Community Enterprises (Social Enterprise, Co-Ops, CIC’s, etc are a way of tackling things like worklessness, cohesion, local needs, etc but need customers. What could be done to encourage local councils to contract with such groups or organisations to deliver services (e.g. grass cutting, recycling, buildings maintainance) which generate income and deliver public services
Support social enterprise (locally) and society profits (locally). See http://www.buyse.co.uk
ORGANISE PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR NEEDS/IDEAS/ CONTRIBUTIONS INTO ‘CITY CIRCLES’; EDUCATION, HOUSING, CRIME ETC. THESE WOULD MEET MONTHLY TO ARTICULATE THIER CONCERNS AND IDEAS BEFORE APPROACHING POLICY/DECISION MAKERS WHOM THEY WILL HOLD TO ACCOUNT IN PRIVATE AND IN A PUBLIC MEETING.
THE PROCESS AND OUTCOME WILL BE FILMED FOR TRAINING PURPOSES
How can communities be strengthened? Shared spaces, networks, resources are important. But so are language, motivations, and a strong momentum for action
Energy and relationships are vital to the community sector. How can these be encouraged and supported, and are they understood? Community is different from the voluntary sector. And each community group is different from the next. They need to be supported as a unique sector, as well as unique organisations.
Ecomodo.com is a online website that simply enables people to confidently lend and borrow everyday objects, skills and spaces with other’s in the neighbourhood. People can choose to lend for free, for a fee or for charity.
Ecomodo.com can help to get the things you need sourced directly from your neighbourhood at a low or no cost – as well as enable your group to lend and fundraise for your project.
More information on how to join in: http://www.ecomodo.com/pages/info_getInvolved.aspx
More information on how Ecomodo can help communities groups & social enterprises: http://www.ecomodo.com/pages/info_otherCauses.aspx
Problem: Groups need help to have their voice heard, through a range of media
Solution: Community reporters can tell stories and train others to do the same
Needs: reporters, training
Money is tight, so can we find other ways to trade?
Solution: look for ideas such as Freecycle and Timebank that could be applied locally
Needs: research and organiser
opportunity: community groups can gain ideas and support from others. May need to look outside local neighbourhood.
Solution: organise visits to link groups through networks of community activists, support peer to peer mentoring. Make use of existing services that have been underutilised.
Needs: local and regional organising
Opportunity: To set a debating society whereby we pick an issues
Solution: The ability to make them understand what government policy is all about
Needs: Resources