The In Defence of Youth Work campaign has published ‘This is Youth Work’, a collection of case studies about youth work practice, as part of its attempts to highlight key characteristics of the work that are being undermined. The report says that youth work should be ‘founded on a voluntary engagement with young people in … Continue reading
Read the notes from NCIA planning group meeting on 6 September to find out who’s linking with what campaigns and to get an update on NCIA work. The next meeting is Monday 21st November at TUC Congress House, London.… Continue reading
A new panel is looking at voluntary sector independence. NCIA co-ordinators Rachael McGill and Melaina Barnes hope it revises its methods to avoid being sucked into the ‘big society’ marketing campaign.
NCIA has sent a response to the Baring Foundation’s voluntary sector Independence Panel consultation report.
We welcome the aim of the panel ‘to … Continue reading
As analysis of the riots replaces knee-jerk condemnation of young people, Bernard Davies reflects on NCIA’s research about voluntary sector youth work.
Four case studies show how local organisations are striving to continue community-based youth work despite pressure to deliver the latest policy initiative or be subservient to contractors.
The case studies show how government … Continue reading
Is your organisation managing to stay independent and true to the purpose it was set up for? NCIA challenges you to find out.
These are difficult times for the voluntary sector. NCIA is getting more and more reports from people who are uncomfortable about changes to working methods and management styles which make their workplace … Continue reading
NCIA needs your input for a new project on resourcing voluntary action. In the face of cuts, inappropriate government policies and increased competition how do people find the resources to keep going with activities that help us enjoy each others’ company and join in activities – whether simple conviviality, leisure, solidarity and assistance, personal or … Continue reading
Read the latest NCIA news of heroism, opposition and good solid thinking about the role of voluntary and community action in our world (plus some gossip, inside info and random interests)…
If you have a story for the next newsletter, please email Andy Benson at andy@independentaction.net… Continue reading
Come along to the Aston-Mansfield conference on Tuesday 27 September if you want to hear NCIA folks and others get to grips with the urgent need for independent action.
Times are undoubtedly tough. Voluntary groups and community organisations are facing the most severe threat to the long-term sustainability of independent voluntary action in recent memory. … Continue reading
Adur Voluntary Action has opted out of bids for the transforming local infrastructure fund. Adrian Barritt explains the practical and philosophical concerns that led to the decision
To me, infrastructure used to mean something military, or the foundations of a building – until I studied social science. Then I learned that … Continue reading
Sarah Lamb, trustee of Adur Voluntary Action and a lifelong volunteer, explains why the Transforming Local Infrastructure scheme won’t work
The beauty of the voluntary sector has been, and still is in many instances, precisely the fact that the solutions it finds, the ways it relates to the people it serves and the people it … Continue reading
