Localism in action? Not unless we challenge commissioning and targets
Despite talk about a ‘big society’, two new case studies show that small community organisations are still expected to comply with over-complex tendering processes and evaluation systems that fail to value their local knowledge and independence.
Campaign for Real Community Development and Independent Action
These days everyone wants their own merry band of community organisers, but if you want to connect with others in the world of real community development and independent action rather than the latest corporate initiative or ‘big society’ nonsense, come along to the meeting and workshops on Monday 28 March 2011, 9.00 am – 1.00 pm at Directory of Social Change, 24 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2DP. Email matt@communitysectorcoalition.org.uk for more information and to book a place. Click here to download the flyer.
Brave new speak: NCIA’s critical vocabulary of voluntary action
NCIA folk have noticed that the world of voluntary action has been bombarded by new language that is manipulative and misleading (‘big society’ anyone?). So we’re on a mission to rescue the words and phrases that have been sucked into corporate public relations campaigns and set them free them in our Brave new speak wiki, lovingly created by Adrian Barritt from Adur Voluntary Action.
Launch of Campaign for Community Development
NCIA is supporting a new campaign to re-establish community development as a challenging process for people to address their needs and fulfil their aspirations. Come to the launch event at Reading International Solidarity Centre on 7 March 2011, 10am – 3pm. Click here to book now.
Privatising our common wealth: what it means for charities and community groups
Read the summary of our new paper on privatisation, including the related topics of cuts, localism and the ‘big society’. This is just the start of setting out our views. Please let us know what you think and help us spark a proper debate about cuts, commissioning, competition and how to protect independent action in our local areas.
Unlawful opportunity?
So equality isn’t just a wonder word – it has a legal meaning that the courts are willing to uphold. NCIA member Kevin Blowe reports on a court win for Roma Support Group that has made London Councils re-run the process for deciding about funding cuts because they didn’t do equality impact assessments. Read more on Kevin’s blog.
New NCIA leaflet
Our new NCIA leaflet sets out why it’s important now, more than ever, to unite in independent voluntary and community action. Please email info@independentaction.net if you’d like some copies to give out at events.
