people who are committed to community development and popular education regardless of where in the world it may be. The 1% donations of our members helped to turn those principles into action, and we hope they can make that action possible in the future.

Members are urged to support the campaign as much as possible and let other people know about it. Over the summer we will be holding numerous events for members to get their opinions and support for the renewed push. In order to make it easier to join SEAD as well as for existing members to make donations and renew, we have made it possible to join us online.

People new to SEAD or existing ordinary members can support the campaign by joining SEAD as a 1% member and help make up the difference. To join click this link or the button below.

To find out more please contact the campaign coordinator James Bryan at [email protected]