The importance and value of skills and learning for community engagement

1. The importance and value of skills and learning for community engagement Roberta Downes Community Learning and Literacies Co-ordinator Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

2. Community Engagement – what is it ? • ‘The process of involving communities in the planning, development and management of services.’ (Communities Scotland) • Key principles of effective engagement include, • Commitment • Outcome orientated • Appropriate level • Learning lessons • Support • Reaching out • Sustainability • (The Local Govt in Scotland Act 2003. Community Planning: Advice Note 5) Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

3. Community Engagement – another perspective (learning from others) Tamarack (Institute for Community Engagement, Canada) seeks out and encourages committed citizens to build communities that are caring, prosperous and healthy. CE – citizens from different sectors of a community joining together taking leadership, to address issues that affect them all. http://tamarackcommunity.ca Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

4. Community Engagement – the implications • For Individuals, for Communities • and for Partners • Knowledge • Skills • Understanding Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

5. A continuous cycle of learning Building on assets Learning from change Developing new skills Increasing understanding Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

6. Why is it important ? Participation and involvement Voice Opportunity Empowerment Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

7. The value Strengths – individuals, communities, organisations Respect and understanding A vibrant and dynamic environment Enhancing potential A Learning Community Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

8. A Learning Community A group of people, linked by geography or some other shared interest, addressing the learning needs of its members through collaboration and proactive partnership. Social cohesion, community capacity building, regeneration, social and cultural development. Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

9. GCVS – ‘the now’ Community Planning Community Health and Care Partnerships Organisational and network development and support Community Learning and Development Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

10. GCVS – ‘the future’ Voluntary and community sectors Partnerships Leadership and support Long-term commitment and sustainability Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice

11. Contact details Roberta Downes Community Learning and Literacies Co-ordinator Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector roberta.downes@gcvs.org.uk 0141 332 2444 Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support Advice