While turnout in elections falls and membership of political parties declines, other forms of participation are thriving.  As the British public become more involved in social campaigning and consumer activism the voices grow louder asking how and if political parties are relevant to contemporary society.

Serving a Cause, Serving a Community lays down a challenge for the British left: to harness the energy and enthusiasm for progressive politics now increasingly expressed through social rather than political activism.  Its authors argue that political parties must open themselves up, engaging with social activists and others, and reforming their structures to fit with modern lifestyles.