Kingston Community Development Network Terms of Reference

Definition of Community Development: 

Community Development is about building active and sustainable communities based on social justice and mutual respect. It is about changing power structures to remove the barriers that prevent people from participating in the issues that affect their lives. Community Development workers support individuals, groups and organisations in this process. (Community Development Xchange (CDX))  

Membership: 

Kingston Community Development Network membership is open to all those working towards the principles of community development with communities in Kingston. This includes paid or unpaid development workers, volunteers, managers and planners. Membership is drawn from both the voluntary and statutory sectors in Kingston.  

Aims: 

Kingston Community Development Network is a local network, which seeks: 

  • To provide a supportive environment where members can share knowledge and ideas.

 

  • To provide opportunities for external speakers to present on topics of mutual interest.

 

  • To enable a shared voice on topics (proactively developed by the group or reactively) and to feed this shared voice into other appropriate networks or organisations.

 

  • To provide opportunities for individuals working in similar areas to meet and discuss issues of mutual interest to support change or improved operations.

 

  • Convene working groups around specific issues and initiatives.

 

  • Identify and seek to meet training needs to better equip members to work effectively to the principles of Community Development.

 

  • Seek alliances on policy issues and funding bids where partnership with appropriate statutory and mainstream organisations will further our aims and objectives.

Frequency of Meetings: 

Network meetings will be held quarterly.  

Roles and Responsibilities 

  • Members should demonstrate their commitment to the network by participating in network meetings/activities and communications. 
  •  Kingston Voluntary Action coordinates the network but there should be a shared responsibility for chairing and hosting network meetings.

Review: 

Network activities shall be reviewed annually to allow for reflective practice.