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 Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support AdviceGlasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector

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) Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support AdviceGlasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector

3. Community Engagement – another perspective (learning from others) Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support AdviceGlasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector 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

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

5. A continuous cycle of learning Building on assets Learning from change Developing new skills Increasing understanding Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support AdviceGlasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Vision Plan ActReflect Learn Investigate

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

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

8. Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support AdviceGlasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector 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.

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

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

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 Expertise Advocacy Policy Training Support AdviceGlasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector