Supporters’ Panel: Growing Conscience's reach

At our second Supporters’ Panel meeting on 4 June, supporters helped explore one simple question: how can Conscience reach more people and make a stronger case for investing in peace?

The discussion produced a range of practical ideas that will help shape our campaigning and communications over the coming months.

Reaching the next generation

One of the strongest themes was the importance of engaging students and young people.

Universities were seen as a natural place to introduce people to Conscience’s work, particularly students studying politics, international relations and peace studies. Rather than trying to reach every university, supporters suggested focusing first on institutions with established peace, political or social justice communities, building relationships through student societies, academic departments, chaplaincies and interfaith groups.

The conversation also highlighted an opportunity to make greater use of supporters themselves. Many people already have local knowledge or university connections that could help Conscience rebuild its presence during Freshers’ Week and develop relationships with students across the country.

Strengthening the peace movement

Supporters also emphasised the importance of working alongside other organisations rather than in isolation.

Conscience has been rebuilding relationships across the peace movement over the past year, and supporters encouraged us to continue developing those partnerships. They saw collaboration not simply as a way of extending our reach, but as an opportunity to strengthen a shared voice for peace.

The forthcoming Conscience and Peace Tax International conference in Brussels was highlighted as another opportunity to deepen international connections and introduce more people to the peace tax movement.

Making the case for peace

The discussion then turned to a question every organisation faces: how do you explain your work to someone who has never heard of it before?

Supporters felt that Conscience’s message should not simply be about opposing war, but about presenting peacebuilding as something that deserves serious public investment.

Several memorable phrases emerged during the discussion:

“Give peace a budget.”

“If you want peace, you have to invest in it.”

“A conflict is a problem to be solved, not a war to be fought.”

Members also reflected on the importance of positive language. Rather than leaving people feeling blamed or defensive, they felt the most effective messages are those that encourage people to imagine practical alternatives.

Looking beyond the price of war

Another recurring theme was that the cost of war cannot be measured purely in pounds and pence.

Supporters spoke about the human consequences of conflict: lives cut short, families separated, communities displaced, environmental damage and the long-lasting impact on both civilians and those who have served in the armed forces.

The discussion also explored how Conscience can do more to highlight the alternatives — demonstrating that investment in diplomacy, conflict prevention and peacebuilding is not simply an idealistic aspiration but a practical and necessary part of creating lasting security.

Looking ahead

Many of the ideas raised during the discussion will now feed into Conscience’s work over the coming months, including plans for renewed university outreach, stronger partnerships across the peace movement and clearer ways of communicating why public investment in peace matters.

We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, experience and ideas. The Supporters’ Panel continues to provide an important space where supporters can help shape the future direction of Conscience’s campaigning.

Our next Supporters' Panel is planned for September, and we'll be sharing more details soon.