The NCIA ‘Transition Roadshow’

Sheffield, Durham, Brighton…

 

After New Labour co-option and Coalition cuts, we now have to deal with 5 years of majority Conservative Government. What does this mean for social justice, equality, vulnerable people and communities, and what does it mean for independent voluntary action faced with these pressures? How will voluntary services survive and continue to do the work they think is needed? Where next for campaigning and community action? What alliances can be forged to defend services and the communities they serve?

The NCIA ‘Transition Roadshow’ is about to start. The first three are happening in Sheffield, Durham and Brighton, each organised by a local host in collaboration with NCIA.

These meetings aim to reflect on the accumulated thinking from NCIA over the last few years, in particular what has emerged from reports such as ’Here We Stand’, (an Inquiry into Local Activism and Dissent) and ’Fight or Fright’ (an Inquiry into the Future of Voluntary Services). These set out the changes that have occurred in the landscape of voluntary services, community groups, and activism including campaign groups and trade unions. We want to create opportunities to take stock, review what independent community action is happening and talk together about what needs to happen next, including locally after the event.

Sheffield: ‘Independence, Voice, Voluntary services, Activism: What next where you are?’

Thursday 2nd July 2015 (1pm – 5pm). Quaker Meeting House, 10 St James Street, Sheffield S1 2EW

Book your place here: Lesley.pollard@chilypep.org.uk

Lesley Pollard is collaborating with NCIA to organise the Sheffield event, if you have any practical questions about the event, or for more information, please email Lesley.  

 

Durham: ‘Protecting democracy: Independent community action in North East England’

Thursday 16th July 2015 (10 am to 4.00 pm). Alington House Community Centre, 4 North Bailey, Durham, DH1 3ET

Book your place here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NCIA16072015

Sue Robson is collaborating with NCIA to organise the North East event, if you have any practical questions about the event, or for more information, please emailsue@suerobson.co.uk

Brighton: ‘Independent Action in Brighton and beyond: Building the links between activism, community groups, voluntary services and trade unions’

Thursday 23rd July (6.30pm for start at 7pm – 10pm). Hanover Community Centre, Southover Street, Brighton BN2

Book your place here: mike@independentaction.net

Mike Aiken is collaborating with NCIA to organise this event, for more information or if you have any questions, please email Mike.

Each of these events will be organised slightly differently to reflect local needs but each will include: small group discussions, local speakers, NCIA national speakers (including Penny Waterhouse and Andy Benson, founding members of NCIA), time to brainstorm actions for the future, and convivial time to share and network.

Who should come?

You may be an individual, volunteer, worker, manager, or activist involved in independent community or voluntary action, in campaigning or advocacy, informal political action, ‘below the radar’ work or providing services as a voluntary organistion.

Given the Tory election victory it is now more important than ever that we take stock of the future we face and plan our responses. Please do come to one of our meetings!