Meghan O’Neill: A Trailblazer in Climate Activism and Community Organising
Meghan O’Neill is a distinguished organiser, strategist, and activist whose work has had a significant impact across climate justice, refugee support, and housing rights in the UK. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, Meghan has dedicated over 15 years to working with NGOs and non-profits, driven by a deep-rooted passion to achieve systemic change through grassroots mobilisation and strategic campaigning. Her inspiring journey embodies the powerful role of organised action in confronting some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time.
The Inspiring Journey of Meghan O’Neill
Meghan O’Neill’s activism is more than a career; it is a lifelong commitment. Guided by the words of Alice Walker — “Activism is my rent for living on this planet” — she has devoted herself to creating meaningful change by building community power and advancing justice on multiple fronts.
Over the years, Meghan’s experience has spanned a variety of roles that showcase her versatility and leadership in the non-profit sector. From grassroots organising to senior management, she has honed her expertise in campaign strategy and community mobilisation, all with the goal of driving systemic change. Her work is notable for its emphasis on collaboration, empowerment, and inclusivity, especially within climate activism and social justice arenas.
Head of Movement Building at The Climate Coalition
Since June 2024, Meghan has held the pivotal role of Head of Movement Building at The Climate Coalition, a major UK alliance comprising over 140 organisations united in their fight for urgent climate and nature action. The Climate Coalition brings together a broad spectrum of groups — from community activists to national charities — to mobilise public support and influence policy for a sustainable future.
In her role, Meghan leads efforts to develop and strengthen grassroots networks, empowering communities across the UK to take effective, collective action. Her strategic vision focuses on creating inclusive spaces for participation, particularly for underrepresented groups, ensuring that climate activism resonates widely and achieves lasting impact.
Meghan’s leadership in movement building is crucial in a time when climate change demands not only policy reform but a deep cultural shift in how societies relate to the environment. Through workshops, campaigns, and strategic partnerships, she helps galvanise people to become active agents of change.
Championing Courageous Conversations with The Week
Before joining The Climate Coalition, Meghan was the UK Activation Lead for The Week — a dynamic initiative designed to facilitate courageous conversations around the climate crisis. The Week offers a structured experience where friends, family, and colleagues meet over three sessions to watch short films and engage in guided discussions that unpack the realities of climate change while fostering hope and collective resolve.
Meghan’s work with The Week involved rolling out this initiative across the UK in diverse contexts such as homes, workplaces, campuses, and faith communities. By adapting the programme for different audiences, she ensured that the message of climate urgency reached a broad cross-section of society and inspired local action.
This role exemplified Meghan’s skill in activating communities and creating spaces where difficult but necessary conversations can lead to greater awareness and mobilisation. Her leadership helped people face the climate crisis not with despair, but with courage and optimism.
Tackling the Housing Crisis with Shelter Scotland
From 2020 to 2023, Meghan served as Senior Community Organiser at Shelter Scotland, a leading charity dedicated to addressing the UK’s housing emergency. In this capacity, she worked closely with individuals and communities in Glasgow affected by housing instability, supporting them to organise and campaign around the issues that impacted their lives most.
Her responsibilities extended beyond local organising to national strategic leadership, where she designed and implemented organising models for community activists in multiple cities including Dundee, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh. Meghan’s approach combined traditional grassroots techniques — such as conversation cafes, door knocking, and one-to-one relationship building — with innovative digital strategies adapted for the COVID-19 pandemic era.
A key achievement during her tenure was coordinating a coalition campaign to respond to unsuitable asylum accommodation in Glasgow, centring the voices of those directly affected. Meghan’s work here highlights her commitment to social justice and her ability to unite diverse groups behind a common cause.
Advocacy and Engagement at Oxfam
Meghan’s rich background also includes nearly six years at Oxfam, one of the world’s most renowned humanitarian organisations. During her time there, she worked as a Campaigns and Engagement Officer, focusing on mobilising public support for poverty alleviation and social justice initiatives.
Her roles at Oxfam involved organising campaigns that raised awareness and pressured policymakers on issues such as global inequality, climate justice, and refugee rights. This experience deepened Meghan’s understanding of international advocacy and the importance of linking local action to global movements.
Leadership Experience at the British Red Cross
Early in her career, Meghan contributed significantly to the British Red Cross, where she held leadership positions including Senior Team Leader and Fundraising Manager. These roles involved coordinating volunteer teams, managing fundraising campaigns, and engaging communities in humanitarian efforts.
Her tenure at the British Red Cross laid a foundation of leadership skills and a compassionate approach to community service, which have informed her later activism and organising work.
Education and Personal Development
Committed to continuous learning and leadership development, Meghan completed a certificate of completion in “Leadership, Organising and Action: Leading Change” at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School in 2021. This educational experience equipped her with cutting-edge skills in strategic leadership, campaign design, and coalition building — all vital tools in her activist toolkit.
The knowledge gained at Harvard complements Meghan’s extensive practical experience, enabling her to approach challenges with both academic insight and grassroots pragmatism.
The Core Values Driving Meghan O’Neill’s Activism
Throughout her career, Meghan has been guided by a set of core values that shape her approach to activism and organising:
Hope and Optimism
Despite the scale of the crises she confronts, Meghan maintains an unwavering belief in the power of collective action. She sees hope as a catalyst for change, inspiring communities to engage rather than despair.
Inclusivity and Empowerment
Meghan is passionate about creating spaces where everyone’s voice matters, particularly those traditionally marginalised. Her organising efforts prioritise empowerment and leadership development within communities.
Systems Change
Rather than isolated fixes, Meghan focuses on transforming the underlying systems that produce injustice and environmental degradation. Her campaigns aim to shift power dynamics and policy frameworks.
Collaboration
Recognising that no one can solve these challenges alone, Meghan excels at bringing together diverse organisations and stakeholders to build united fronts for change.
Conclusion: A Leading Voice for Climate and Social Justice
Meghan O’Neill’s career embodies the best of what modern activism can offer — a strategic, compassionate, and inclusive approach to some of the most urgent challenges facing society today. Through her leadership roles at The Climate Coalition, The Week, Shelter Scotland, Oxfam, and the British Red Cross, she has built a legacy of movement building, community empowerment, and systemic change.
Her education from Harvard Kennedy School further reinforces her capabilities to design effective campaigns that inspire action at every level. As the climate crisis intensifies and social inequalities persist, activists like Meghan O’Neill stand at the forefront, showing us that organised hope and courageous conversations can indeed transform the world.
Meghan’s story is a powerful reminder that activism is not only a responsibility but a source of optimism and collective strength — essential qualities for anyone committed to building a just and sustainable future.
