100 likes | 233 Views
Reclaiming the third sector. Another sector is possible Talk by Matthew Scott (Community Sector Coalition) Roots & Branches Conference 3 rd July 2009. The Sankofa Bird. Looking back to move forward. The Crisis, the Opportunity, the Fundamentals. Subcontractors or something else?
E N D
Reclaiming the third sector Another sector is possible Talk by Matthew Scott (Community Sector Coalition) Roots & Branches Conference 3rd July 2009
The Sankofa Bird Looking back to move forward
The Crisis, the Opportunity, the Fundamentals • Subcontractors or something else? • Government through community • Agency – we have the solutions • Reflection & Action (collective) • Leadership & management • Dialogue and questions • Past; Present; Future
Who’s doing what to whom and why? • We are involved in ‘ideas’ either passively reproducing them or thinking and acting critically to transform social structures and relations of power • A belief in human agency - the genius of local people to change the world
History, Her Story, and the three legged stool Story of independent collective action The State c.f. everyday lives Neo Liberalism, Third Way Modernisation & Civil Society Central / local State, Market, Community (LSP) Below the radar
Society is… Partnership is … • A three legged stool
Has the Voluntary Sector lost the plot? Pt 1 • Growing inequalities within the sector • Incongruent, predatory, co-opted • The assumption of Deficit (CCB) • The depoliticisation of community development • Contracts – fit for whose purpose? • Reconnect with activism and the base • Principled compromise and taking a position
Has the Voluntary Sector lost the plot? Pt 2 • Social Enterprise and Enterprising communities • Community Empowerment as New Deal for Local Authorities • Efficiencies and Cohesion • A means to an end • Service Delivery and the democratic deficit • The recession came early…
Community Sector Coalition • Since 1994 – collective action, policy change, programmes of research • Members with a national community focus • Vision – to be active in local democracy • Mission – authoritative independent voice • www.communitysectorcoalition.org.uk • Email: matt@communitysectorcoalition.org.uk • Tel: 020 7336 9461