Community and voluntary action

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"We are social creatures, our behaviours are shaped and constrained by social norms and expectations. Negotiating change is best pursued at the level of groups and communities. Social support is particularly vital in breaking habits, and in devising new social norms and more sustainable patterns of consumption. Government can play a vital role in nurturing and supporting community based social change." Professor Tim Jackson, University of Surrey

Action Ideas

 * Local environmental projects
 * Green gyms
 * partnership working
 * alliances and coalitions
 * WWOOF - see international links

Why it matters
(UK context) Community and voluntary action for sustainability has common and overlapping interest with the wider community and voluntary sector. Both have an interest in the capacity and well-being of the sector as a whole - the extent to which community and voluntary action, especially at the local level, can thrive. Both can be allies within partnerships, such as Local Strategic Partnerships. Representatives form the more formal voluntary sector have a wealth of experience, whilst sustainabilty brings a unifying vision. At the local level, in different areas different kinds of agencies may be the most natural allies, or potential allies, to local action for sustainability. In some areas it may be Councils for Voluntary Service, in others it may be Volunteer Bureau or Rural Community Councils. Local Agenda 21 groups and Sustainability Forums concerned with a Stakeholder appraoch to local action will want to be aware of the full range of comunity and voluntary groups in their area. Related Topics: Sustainability networks, Community involvement

International Links

 * International WWOOF Association - World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

UK links

 * National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
 * askNCVO
 * National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service (NACVS)
 * Volunteering England
 * VolResource Independent portal site
 * Charity Commission for England and Wales
 * Active Community Unit Information from the Home Office (government department)