MPower: National Programme
Migrant Democracy Project is building migrant power. And that means we need to be in power where decisions about migration are made. We have been training migrant leaders to stand for local council over the last three years, developing their skills and knowledge to stand for office, equipping them to champion migrant rights and the voices of other marginalised communities in our local authorities. Two of our leaders were elected in 2024, and three more have been officially selected to stand in the London 2026 Local Elections.
Our new MPower: National Programme is a political training programme for those actively organising their communities who want to make an impact at the highest level of governance - that is, Parliament.
The rise of far-right, anti-migrant rhetoric, and violence throughout the country is continuing to snowball, and we need political representatives who understand our lived experience, will share positive narratives on migration, and promote progressive policies, instead of pandering to the hate. This programme will help develop a new generation of migrant candidates, ahead of the next general election.
If you have any questions, please contact our Elections and Training Manager at roise@migrantdemos.org.uk.
Who is this Programme For?
Candidates must:
have a lived experience of migration*
be actively organising in their local area
have a strong understanding of the social (and political) context of their local area
be based in England
In agreement with MDP’s Values and Principles Statement
*MDP defines a lived-experience of migration as anyone who has had first-hand involvement or direct experience of migration. This does not exclusively mean first-generation migrants, and applications are open to those who would identify as second or third generation. Priority, however, will be given to those who are first-generation migrants.
Programme Overview
This programme will run from January 2026 - June 2026, with a mix of several in-person residentials and some online webinars taking place.
Sessions will cover a range of topics from narrative and public-speaking, to media-training, campaigning and electoral law.
Our focus is on building the narrative, community organising and campaigning abilities of our leaders, creating a shared space that encourages solidarity, growth and exploration.
Sessions will be facilitated by many groups and individuals in the migrant justice space, and further afield.