Initiative at the Edge Conference
Theme: Building on and sharing our valuable experience
Cuspair: A' cur ar n-èolas an gnìomh agus mu sgaoil
The 2007 Conference was held on the islands of Barra and Vatersay, on Tuesday 11th of September, Wednesday 12th September and the Thursday 13th September 07.
The Conference Aims were
- To bring together representatives from all current and previously designated IaaO areas to discuss their progress and ambitions and to share experiences;
To provide a Networking opportunity for area representatives and strengthen communication across the Initiative;
- To provide Community input to the IaaO National Steering Group.
- Above all to help identify ways to enhance volunteering, support and innovate the volunteering effort and to, add value to all the community effort, which, is evident within our designated areas.
Tuesday 11th of September 07
This year’s conference started with a workshop for the Local Development Officers and Community Co-ordinators . The workshop was delivered by Professor Den K Wilson and gave the Local Development Officers and the Western Isles Co-ordinators the opportunity to:
Focus on the vital role of project development and planning.
To explore the value of adopting and adapting an appropriate project management framework and set of skills.
Wednesday 12th of September 07
Began with the registration which took place in Castlebay Hall.
There was a general welcome to the Isle of Barra from Mairi Campbell, and then Hughie Donaldson gave the participants an outline of the conference agenda.
Jessie MacNeil followed on with a discussion regarding the Isle of Barra Volunteering Scene looking at the diversity and value of the volunteer sector across all aspects of the island life in Barra and Vatersay. This took into account the rescue services, culture, crofting, fishing and community development and support.
Margaret Anne Elder discussed Millennium Volunteering Scoltand outlining the current picture and strategies.
Donald Manford welcomed all to the conference from Comhairle nan Eilan Sair and initiated the start of the conference.
Sandra Hogg presented a Charter for Rural Communities which highlighted a key report. Emphasis was on the reports intentions, which is to help influence political debate, encourage orgs to take a longer view and wider perspective and to provide a set of resources for those in rural community development.
Jim Mather :- Due to urgent parliamentary business the Minister could not be on Barra in person. However he had recorded a short DVD and his speech was delivered to the audience in that format. The Minister stressed his commitment to the ethos, ideals and operation of Iomairt aig an Oir. He went on to stress the importance of grass roots development and of the process of identifying barriers clearly. This would allow the Minister to implement change where the barriers were identified.. The Minister wished everyone a successful conference and looked forward to the National Steeering Group meeting in October when he would be able to reinforce his commitment with the Group.
Margaret MacSporran discussed ‘The Arc of Opportunity’ which emphasised the potential that Scottish Communities have. Indicating that the way forward would be to strengthen the Island’s contributions to the country as a whole, to become more innovative and by using the HIE to help unlock the potential available to the Islands.
Hughie Donaldson explained the opportunities available to us all through joint working and indulging on a collaborative process.
Anne MacDonald talked about volunteering, outlining the contents of the H&I Report.
David Jarrold discussed Project Scotland’s view on volunteering sharing their goals, explaining what they need to achieve these goals and describing local challenges when obtaining and retaining volunteers.
An open session for questions answered took place followed by and open mike session, which allowed for anyone to view their opinion and/or to discuss any issues.
The day ended with a dinner and Ceildh dance in Northbay Hall, which, took local culture one step further by introducing live acts. These acts where fantastic and took you back in time giving an insight into the Isle of Barra’s exemplary social capital capabilities.
Thursday 13th of September 07
Participants congregated at Castlebay Hall, two groups were created one for site visits and one for workshops.
Site Visits include a round trip of the island stopping at the following destinations to view and comment on the established or proposed IaaO projects. These included:
Cobhair Bharraidh – Care for the Elderly, Volunteer Board, Employed Staff and Beechgrove Garden
Vatersay – Harbour Project and various other projects
Am Bothan – Northbay Community Initiative, Northbay Port Users and Poly Tunnel Project
Eoligarry – Sandblow Project, Airport Visit
Workshops included:
The Road Ahead – Supporting Volunteers, funding and how to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Service Level Agreements & Forth Sector - Building the skills, developing the criteria, establishing trust, bringing forward quality and enabling groups to build partnerships.
The Re-generation Game – Interactive session allowing for collaborative working to achieve a common objective.
The day ended with a dinner and dance in the Bhatersaidh Hall. The energy and enthusiasm of the people of Vatersay were infectious and the conference was treated to fine examples of local dance steps with the tempo hardly dropping until well into the night.
During the two social gatherings , Northbay and Vatersay , it was evident that the supply of local food was of the highest quality and the hall committees are thanked most profusely by the delegates for their kindness and hospitality.
Moran Taing a`s d`huille duine.
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