Coop councils resource: YPFN legacy and the way ahead?

This is a thorough and really useful overview and insight into how cooperative principles and organisational models are gaining ground and encouraging a rethink in how the public are true stakeholders in public services.

 

Perhaps a small part of the YPFN legacy has been to contribute to this movement and demonstrate practically how local communities can be supported honourably by the voluntary and community sector and by local authority staff to take ownership and leadership in shaping things to do and places to go for young people where they live.

 

The full press release and other exciting details are here: http://www.councils.coop/2013/01/16/co-operative-councils-set-out-policy-agenda/

 

Developing community organisations

This blog reflects on helping develop community organisations, especially Youth Mutuals in Lambeth in London and Delves Lane, Durham. It sets the wider commissioning, policy and economic backdrop and ends with some key learning points drawn out from John Thurlbeck about what has helped make things work in Durham. There is a link to the draft Youth Mutual constitution. 

John highlights key success factors behind the Delves Lane community partnership in Durham,

developing a Youth Mutual called Circle Crew for Change. These included:

§  (se ncluded below at highlightsourhoods activity adn no standing still adn s Lane in Durham to reflect upon the reasons for theThe value of key internal leadership

§  The presence and involvement of young people from the very first

§  The engagement of committed partners, including the local authority

§  The engagement with the wider community

§  Business planning owned by a core partnership

§  Developing and then holding onto the vision

§  Maintaining perspective in turbulent internal and external environments.

 

 

 

A model constitution

This document outlines the agreed constitution for a new youth mutual known as Circle Crew for Change Limited. It is a community benefit society solely for young people aged 13 - 25 years, based in Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham.The mutual has a majority membership on the Management Committee of young people and young adults. It was developed through support from local young people, staff of Groundwork North East and FPM, and local key stakeholders, as part of the DfE's Young People Friendly Neighbourhoods national pilot.