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Included this week: NICVA invites you to its first ICT conference, launch of a new Women's Policy Forum and an inquiry into ways of dealing with reconciliation.
1. Connecting the Dots
NICVA is hosting its first annual ICT conference on 24 November 2004, from 10.00am to 3.00pm.
Come along and hear how journalists, government and voluntary and community sector professionals are embracing and driving change using ICT.
The conference should appeal to decision makers, communications staff, marketing and information specialists, project managers, trainers and ICT practitioners. The conference is not intended to be a ‘techie’ event and aims to look at the possibilities for IT in your organisation.
Sign up for workshops on effective tendering processes, fundraising and ICT, website accessibility, managing viruses, and a range of other practical sessions. Plus, have your questions answered at the free 'ICT clinic'.
For more information contact Brendan Kane on 
028 9087 7777, 
Brendan.kane@nicva.org or visit the website to view the full programme.
2. Rating Review
The rating system is the only substantial area in which Northern Ireland can raise revenue, since income tax, VAT and other revenue streams are controlled by Westminster. It is important that we create a fair system that raises more money from the rich and protects the poor. Funds raised can be used to pay for an anti-poverty strategy, as recommended by NICVA.
A consultation by the Department of Finance and Personnel on the rating system ends this Friday on 12 November 2004. NICVA broadly welcomes the proposals and has posted a draft response on its website.
If any members wish to propose amendments, please let us know by Thursday 11 November 2004. Organisations that want to draw on the response for their own submissions are welcome to do so. Contact Paul Mc Gill for more information on 028 9087 7777, paul.mcgill@nicva.org .
3. Women’s Policy Forum
Representatives of women’s groups and other interested organisations are invited to the first meeting of the new Women’s Policy Forum at NICVA on 14 December 2004 at 2.30pm. The Women’s Policy Forum is the first in a planned series of issue based forums to support policy development within the voluntary and community sector. NICVA will facilitate and convene a group of representatives from organisations interested in keeping up to date on policy in their specific area of work and debating issues with their peers on a regular basis (possibly quarterly). The forum will also be closely linked with the future development of NICVA’s Policy Manifesto, in which you may have participated in the past.
The Forum hopes to be a fairly informal arrangement and membership is open to anyone who feels they might be able to contribute and/or benefit. However we would be grateful if you could contact us to express your interest in joining. We would also like your suggestions for agenda items.
For more information, please contact Zoë Anderson on 028 9087 7777, zoe.anderson@nicva.org .
If you would like to register for the first meeting, please let us know by Tuesday 30 November 2004.
4. Subsidised training from NICVA
Don’t miss this great opportunity for subsidised training - apply today for the Management Development Programme 2004/05. Successful applicants receive 75% support towards the full cost!
Places on the programme are filling up quickly. If you are interested in applying for one of the courses please send your application form as soon as possible. We need to receive applications by the end of November 2004 in order to allocate places for next year.
Some places are still available on the following courses:
NVQ 3 Supervisory Management , NVQ 4 Management , Human Resource Awareness and Skills , Facilitative Leadership, Modern Leadership, Effective Leadership and Management , Strategic Planning and Approaches to Quality.
Download an application form from the website or contact:
Roisin Kelly or Sandra Bailie on 028 9087 7777, roisin.kelly@nicva.org or sandra.bailie@nicva.org .
5. Pollution and Planning - A Community Conference
The Environmental Law Foundation is hosting a community conference on 2 December 2004 from 2.30pm to 8.00pm at NICVA, Belfast, to assist and support community groups and individuals struggling with environmental problems. This event will help people gain a greater understanding of what can be done through the planning system and the law to address environmental concerns. Environmental experts in law, planning and campaigning will provide advice on issues concerning landfill sites and the land-use planning system.
Speakers include Professor Sharon Turner, Chair of Environmental Law at Queen's University; Lisa Fagan, Campaigner at Friends of the Earth; and Lisa Copeland, Planner at Community Technical Aid.
The organisers hope to encourage a wide range of individuals and community groups to participate in the event, share their expert knowledge, and meet others who are struggling with similar problems.
Participants may choose to attend the whole event or either the afternoon or evening session.
To register for the event, please email ELF at info@elflaw.org , 020 7404 1030 or write to David Whiting, Outreach Co-ordinator, Environmental Law Foundation, Suite 309, 16 Baldwins Gardens, London EC1N 7RJ. Visit the website http://www.elflaw.org/ .
6. Joining Up Development Programme
The Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) invites innovative tenders for the delivery of a modular, capacity building programme targeting 147 participants from local authorities, trade unions, the farming sector, the voluntary and community sector, those dealing with anti-poverty issues, social inclusion and equality, business people and central government departments.
It is anticipated that a number of organisations and/or individuals may come together to submit proposals. ICBAN would particularly encourage consortia whose individual members can input into specific modules where they have that expertise. Social Economy organisations that have a particular interest in the development of capacity building programmes, may be particularly interested in submissions for whole or part of the programme.
To receive a copy of the tender documents or for more information please contact Grainne Irvine, Joining Up Development Co-ordinator on 028 6634 0719, grainne@icban.com .
7. Reconciliation: Ways Of Dealing With Northern Ireland’s Past
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is conducting a new inquiry into possible ways of dealing with Northern Ireland’s past. It proposes to examine the experience of efforts in other jurisdictions to move forward from a history of division and conflict, on a basis as widely acceptable as possible to affected communities and individuals who have suffered from violence.
