ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a research project that explored the broad-based community organising group Citizens United Kingdom (UK). It explores the history of Citizens UK before focusing on a particular local Citizens UK alliance. The chapter examines members of Citizens UK’s experiences of being a part of the organisation and their appraisals of the model of organising. It also explores the challenges of two core ideological themes: remaining apolitical and image management of Citizens UK. Across participants there was recognition that it is important for Citizens UK to remain independent and non-party-political in their work in order to be able to work with a range of power holders with different values and beliefs. Language use is of interest as Citizens UK describes themselves as a leadership development organisation and not a campaigning organisation. The chapter explains many issues that face Citizens UK and its future, including membership and engagement; and ideology, politics, and adaptability.
