bassac ~ supporting people sustaining communitiesMaking representation work for everyone
Toby Blume of Urban Forum led the session with staff from Barton Hill Settlement.
Three key issues
- Need to be small ‘p’ politically aware in order to secure funding locally
- There are tensions for community organisations between delivering services and being a strategic player
- Dangers of being linked to a political stance and therefore maintain independence
- Community anchors and single issue groups – how can bassac/community anchors help single issue organisations?
Key development point
Promote ethical campaigning – so anchors to use their information/research – as a route to avoid partisan issues. Campaign on the issues and as a result raise profile and expert voice on an issue.
"Very interesting session, made me think 'Is representation about a politics with a big p or small p?'."
Janice Dix, community development manager, BARCA-Leeds