SUPPOSE for a moment that you wanted to ‘Make Good Society,’ you wanted to ‘Deepen Democracy’ and you wanted to ‘Enable Citizen Engagement.’ How – generally – would you go about creating that change? And – specifically – would you make laws to make change. In other words, When is Legislation the Solution to Society’s Shortcomings?
The Scottish Government has embarked on the journey towards far-reaching legislation on Community Empowerment. We are being consulted on a ‘Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill.’ In the foreword, Minister for Local Government and Planning Derek Mackay, says: “The Scottish Government believes that Scotland’s people are its greatest asset and a rich source of creativity and talent. In future we want to see all Scots having increased opportunities to shape and decide on their own futures.” A laudable aim, I’m sure you’d agree, but how will we – as a society – enable that transformational change?
If we take a ‘whole systems’ approach, we would have to agree that there’s a role for all of us in shaping the society we want. There’s a role for citizens, for the Third Sector, for Local Authorities, Community Planning Partnerships and for the Scottish Parliament.
If a disengaged and disenchanted populace is part of the problem, When is Legislation the Solution?
To help answer such questions, EVOC – supported by the Edinburgh Partnership and the city’s Neighbourhood Partnerships – is running a ThinkSpace event from 2pm-4.30pm (Registration from 1.45pm) in the Business Centre, City Chambers.
We have put together a Programme, which includes inputs from Alasdair McKinlay of Scottish Government and Harriet Eadie of the Edinburgh Compact Partnership, as well as time for you to make your views known.
If you’d like to attend, please register online.
Please take a moment to respond to our online survey – which closes at 12noon on Tuesday 21st August.
Your views – via the survey as well as the views you express on the day will inform the response that EVOC will submit to the Scottish Government on behalf of the city’s Third Sector, and your views will also be taken into account by partner colleagues developing their own responses to the Scottish Government consultation.
We hope to live tweet during the event, using the hashtags #ThinkSpace and #ScotCERB – join the debate in person, online, or both!
Because we’re All part of the Solution!
The Scottish Government has issued a Consultaion Document, including a set of 49 Questions. Personally, I found the Easy-Read version very accessible.
Last November EVOC submitted a pre-consultation input.
The Scottish Community Development Centre has published their thoughts on issues you may wish to consider.
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