About this toolkit
This toolkit provides information and guidance for National Education Union (NEU) members who want to get involved in fighting the far right.
The Together Alliance has also produced a more detailed toolkit which includes forms to order materials such as leaflets, stickers and posters.
NEU and the Together Alliance
The challenges we face from racism and the rise of the far right threaten education and the NEU itself. That’s why the NEU has helped found the Together Alliance, which is uniting hundreds of civil society organisations representing over 7 million people in a message of unity and hope. Our first goal is to build a huge national demonstration on the streets of central London on Saturday, 28 March.
NEU bloc on 28 March
There will be an NEU bloc on the 28 March demonstration, where members of our union can march together as one. As soon as the meeting point and time are confirmed, this page will be updated – check back for info.
Mobilisation days
To build for the national demo there are a series of mobilisation days on which the alliance is encouraging as many people as possible to take action – such as a group photo, a stall or a rally. Order free materials for the following days :
- 28 Feb – one month out (sports focus)
- 5 Mar – workplace mobilisation day
- 14 Mar – city centre mobilisation day
- 18 Mar – 10 days to go (reps focus)
- 25 Mar – 3 days to go (music focus)
- 28 Mar – demonstration in London
How you can get involved
First steps
- Book to attend the demo yourself and encourage colleagues to come too. Find out if there are coaches going from your area.
- Contact your NEU district to let them know you’re going and find out how to connect with them on the day and beyond.
Getting active in your workplace
- Order flyers, stickers and posters to put on the NEU noticeboard in your workplace (or download and print yourself).
- Organise a members’ meeting to discuss why we need to be part of Together and attend the demo – use our model PowerPoint presentation.
- Organise a group photo with members on 5 March – the Together workplace mobilisation day.
- Organise a leafleting session at your school/college gates
It can be easier to do these actions if you are an NEU rep. If you are not a rep but would like to be, complete become a rep form.
District officers
- Organise a way for members to attend the national demonstration together. If you can book a coach, make sure you upload this information to Together’s interactive map (see the map and the form to submit coach details here).
- Run a local meeting or reps’ briefing using the model PowerPoint presentation
- Organise a gathering in your local town or city centre for the Together mobilisation day on 14 March.
Why this matters for the NEU
Here are three key reasons the NEU is involved in this work:
- Defending education
The far right poses a grave threat to education. They want to sow division and undermine efforts to make schools and colleges inclusive and welcoming. We can’t let that happen.
- Defending the NEU
The far right wants to dismantle trade unions and has the NEU firmly in its sights – because we stand for equality and a strong voice for workers. We need to stand up to bullies who oppose our movement and the solidarity it demonstrates.
- Activating educators and the wider community
With members in almost every school and college, and thousands of activists, we can mobilise large numbers of educators to attend the march. We can also harness our presence in local communities to unite wider groups of people in actively fighting for inclusion and unity.
Template messages
Here are some template messages you can use to build the mobilisation for 28 March.
WhatsApp messages (copy/paste)
Message 1 – first ask (workplace)
Hi everyone – quick one. The NEU is mobilising for the Together march in London on Saturday, 28 March. The far right is on the rise and we’re standing up for schools and communities where everyone is welcome. We’re going as a workplace. Can I count you in?
Message 2 – follow-up + logistics
Thanks to everyone who’s said yes already. We’re now confirming numbers for transport. If you want to come to London with the NEU on 28 March, please reply YES and I’ll add you to the list.
Message 3 – buddy system
If it’s your first time coming to a demo, you won’t be on your own – we’ll travel together and stick together on the day. Reply if you’d like a buddy.
Message 4 – 10 days to go
10 days to go until the Together march in London (Sat 28 March). This is a big moment for educators to stand against racism and the far right. If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time – reply YES and I’ll send travel details.
Message 5 – final reminder (3 days to go)
Final reminder for Saturday. We’re meeting at [TIME] at [PLACE] to travel together. Bring comfy shoes, water, and something warm. NEU banners/placards will be there.
Email drafts (district + workplace)
Email A – initial mobilisation email
Subject: Together demo, 28 March – educators standing against racism and the far right
Dear colleagues,
The NEU is mobilising for the Together demonstration in London on Saturday, 28 March. The far right is on the rise and is targeting migrants, minorities, trade unions, and public education. As educators and trade unionists, we are standing together for schools and communities where everyone is welcome.
We are organising a workplace group to attend together. Please reply to this email (or speak to your rep) if you can come, so we can confirm numbers and transport.
In solidarity, [Name] NEU Rep
Email B – transport + confirmation
Subject: Together demo, 28 March – confirm your place
Hi everyone,
Thank you to everyone who has already committed to attending the Together march on Saturday, 28 March.
We are now confirming final numbers for transport. If you are coming, please reply with: • Your name • Whether you need accessible travel • Whether you are travelling with us (coach/train)
We will share meeting points and timings as soon as transport is finalised.
Thanks, [Name] NEU Rep
Email C – post-march organising
Subject: Thank you – next steps after the Together march
Dear colleagues,
Thank you for making the Together march such a powerful show of educator solidarity.
The point of turning up together is not just one day in London – it’s about what we build in our workplaces afterwards.
Our NEU group will meet on [DATE] to agree on three practical actions to make our school a place where everyone is welcome. Please come along – especially if you’ve never been to a union meeting before.
What happens after 28 March?
The national demo is just the start. Looking ahead, we need to promote our values within our workplaces and communities and continue to build the strongest local alliances we can. A national strategy is being developed but in the meantime, here are some actions to consider:
- Sign your school up to the Schools of Sanctuary network. Learn about the network, seek agreement with your NEU group and take it to the head.
- Use the NEU equality toolkits to ensure your school is inclusive, welcoming and challenges prejudice and discrimination:
- Anti-racism Framework
- It’s Not OK: Preventing sexism and sexual harassment
- Disability Equality Toolkit - Identify NEU members who want to focus on this work and encourage them to be elected as Union Learning Reps or Equality Reps. There is more information on Learning Reps, and on Equality Reps, which will be available soon.
- Discuss with members in your workplace and local district what other groups you can work with locally to take forward the spirit of the Together alliance.