At King’s College London Students’ Union, every student is empowered to drive real impact on campus, in the city, and beyond. Through Make Change, you’ll discover how to raise your voice, shape policies, and champion causes you care about. From volunteering to campaigning, elections to leadership training, here’s everything you need to know to get involved.
1. Campaigns
Have an issue on your mind? Cause for concern? Student-led campaigns are at the heart of KCLSU’s democratic spirit. Whether you're championing a mental health petition or leading a climate strike, you can start or support campaigns that matter..
For example, if you’re passionate about disability justice, the Adjust KCL! campaign is working to overhaul institutional support for vulnerable students, calling for audits, accountability, and more inclusive services.
Through campaigns, you can run workshops, build alliances, design petitions, host protests, and influence institutional change, making your student voice count.
2. Volunteering & Fundraising
Volunteering is a powerful way to meet friends, build skills, and make a difference. At KCLSU, you can:
- Launch your own community project or fundraising initiative
- Join widening participation schemes, supporting school outreach
- Volunteer in local charities or organise campus events
You’ll receive support with resources, training, and structuring your project, plus the satisfaction of seeing your work benefit others.
3. Elections & Student Leadership
Fancy a leadership role? Make Change includes student elections where you can stand for:
- Full-time Student Officer roles
- Part-time Officers (e.g. Liberation, Campaign Officers)
- Academic Representatives, who sit on faculty meetings to represent peers and drive curriculum improvements
Voting matters, too; your vote chooses the leaders who push the student agenda forward. Campaigning begins during the Spring Elections, with info, timelines, and FAQs available on the elections page!
4. Future Leaders Programme
Accelerate your leadership journey with the Future Leaders programme. In 2022–23, KCLSU offered targeted support for Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+, and women students keen to grow as community leaders. This programme focuses on mentorship, training, and peer support, and often returns in new formats each year. Keep an eye out during Welcome Week for updates.
5. KCLSU Forums
Forums are regular meet-ups where students can raise issues, discuss policies, or shape union decisions. Think of them as mini town-hall meetings, designed to bring student feedback directly into the union’s decision-making processes.
6. Campaigning Workshops
Never campaigned before? No problem. Make Change offers monthly Students for Change: Campaigning Workshops, where you’ll learn to set clear campaign goals, craft persuasive messaging, develop strategic tactics, and recruit supporters. These workshops are open to all, so no prior experience needed.
Timeline & How to Get Started
- Welcome Week & Beyond
Keep an eye on KCLSU’s website and social media for campaign info stalls and workshop invites.
- Fall Term Workshops
Sign up for a campaigning workshop to learn the basics of mobilising and organising.
- Priority Campaigns
Join ongoing campaigns like Turn the Tables or Adjust KCL! Show your support by attending meetings and getting active.
- Election Season (Spring)
Consider standing for roles such as Academic Representative or Officer. Look out for role descriptions, nomination forms, and election timelines.
- Future Leaders Programme
If eligible, apply to join this targeted leadership initiative and expand your influence from within.
Why Make Change is for You
- Amplify your voice. Student campaigns reshape timetables, services, and policy; they change lives.
- Develop real-world skills. Leadership, project management, persuasive communications, and campaigns help you grow.
- Build community. Meet fellow changemakers who share your passion for justice and progress.
- See the impact. Your ideas can be heard by university staff and implemented through real institutional change.
Next Steps
Explore Make Change in more detail at kclsu.org/change. Start by signing up for volunteering projects or campaigning workshops. Talk to campaign leads at Welcome Week, attend your first forum, or pop by the student elections stall in Spring. Every step you take adds up, your voice can and will make a difference.
Welcome to King’s and welcome to the Make Change movement. Your time here isn’t just about classes; it’s about impact, purpose, and leaving a legacy. Let’s get started.