Change is in the air. The ?age of austerity? has brought public service cuts but also a new wave of energy determined to solve society?s problems in new ways.
In the general public this was exemplified by The London Olympics and the 70,000 volunteers involved. These Game Changers showed a spirit of ?mucking in? and a want to be involved in something greater than individual gain. Beyond the Games, the career choices of graduates are changing too: with 51% naming the ability to make a difference as a key factor in their job choice compared to just 4% in 2011.[1]
This energy is not just affecting individuals but is occurring in each sector. For all the focus on traditional investment banking in London, the city is also leading the world on Social Investment -? Social impact Bonds and other devices are being developed to incorporate social as well as financial return to investment portfolios while public spending now has now set social requirements through the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012.[2] In the past years, Social Enterprise in Britain have seen incredible growth in number and effectiveness ? last year saw the top 100 fastest growing enterprises growing on average by 91%.[3] Moreover new funds and grants programme, from the likes of the Lottery and Nesta, appear each month to accelerate this growth. In a world still reeling from economic shock, each sector is mobilising to meet the challenges being faced.
This new wave does not come from nowhere. Pro-social activity has been woven into the fabric of our communities for years ? from religious and PTA groups activities through to local business employing those in need. The key exponent of this is this country long established voluntary sector: from its victorian roots, to the 1919 National Council of Social Service supporting and advising voluntary workers, and on to voluntary sector coordination with Whitehall in the 1960s Wilson administration.[4] Today?s CVSs have often been supporting the community for over 30 years. By working with these organisations, utilising their networks and experience, this new energy can be channeled and make real lasting difference.
Tying all these together is the promise and potential of online technology. Widespread adoption, especially amongst traditionally more hard to reach groups, mean that online solutions not only provide a cost efficient channel but the means of reaching those previously isolated. By using the latest innovations in web development in accompaniment to the experience and networks of CVS, authorities and other organisations, informed and effective pro social activity can take place on a scale never seen before.
This is not a far off future, it is happening today. Ealing Involved marks one of the first of many steps in the empowerment of society to work at a grassroots level to identify and tackle social problems in a coordinated, efficient manner.
Our work at Stickyboard is based around this aim. Whilst developing and iterating our platforms, we are seeking local partners bring similar platforms to every village, town and city in the UK. In doing so the new tools the web provides can be used to channel new energy towards social good, coordinating with efforts across sectors whilst building upon existing establish community focused organisations. Together we can build a stronger community and deliver lasting social change for all.
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Written by Thomas and James Sweetman. Founders of Stickyboard.
For more information visit Ealing Involved or Stickyboard ? Bringing communities together..
[2] Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 Link
[3] Vibrant sector defies downturn with powerful growth,? Social Enterprise Live? (July 2011) Link
[4] A. Finnegan & G. Brewis, The Volunteering England Archive: An Overview and Historical Background (February 2012) Link
Source: http://www.thebigsociety.co.uk/blog/nexters-news-future-communities-deliver-lasting-social-change/
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