The aim of this section is to provide fresh and different perspectives that might create further discussion about the role and possibilities for Community Councils. The discussion is hosted on the Scottish Community Councillors Development Network Knowledge Hub group, KHub. It is free and easy to join. Register at http://www.khub.net. If you have ideas for thought pieces or would like to submit your own, please email lynn.sharp@improvementservice.org.uk . All submissions are subject to review and edit. Here are a few examples:
People in the lead – Big Lottery Fund and community councils
Andrew Lindsay, Policy and Public Affairs Advisor at Big Lottery Fund Scotland, highlights the organisation’s new funding approaches and how they can support community councils.
Bill Fraser, Chair of Pollokshields Community Council, highlights the projects that are being undertaken in Pollokshields which are widening community engagement and creating a stronger sense of place.
Where are all the disabled politicians?
Phyl Meyer, Project Manager at Inclusion Scotland, asks why there are so few disabled politicians and what can be done to improve disabled people’s access to politics?
Meet your neighbour at The Big Lunch
Emily Watts explains how The Big Lunch can make a difference for your community and how important it is to get to know the people you live next to.
Community landownership: Scotland’s growing movement
Linsay Chalmers, Development Manager at Community Land Scotland, enthuses about the great landownership opportunities available in Scotland’s communities.
A message from Minister Marco Biagi MSP
Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment, Marco Biagi MSP, introduces the redesigned Community Councils website and the wide-ranging work that Scottish Government is doing to enhance and support community empowerment across Scotland.
Carpe Diem
Colin Mair, Chief Executive of the Improvement Service, says it is time for community councils to seize the day and take advantage of the Community Empowerment Act 2015.
Community Councils: participation pioneers engaging young people in the democratic process
Louise Macdonald OBE, Chief Executive of Young Scot, celebrates young people’s growing enthusiasm for and participation in Scotland’s democratic process, and highlights the need for including younger members in the democratic process at community level.