The CIU's Annual Conference 2011
Since 2006, the Community Involvement Unit has hosted an annual conference at Durning Hall for voluntary groups in east London allowing dissemination of information, practical workshops and opportunities for networking. This year's conference, the CIU's fifth event, took place on 27 September.
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. Funding is scarce and what is available is far more competitive, whilst local council support has been shrunk dramatically. At the same time, the impact of increased unemployment and cuts in services means there is greater demand for the assistance that groups provide to local communities
Voluntary and community sectors may well have years of experience in adapting to the changing environment we work in, but that still means we need to continually understand and respond to the threats and opportunities we face. Otherwise, we risk losing our identity - the basic values that make us completely different from either commercial organisations or local authorities.
Speakers at this year's conference included:
Steve Clare, Director of Campaigns at Locality
Josie Soutar from Sheffield
Alcohol Advisory Service
Andy Benson from NCIA.
Conference Workshops
- Mutual aid: an introduction to voluntary sector partnerships and greater cooperation
- Managing for independence - exploring more democratic and effective management models
- Volunteers as real assets - how do we recruit, support and develop our volunteers?
- Becoming sustainable organisations - an insight into better fundraising
DOWNLOAD CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Copies of the following presentations are now available to download:
Kevin Blowe - Surviving Hard Times With Integrity
Josie Soutar - Where is the Voice of the Community?
Jennifer Anderson - Volunteers as Real Assets