Tell it as it is……

There is a time for everything and for everyone to get their experiences heard. This is especially true for victims and survivors of “the troubles” within Northern Ireland.

Through the NE PEACE lll Cluster Victims Development Programme Community Change is offering people the opportunity to hear about the following two projects that could

assist them Tell it as it is and has been for them.

Healing Through Remembering

who offer opportunities to have conversations and discussions on issues related to the conflict in and about Northern Ireland

and

Towards Understanding and Healing

who are funded to offer opportunities for people to share their stories in a safe environment using either storytelling or focused conversations.

The events will be held on

Tuesday 16^th February 2010

in Highways Hotel, Larne

and

Tuesday 23^rd February 2010

in Radisson Roe Hotel, Limavady

Both events will run from 5.30 pm (finger buffet) - 7.30 pm (approx)

To register for either of these events please contact:

Áine on 028 9023 2587 or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

There is no charge for these events.

NICVA is currently calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to agree to develop a White Paper on the relationship between government and voluntary and community organisations and to begin a deliberative process on what this might mean.

The Bill of Rights process is now well under way. For more in depth information refer to Community Change March Newssheet.

In tough times it is good to know that there are new and innovative events happening on the horizon no matter how far away that can seem.  As such it is worth noting that Barack Obama has recently announced that he will create and give funding to a new Office of Social Innovation in the USA. In addition there has also been a European move by President Barroso exploring links in innovation and Social Goals for the European Parliament. 

The Government at Westminster has to make reports to the EU about the different things it is doing to carry out the various EU conventions.

In April 2009 it is due to report on the convention for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This convention covers a wide of topics, areas of work including: traveller site allocations, racial discrimination, equal pay, representation of women in public life, unemployment, inequalities in access to healthcare and many more.

Rural Community Network and the Community Relations will be holding events to explore aspects of division in communities.

The events will be held on the following dates from 6.30pm to 8.30pm commencing with buffet on arrival:

• 20th October - Belmont Hotel, Banbridge
• 21st October - Silver Birch Hotel, Omagh
• 22nd October - City Hotel, Derry
• 26th October - Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena

The events will provide an opportunity for members of the community to comment on a draft document which has been produced by the Institute of Conflict Research.  Particular focus will also be given to how this exists in rural areas, where this is less well explored and defined.  This is likely to include townlands, extremely localised physical features, or tension that impacts on people’s behaviour and social patterns. 

To book your place, contact Bebhinn McKinley on 028 8676 6670 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Many of the Local Action Groups, the delivery groups responsible for rolling out the funding within the Rural Development Programme, have opened or are soon to open access to funding under the current programme. (Axis 3)

Community and Voluntary organisation working in the designated areas can apply, where their work is relevant to the programme.  Details of the programme can be found at the website http://www.dardni.gov.uk,  RDP Local Area Groups are also likely to host a number of information sessions for anyone interested in the programme so watch your local press and community newssheets and bulletins  for details of those.

Calls for applications under Peace III funding are currently being sought in various council areas and from various funding organisations. To keep up to date with the calls and provide details and information of those go to:

• http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/peace_iii_programme_2007-2013
• http://www.seupb.org

NCVO (National Council Voluntary Organisations) are putting together some case study material on how voluntary and community sector organisations are dealing with the recession. Would you be willing to share your experiences?

NCVO have also recently published Civil Society: a framework for action document. The report sets out a clear vision for the central role that civil society will play, and working with our partners identifies the key issues which need to be at the heart of our work for the next 10 years. Further details can be found on their website.

Three new capacity building booklets on: Action Planning, Strategic Planning and Management Committee Roles and Responsibilities are now available on request to Community Change, there will be a charge of £3.00 for the set to cover postage & packaging. 

The Community Capacity Building Manual produced by VCU can also be obtained from the Community Change Office - A copy can be collected.  If you would like to download a copy please click here.