For Insurgency: The Case against Partnership
For nearly two decades we have been told that ‘partnership’ is the way forward, bringing us all together in ‘one big happy family’. But is partnership working really a confidence trick, confirming and exploiting unequal power relationships? Here Professor Jonathan Davies of De Montfort University outlines the arguments and trails his recent book which locates the fashion for partnership working right in the heart of the global neo-liberal project.
Demand something different: NCIA planning group notes
How to focus NCIA’s work in the next six months - and make the most of alliances - was up for discussion at the planning group meeting on 17 January at TUC Congress House.
What should activists do in 2012?
Join fellow activists along with NCIA’s Andy Benson and other speakers at the first National Community Activists Conference on 23 February 2012.
Read the latest NCIA newsletter
Read the latest news from the dark side of voluntary action, along with stories of how people are fighting back and what NCIA folks have been doing to make a louder noise about resisting privatisation, hanging on to our principles in turbulent times, and making space for independent action in our communities. Let us know if you have a story for January’s newsletter.
Anti-cuts training from Unite
Calling all Unite members! There is a free training course on 20 – 22 February for activists and youth workers in community groups and voluntary organisations.
Localism and alliances: NCIA planning group notes
Read the notes of our planning group meeting on 21 November 2011 for some tactical thinking about how to respond to the Localism Act and a reflection on who we’re working with and where we want to make stronger links.
NCIA Assembly at the Bank of Ideas: December 13th!
Occupy community groups and public services: a discussion to find a new space for community and voluntary action.
Are you an organisation or a movement?
On 22 November, in his final address to a NAVCA conference, Kevin Curley asserted his belief that the work of infrastructure organisations should not be values neutral. He said: “I was dismayed when Turning Point and Catch 22 – two great national charities – formed a consortium with Serco to build and run two new prisons.
Free webinars on supporting local activists
NatCAN invites you to take part in three webinars on supporting local groups and activists. See this link for more information: http://bit.ly/ruRlL3
Resilience for community groups conference
NCIA is joining others to challenge the ‘big society’ view that we are ‘all in it together’ at a free conference in Manchester on 1 December 2011.



