Welcome to May/June 09 Engage

Experience is sometimes undervalued in our ‘now’ society.

Changes in technology and a turbulent economy might lead to the idea that we are living in unique times but as Shelley said “History is a cyclic poem written by Time upon the memories of man.”

In this issue we celebrate NCVO’s 90^th year of service to civil society.

Stuart Etherington, our distinguished Chief Executive, took the time talks to us about his 15 years at the helm, the state of civil society in the UK and his vision for the future. His experience, and passion for history mean that Stuart can never be accused of being fixated by the short-term.

Sadly this isn’t always true of political support for charities. Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, laments the prevalence of short term thinking when it comes to voluntary sector funding and project planning.

Being ‘in it for the long haul’ is vital when you are trying to change society (especially if the mainstream doesn’t agree with you). We take a look at some of the campaigns that have been fought and won by voluntary organisations over the last 90 years and talk to some of the organisations that are still fighting for a fairer world.

The Britain that these campaigns have helped to build is much more accepting and much more diverse than the nation WWI soldiers returned to. We look at diversity in the workplace and rather than examining the moral justification for celebrating differences, we look at the business case. Failing to take diversity seriously can leave your organisation hopelessly out of touch with the rest of society.

Looking back over the last 90 years it’s amazing how often we find ourselves reliving the battles of the past. NCVO looks forward to the next 90 years of giving voice and support to civil society in Britain and around the world.

To find out more about the latest issue of Engage click here

Welcome to March/April 09 Engage

This is the time of year when, after a long hard winter, we hope to see the first signs of spring.

Similarly, with the economy, although the recession has barely started, we are already looking for the first ‘green shoots’ of recovery.

In uncertain times, securing public sector contracts might seem like a way to guarantee income as other funding streams, like the general public or corporate sponsorship, look shaky, but many charity leaders are worried about how this might affect their ability to fight for those they support.

In this issue we look at their concerns and give some advice on maintaining campaigning independence.

Like those hardly plants that seem to cling to life in the most hostile conditions, the drive to build a civil society thrives as soon as it is given the slightest chance.

Out of the rubble of Iraq, trade unionism is taking root and helping ordinary working Iraqis to think politically as they work for a better society.

Of course, deciding what makes a better society can depend on your individual outlook. Hanne Stinson, chief executive of the British Humanists Association, for example, believes that the new guidance on public benefit and religion is skewed in favour of faith groups and against secular organisations.

Any gardener will tell you that you need to respect the seasons and that winter is just as important as the summer for the health of the garden.

As painful as it might seem, the economic winter is an opportunity to take stock, slim down and reevaluate our goals and methods.

Here at NCVO, as we celebrate 90 years of supporting civil society, we know that the economy will recover and flourish again but also that we need to keep our nerve and remember those that we exist to give you support.

Read more about Engage and read a free article about trade unionism in Iraq

Welcome to Be Engaged

Hello

My name is Maurice Mcleod and I’m the editor of NCVO’s new membership publication, Engage magazine.

NCVO is the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, which gives voice and support to England’s voluntary and community sector and has over 6000 member organisations.

I will be using this blog to let you know about the new publication and getting your views on how we’re doing.

Engage magazine will build on the successes of the much loved VS magazine, which has brought you news, views, analysis and information from the voluntary and community sector since July 2005.

The magazine will be bi-monthly and will support our member organisations by telling your stories, sharing your learning, advising on best practice, providing expert opinion and guidance and letting you know about the tools that will help you do your job.

I’m also going to be writing about all aspects of civil society, from the grassroots to Government, communities to the Compact, funding to finance.

This blog will serve as a place for our readers to comment on issues raised in the magazine, as well as in the blog. Engage intends to live up to its name so please feel free to share your thoughts.

I look forward to getting to know you.

Maurice Mcleod

Editor, Engage magazine

Get in touch

Engage site