1. A Community Development Case Study of Black Activism in the East Midlands

2. Who are we? Shamsher Chohan – former Chair of Community Development Exchange, Director of Community Sector Coalition, founding member of Voice4Change England, former member of the National Compact Working Group Michael Henry – former advisor to the Active Communities Unit (Home Office), Dialogue Facilitator, Social Entrepreneur,

3. Background to Project 2009 recession impact on community organisations Emergence/announcement of Big Society Coalition spending cuts Ageing activists Lack of interest from young people

4. What is (Black) Community Activism? Broadly - efforts to promote and facilitate social, political, economic or environmental change’ Can apply to those that briefly engage to those for whom it is a lifestyle Black activism – undertaken by those that see a need to take action and challenge inequalities based on ethnicity, where ethnic minority communities are discriminated against and disadvantaged due to the colour of their skin

5. Who did we profile? People working to affect change through: Faith organisations Supporting those discriminated against Initiating new projects to meet social needs Supporting vulnerable women Raising the aspirations of young people Campaigns for specific issues Providing support to access employment

6. What were they doing? Helping to get voices heard Engaging people in local issues Creating champions to promote their causes Challenging inequalities Educating and informing Celebrating festivals Providing advocacy and representation Supporting and nurturing talent

7. Links to CD Principles/Values There are five key values that underpin all Community Development practice: Equality and Anti-discrimination Social Justice Collective Action Community Empowerment Working and Learning Together

8. Activism - Methods Discuss examples of the following Protest songs Hacktivism Economic activism

9. Community Profiles? What are the key issues affecting the area Who is visibly active in the area what are they active around Which groups exist (residents associations, community/faith/youth/self help groups) What coverage is there in the local media of campaigns and protests what mechanisms are used to engage local people

10. Contact Communities Inc www.communitiesinc.org.uk 0115 9101469 admin@communitiesinc.org.uk