The Gate is Open…

“The future of every community lies in capturing the passion, imagination, and resources of its people.” Ernesto Sirolli The need for identity, belonging and community can override the desire for freedom and autonomy. There is a degree of comfort in Hobbes’ model. (see earlier blog Hobbes’ Principles – not a Hobson’s Choice) We human beings […]

Real Empowerment cannot be Cherry Picked

“One of the marvellous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.” Jean […]

Hobbes’ Principles – Not a Hobson’s Choice…

The Route Map for Community Participation in the Recovery Phase paper was prepared and launched in the latter part of 2020 and has been well received and circulated. I am keen that it really reaches decision makers which can provoke some real discussion around how this approach can be realised. It is widely agreed and […]

Finding a Road to Recovery

Alice: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” The Cheshire Cat: “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.“ Alice: “I don’t much care where.” The Cheshire Cat: “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.” Unlike Alice I believe many of us do care […]

Be Prepared to do things Differently – Route Map for Community Participation in the Recovery Phase

I am just getting back to my blog after literally forcing myself to take some time off. The jury is still out as to whether my own enforced downing of tools has been helpful. I might be able to unplug my gadgets but unfortunately the old grey matter does not have an ‘off’ switch. This […]

Route Map for Community Participation in the Recovery Phase – Collaboration and Don’t Kill the Golden Goose

It is becoming increasingly apparent as I continue to explore the next steps of the Route Map for Community Participation in the Recovery Phase, that the intention will be to continue on a road already identified prior to COVID19. The Local Governance Review and The Community Empowerment Act (2015) have already paved a way through […]