Creative Extremists
| Volunteering was top of the agenda at a conference held by VSB on Thursday 23 April 2009 entitled "Creative Extremists - Fighting for the Common Good" The challenge offered to 140 delegates was to liberate themselves from the legacy of a past characterised by fear, violence and withdrawal from civic life; then to build an alternative future in which every individual can and will make their unique personal contribution to the wellbeing of our shared society. Speakers, both local and international included: |
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The Rt Hon David Blunkett MP gave his address on the theme "Think Global, Act Local - mobilising civil society in the face of Global meltdown." He said "Citizenship and an active commitment to making a difference is the glue for all societies which value their own heritage and identity, but rejoice and engage with the contribution and diversity which others bring." |
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Michael Edwards, a distinguished expert in civil society from New York reflected on what civil society means across the world and how we can get there. |
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Belfast Lord Mayor Tom Hartley who, as Belfast's First Citizen, said that he had no hesitation in supporting organisations such as VSB in ensuring that volunteering is recognised as a key asset for civil society and that this will be reflected in policy and appropriate support frameworks. |
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Social Development Minister Margaret Ritichie who announced an increase of £130,000 on the ammount provided for CVS Small Grants providing a total of £330,000 which will enable local voluntary and community groups to recruit new volunteers while supporting existing ones. |
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Harriet Eadie, Director of Volunteer Centre Edinburgh, the lead body for volunteering in the city. She has been heavily involved with the development of volunteering strategy both nationally and locally, including a secondment with the Scottish Government to develop the first proportionate funding formula for the Volunteer Centre Network. She took the lead with the council as the strategic partner on developing Inspiring Volunteering, the first community planning volunteer strategy for Edinburgh and speaks of the Edinburgh model.
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Wendy Osborne, Director of the Volunteer Development Agency spoke of the importance and contribution that volunteers make. She said that it was vital that we all get a little more passionate about volunteering and challenged volunteers, voluntary organisations, politicians, local authorities and employers to make some practical volunteering commitments. Transcript: Wendy Osborne's speech Wendy also introduced two projects, Loughview Community Action Partnership based in North Belfast and Ripple based in Ballinderry, Co Tyrone. Volunteers shared their experiences. |
