Community and voluntary action

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Community and voluntary action can contribute to resilient, thriving, empowered and unique communties.

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. Representatives from the more formal voluntary sector have a wealth of experience, whilst sustainability 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 the UK for example, in some areas it may be Councils for Voluntary Service, in others it may be Volunteer Centres or Rural Community Councils.

Events

Community action projects

• create and develop community resources
• any project which helps grow the community's sense of agency
• Local environmental projects
• partnership working
• alliances and coalitions
• Advocate expenses for volunteers, so that no-one should be out of pocket from volunteering, and it isn't something just for those that can afford it
• Make a gift of your time as a Christmas, birthday or other present to someone (for example some kind of volunteering toward a particular cause they may be passionate about)

Partnerships

Community groups need to feel genuinely and adequately respected and valued within partnerships.

"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

"...if we are to move from charity to justice, helping our community members who are most marginalized to be heard is one of the most effective and enduring things we can do. Let’s restore one of the strengths of our sector, and one of our sacred duties. Let’s mobilize the full power of our community, constantly and unapologetically, in service of justice. We must intellectualize less and organize more. The soul of our sector, and the well-being of our community, depends on it." Nonprofit AF...nonprofitaf.com

From Wikipedia:Local community

A local community has been defined as a group of interacting people living in a common location. The word is often used to refer to a group that is organized around common values and is attributed with social cohesion within a shared geographical location, generally in social units larger than a household. The word can also refer to the national community or global community.

The word "community" is derived from the Old French communité which is derived from the Latin communitas (cum, "with/together" and munus, "gift"), a broad term for fellowship or organized society.

A sense of community refers to people's perception of interconnection and interdependence, shared responsibility, and common goals.

Understanding a community entails having knowledge of community needs and resources, having respect for community members, and involving key community members in programs.

Networks and support organisations or initiatives

• WWOOF, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or Willing Workers on Organic Farms, is a loose network of national organizations that facilitate placement of volunteers on organic farms. While there are WWOOF hosts in 99 countries around the world, no central list or organization encompasses all WWOOF hosts. As there is no single international WWOOF membership, all recognised WWOOF country organizations strive to maintain similar standards, and work together to promote the aims of WWOOF.
• Workaway.info one of three international organizations that enable travelers willing to work as volunteers to contact hosts (who can be individuals, families or groups) wanting help with their projects or activities. Similar to HelpX and Volunteers Base, volunteers or 'workawayers', are expected to contribute a pre-agreed amount of time per day in exchange for lodging and food provided by their host.
• Hippohelp.com is a free map-based platform connecting hosts with travellers from all over the world. The travellers work a few hours per day, in exchange for free food and accommodation. It's possible to login on Hippohelp using Facebook.
• Help Exchange (HelpX)

Micro-volunteering

From Wikipedia:Micro-volunteering

Micro-volunteering describes a volunteer, or team of volunteers, completing small tasks that make up a larger project. These tasks often benefit a research, charitable, or non-governmental organization. It differs from normal volunteerism as the tasks take only minutes to a few hours, and the volunteer does not make a long-term commitment. As a form of virtual volunteering, the tasks are usually distributed and completed online via an internet-connected device, including smartphones. It typically does not require an application process, screening or training period, takes only minutes or a few hours to complete, and does not require an ongoing commitment by the volunteer.

• Help From Home website enabling Micro-volunteering, easy home based volunteering actions

News and comment

See also: Community currencies activism, Community resources, Community safety, Rural sustainability, Sharing, Social inclusion, Urban sustainability

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