London Citizens, established thirteen years ago, is a strong grassroots charity, whose main purpose is to “unlock the power of civil society.” It is the largest alliance of community organisations in London, working for the people, aiming for social, economic and environmental justice, with its campaigns. The membership today stretches to over one hundred and twenty civil society organisations across the city. South London Citizens is the second London Citizens organisation to be created, in 2004, after East London's TELCO.
One of the greatest successes of South London Citizens is their involvement in the 'Fourth Debate.' In May 2010, South London Citizens joined with London Citizens UK leaders from across the country, in Westminster, for the 'Fourth Election Debate,' the only one not seen on the television. Gordon Brown, Nick Clegg and David Cameron all incorporated London Citizen proposals in their party manifesto's, and agreed to work alongside them, meeting Citizens UK annually and attending two Citizens Assemblies during their term of office. Unfortunately, Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, was unable to attend this Annual Meeting but sent a message declaring his support.
Other successes include the City Safe Campaign, which saw the creation of the first City Safe Youth Academy, and the first City Safe Zones, located in Greenwich and Lewisham.
In the ten years since TELCO launched the Living Wage Campaign, £50million has gone to the poor workers of London. Two years ago, South London Citizens persuaded Tate Modern and Tate Britain to become Living Wage Employers. Recently Goldsmiths University has been awarded the title of the first Living Wage Campus, paying all workers and contractors the Living Wage rates.
The Sanctuary Campaign also saw successes, with promises to prevent 'Cowboy' legislation and a final refurbishment of the Lunar House in Croydon, for those queueing for administration aid, to provide them with shelter, warmth and comfort while they wait.
London Citizens is known for its ability to bring together members of various communities from different faiths and diverse backgrounds, all working for the greater good of the people, who feel neglected by the politicians. Today, South London Citizens is working with around 50 diverse institutions in the boroughs of Wandsworth, Lambeth, Croydon, Southwark, Lewisham, and Greenwich. On the night, Sarfraz, spokesperson for South London Citizens, commented: “The Prophet [Mohammed] tells us not to think too little of anything that we can give to our neighbours. Even someone who is not rich can share some food in the neighbourhoods where poverty is common”. Clearly common ground glues this community of communities together.