The Committee may also choose to examine associated issues which arise in the course of the inquiry.
Individuals or organisations with an interest in this matter are invited to submit written evidence. This should be addressed to the Clerk of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, 7 Millbank, House of Commons, London SW1P 3JA and should arrive no later than 10.00am on Friday 3 December 2004.
8. Citizenship for a Shared Future 2005 - applications now open
The Spirit of Enniskillen Trust launched ‘Citizenship for a Shared Future’ for 2005 on 1 November 2004 and is now seeking applications from young people of all backgrounds in Northern Ireland aged between 16 and 19. The Trust particularly wishes to attract individuals with the potential to pass on the learning gained from their seven months participation on this leadership and diversity programme.
As a key-learning element, in July 2005 all sixty successful applicants will travel to overseas projects in the USA and Canada where they will meet with young people from many differing backgrounds, including the contested states of Israel and Palestine and Northern and Southern Cyprus. Through this experience they will explore how these other areas are coping with diversity and conflict, and receive training in the personal skills and confidence needed for effective communication across cultural boundaries. ‘Citizenship for a Shared Future’ is accredited up to NIOCN level three.
On completion, participants are then expected to promote a culture of dialogue and learning throughout their own peer-groupings, wider community, schools and youth organisations in Northern Ireland.
Application forms and information can be downloaded from the website http://www.soetrust.co.uk/ or by contacting SOE at 97 Malone Avenue, Belfast BT9 6HN, 028 9038 1500.
Final closing date for applications for 2005 is 22 December 2004. In order to maintain a critical balance from across the community, the applications from those coming from marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds will be particularly welcomed.
9. Consumer Council Proposals on Water Reform
The General Consumer Council has launched its proposals for the reform of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland in its paper, Water, a Clear Way Forward.
The Council believes that government’s proposals fail to demonstrate value for money for those who can afford to pay, provide protection for those who cannot afford to pay, or encourage consumers to use their water efficiently and that any new way of paying for water should be based on the principles of fairness, affordability and sustainability.
For more information visit the website http://www.gccni.org.uk/ or contact Susie Brown on 028 9067 4807 susie.brown@gccni.org.uk .
10. Belfast Women’s Training Services - expressions of interest sought
bwts is seeking expressions of interest from organisations/individuals around the development of a marketing strategy for the organisation. Proposals should consist of no more than ten A4 pages and include a cost element.
Mark your proposal ‘for the attention of Áine McCabe’ and return to Belfast Women’s Training Services, 114 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HH, ainebwts@yahoo.co.uk by 5.00pm on 19 November 2004.
bwts is also seeking expressions of interest from organisations/individuals to design and develop training materials/resources for some of its current courses.
For more information on bwts and its services contact Áine on 028 9032 3904.
11. Highlights from the Website
'Connecting the Dots'. NICVA's first annual ICT conference. A conference for information workers and decision makers. Reserve your free place.
Study options in Europe. Vocational training opportunities and work partnerships in Europe through the Leonardo da Vinci programme.
12. Make Your Move – new jobs this week
Trusts Fundraiser and Prospects Researcher
£15,225 - £19,092
Integrated Education Fund
Outreach Counsellor
£19,928
Nexus
Human Resources and Training Manager
Attractive salary
USEL
13. Community Diary
Have an event to promote? Enter your upcoming events in NICVA's Online Diary: Just follow this link Click on ‘submit an event’ and enter the details on a simple form. After moderation your event will appear in the diary.
14. Membership
Is your organisation a member of NICVA or do you know of another organisation that would benefit from NICVA membership? Membership is open to all voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland.To find out more about the benefits of NICVA membership, or to obtain a membership pack, please contact Frances McAtamney on 028 9087 7777, frances.mcatamney@nicva.org or visit the website www.nicva.org .
15. Subscribe to the email briefing.
Subscribe by sending a message to nicvalist@nicva.org with subscribe in the subject field. Unsubscribe by sending a message to nicvalist@nicva.org with unsubscribe in the subject field.
16. Feedback
This briefing is sent by email to all our members on a weekly basis. We hope this helps you circulate the information within your organisation where appropriate. Your feedback about this service is very welcome.Please let us know if you change your email address. We do not pass email addresses to anyone else.The information contained in this digest has been provided and collated from numerous accredited sources. NICVA does not take responsibility for any third party content or any of the opinions expressed.Briefing compiled by John McCormick, Information Officer nicvalist@nicva.org
14. Membership
Is your organisation a member of NICVA or do you know of another organisation that would benefit from NICVA membership? Membership is open to all voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland.
To find out more about the benefits of NICVA membership, or to obtain a membership pack, please contact Frances McAtamney on 028 9087 7777, frances.mcatamney@nicva.org or visit the website www.nicva.org .
15. Subscribe to the email briefing.
Subscribe by sending a message to nicvalist@nicva.org with subscribe in the subject field. Unsubscribe by sending a message to nicvalist@nicva.org with unsubscribe in the subject field.
16. Feedback
This briefing is sent by email to all our members on a weekly basis. We hope this helps you circulate the information within your organisation where appropriate. Your feedback about this service is very welcome.
Please let us know if you change your email address. We do not pass email addresses to anyone else.
The information contained in this digest has been provided and collated from numerous accredited sources. NICVA does not take responsibility for any third party content or any of the opinions expressed.
Briefing compiled by John McCormick, Information Officer nicvalist@nicva.org
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