“Global policy… local circumstances”

Road fuel costs, the Change Maker and Shared Island funding, succession planning and the importance of policy for community and voluntary organisations were just four issues discussed at last week’s cross-border networking meeting in Rural Community Network which was hosted by Kate Clifford and Anthony Soares.

“Global policy doesn’t always take account of the local circumstances” was one of the quotes at the event.

With so many factors affecting cross-border, north-south, east-west and all-island cooperation and collaboration, there are challenging factors to be considered in sustaining partnership projects.

Networking with other community voluntary organisations is one of the best ways to build alliances, and make their voices heard.

Volunteers’ capacity, approaches to formal and informal planning processes, and activities to support the green agenda were also discussed by the attendees who represented groups in Armagh, Ballymena, Cookstown, Derry, Donegal, Dublin, Hilltown and Sligo.

To get involved in the cross-border debate and discussion – and to find out about training and funding streams – email Mark McClatchey at projects@crossborder.ie