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In April 2023, Clare Sanderson ran the London Marathon and has so far raised over £1500 in donations for the Jo Cox Foundation. A music and drama teacher at BBG Academy in Birkenshaw, a school in Jo Cox’s constituency of Batley and Spen, this is her story of training, fundraising, and how she stayed motivated.

Campaigning for respectful politics is a key part of our work to make change on the issues that Jo Cox was passionate about. Jo was renowned for her ability to forge cross-party relationships and to work collaboratively with those of opposing political views. At the Jo Cox Foundation, we seek to end the abuse and intimation that discourages so many from entering political life and particularly impacts diverse representation. 

As the elections on 4 May (England) and 18 May (Northern Ireland) draw closer, the Jo Cox Foundation and Compassion in Politics are urging candidates to commit to running a respectful election campaign and positively shape political discourse by taking the Civility Pledge.

The Jo Cox Civility Commission, launched today (Tuesday 28 February 2023) by The Jo Cox Foundation, seeks to drive change in British democracy by working to find implementable solutions to make life safer for political representatives and candidates for office.

In the last seven years, two MPs have been murdered in their constituency and many more elected politicians have faced physical assaults and threats. 

This Commission has been established by The Jo Cox Foundation to raise awareness of the detrimental impact on individuals, democracy and society, of the current levels of abuse and intimidation in political life. 

Inspired by our More in Common Awards, held in partnership with Kirklees Council, the Volunteering Spotlight focuses on a smaller number of groups contributing positively throughout Kirklees.

One of the main challenges community groups face is a need for awareness of their activities, leading to overlooked services and missed chances to volunteer. We want to put volunteer organisations and clubs into the spotlight - raising their profile and encouraging more people to participate and volunteer, enabling an opportunity to learn, develop, and share skills.

The groups explored here embody the More in Common spirit and work to bring people together. From combating social isolation to providing welcoming spaces, we talked to 6 volunteer groups about how they work with their communities.

Small charities doing vital work to support local communities are facing untenable challenges because of the cost of living crisis. Because of increasing costs, workforce challenges and significant rises in demand from beneficiaries, almost half of those we surveyed are fighting for survival. Urgent government intervention is required to ensure they can keep supporting their communities. 

A statement from The Jo Cox Foundation:

Today marks one year since the murder of Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West. The thoughts of the Jo Cox Foundation team are very much with his family, loved ones, and colleagues on this tragic anniversary.

It reminds us of the appalling fact that two MPs were murdered in the space of six years. The intimidation and violence we see against elected representatives must never be viewed as an inevitable part of our politics. It is a serious problem that is harming our democracy, and concentrated effort is needed to find solutions.

Sir David’s family, like Jo’s, wanted some good to come from this tragedy. We must all reflect on and take inspiration from their moving words last year:

"We ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all. This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness."

Since 2021, Meta has partnered with the Connection Coalition to provide small grants to members who want to test ideas and ways to build connections and community through the pandemic and beyond.

Our Stronger Communities Officer Ella describes her Kickstart experience and the importance of an understanding workplace.

This World Humanitarian Day we want to celebrate the life of Jo Cox, a lifelong humanitarian, and champion some of the amazing work that has happened in her name around the world through the Jo Cox Memorial Grants.