Green Paper on Giving

Added on Tue 15th Feb 2011 by Admin (Web designer)

VASA has been asked to contribute to a focus group to respond to the Government’s Green Paper on ‘Giving’.

Extract from the introduction:

This paper focuses on the vital ingredient of social action – specifically, how we can increase levels of giving and mutual support in our society and catalyse a culture shift that makes social action a social norm. It sets out our initial thinking, and the ideas of others, but its primary purpose is to kick-start a debate which will feed into a White Paper on giving that we intend to publish in spring 2011.

Our work on social action sits alongside, and will be reinforced by, the other reforms we are pursuing to make the Big Society a reality. So, for example, the Localism.Bill, which empowers communities, will encourage social action by giving people the power to really change things in their local area. Public.service.reform will allow for more local involvement in shaping services, and will make it easier for charities and social enterprises to become involved in delivery.

What.we.want.to.achieve

If, collectively, we take up the challenge we can catalyse a culture shift towards a more giving society:

• Where individuals and communities are empowered to act together to make a positive difference to their own lives and those of others; one where people help people, and social action is seen as the norm.
• Where giving – of money, assets, time, skills, knowledge, and energy – is simple, flexible, high impact, and properly recognised and celebrated.
• That brings vital extra resources to charities, community groups, and social enterprises; and effectively matches the creativity and skills of its citizens with the organisations and communities that need them.
• That involves the whole of society – government, the private sector, social sector, communities, families, and individuals; and engages the young from the outset.

If you would like your views taken forward to the focus group, please contact Julia Phillips ((JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) before 22nd February.