What’s this Conversations for Change thing all about?
Conversations for Change is a programme starting in Birmingham in February 2011 which is all about bringing together people who want to see change in their communities. Whether you are frustrated that things don’t change fast enough or if you and people in your community feel left out, we can help you to change that. It doesn’t matter if you’ve done projects in the community before or if you haven’t – it’s your passion that makes the difference!
So, who’s going to be there?
There will be a mixture of young people, other people who are passionate about the community and community workers from your area. We’ve run this project all across England and having this mix of people is the best way to break down barriers and find new ways to work together.
Is this just another talking shop?
We know how frustrated people get with speaking and never being heard so this isn’t the place for people who want hot air and no action! By the end of the programme all participants will be supported to develop the projects that they want to do in the community. We look at how to remove some of the obstacles to getting what we want, at how to work with people that are different from us, how to deal with anger and conflict, and how to plan and deliver an effective project in the community even if you don’t have much money. We’ll do some work in pairs and some as groups, and we’ll make sure that everyone feels comfortable to be involved. We’ll be working hard a lot of the time but we’ll be having lots of fun too.
How much is this going to cost?
The course is free, as are all the course paperwork that you’ll get along the way. If you’re looking for money for your project at the end of the project we’ll give you information on where to get funds and introduce you to people who can help you to get those funds.
Paperwork? Is there going to be lots of writing?
No, there’s not much writing and there are definitely no exams! The paperwork that we give out is to give you information to remind you about what we cover on the course. The only other paperwork we have is a short feedback form so we know what you think of the programme.
What about homework?
We’ll ask you to think about the topics that we discuss between sessions and you might also want to speak to friends and family about it but there’s no written homework. When you start thinking about a project you might want to run you could also work on that in your spare time – it’s all about your passion!
Will this help me get a job?
This course isn’t aimed at specifically helping people into work, but it will definitely give you great skills to understand and network with different kinds of people and to plan projects. Everyone who completes the course gets a certificate, and for participants aged 16-25 we can also provide a testimonial to show what you have contributed and achieved which could help you when job-hunting.
So, who’s running this course?
The course has been developed and is run by Tutu Foundation UK, a charity set up to continue the inspiring work of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah. Archbishop Tutu was a major figure in bringing down the apartheid regime in South Africa and chaired the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The principles of Tutu Foundation UK and of the Conversations for Change programme follow the principles of this work in building positive connections between people from different backgrounds. All our trainers have a great deal of experience in working with different communities and are all experienced in delivering this programme.
What do you know about my community?
We’re fortunate that we have a partnership with Birmingham Settlement, an organisation that has been working with communities in Birmingham for over 100 years and which has a great track record of innovative work across the city. You probably heard about this project because of Birmingham Settlement’s engagement with your community.
How long does this course last?
It runs for six hours a day over three days (that’s one day a week over three weeks) and then the final session comes 4-6 weeks later and last four hours. We provide lunch, drinks and snacks and can pay reasonable travel expenses to get to the venue.
Why is the fourth day so long after the others?
That’s because it gives you time to think about the project that you want to run and how you might run it, and maybe get other people in the community interested and involved. That way, when we all get together for the final session our team will be able to give you the best advice on how to make your project a reality.
So, what community projects have people who have done this course actually done?
We’ve had loads of projects develop because of Conversations for Change.
Some of these projects are:
• An community website developed in Cramlington in the North East of England.
• Dance classes successfully bringing young people from different communities together in London and Preston.
• A community peace day in Hackney in London that got support from Arsenal football club and whose young organisers got nominated for peace awards and met the Mayor of London.
• Some of the participants of Conversations for Change in Tower Hamlets in London got together to form a timebank, something that they hadn’t been able to do individually. Timebanks are local community networks run by volunteers, through which people exchange their skills instead of paying for the things that they need.
• Two participants in Ashington - one excluded from school and one disabled – thought they had nothing in common when they started the course. They then worked together to bring people in their community together to understand what it can feel like to be excluded as a disabled or young person. The disabled participant then set up a disability forum in the area and the young woman who was excluded from school went into training to be a nursery nurse.
• A youth group in Oldham was trying to reach out to other communities, and when people from the council heard about what they were doing on the course, they gave them support to promote their work.
So where and when is it going to take place?
Aston, Bordesley and Tyburn
Who do I contact to sign up or find out more?
Please contact Chris Hyland at Birmingham Settlement on 0121-250-3010 or at
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