Our purpose

We live in turbulent times, with growing deprivation and economic inequality in Britain, while across the world armed conflict and climate breakdown are driving millions from their homes.

Traditional politics has failed to engage with vast numbers of people. Against this background, we have the rise of populism, offering false hope, deliberately targeting vulnerable minorities and stirring division and hatred.

What can we do about this in our corner of the world?

Devon is a big county, hampered by poor transport links that can leave communities isolated. Dangerous ideas are taking root here, just as they are across the country.

Devon United is an initiative set up by Compass members and supporters in Devon. We seek to bring together existing organisations and community groups, both large and small, as well as concerned individuals from across the political spectrum, in order to create a positive message, one that articulates a vision of a better society, to help counter the challenge of regressive populism.

What is Devon United?

Our vision is to engage with the people of Devon – civil society groups, trade unions, student organisations, refugee advocacy groups, Third Sector agencies and others – across the county to:

1. Build community cohesion and inclusion – opposing hate and scapegoating.

2. Celebrate diversity – recognising that everybody has a role to play in our communities.

3. Foster understanding and respect for difference – working to prevent exclusion on the grounds of ethnicity, family origin and background, gender, sexual orientation, age or neurodiversity.

4. Offer workshops/training/practical solutions to those seeking to counter far-right propaganda and lies.

Ultimately we seek to defend and strengthen our democratic institutions, defend the rule of law and fairness based on human rights principles, and work towards establishing a sustainable society for people today and in the future. But we think this work needs to start within our communities, building from the ground up.

Please get in touch to see how we can work together by emailing compassdevonunited@gmail.com