Community revolution entrusted to Locality
The issue that has, by far and away, put the national gossips in a tizzy has been the award of the £15M community organisers contract to Locality, the pseudo-business quango formed by the merger of Bassac and the Development Trust Association. Expected by all (including Locality) to go to the Citizens Organising Foundation (which at least does community organising), the decision has caused the sector’s blogs to glow red hot.
March newsletter: whose side are you on?
So spring approaches, bringing with it killer cuts and growing popular opposition. We think it’s time to take sides. Read the latest newsletter for some inspiring stories of direct action, critical analysis and to find out who’s already come off the fence in the world of voluntary and community action…
March on the 26th: placards and conviviality zones
NCIA urges eveyone who wants to protect the welfare state and close the gap between haves and have nots to make your way to London this Saturday. There’s some sensible advice about how to get there, at what time, and what to bring (food, water, waterproofs) on the march for the alternative website. Read on for NCIA’s demo rules, to download a DIY NCIA placard and some conviviality zone shenanigans…
Cake or death? A comment on the cuts, ‘big society’ and community sector ‘cognitive dissonance’
‘Big society’ is a bust, local authorities have problems of their own and economic recovery is unlikely any time soon, writes Andrew Climo, CEO of Community Leaders. His advice for people who work in the community sector? Question partnerships with the statutory sector, only do projects with profound community benefits, lobby for what your community needs and act collectively with anyone who shares your values, be they local businesses or community groups.
