National Conference for Refugee Community Organisations: Sustainability and Survival

Venue: Camden Centre, Judd Street, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9JE
Date: 11th June 2010

The first ever Basis Project national conference: Sustainability and Survival presents Refugee Community Organisations (RCOs) with an opportunity to share their experiences with funders, second tier organisations and statutory agencies.

Funders, second tier organisations and statutory agencies will gain an increased understanding of the role RCOs play in helping asylum seekers and refugees integrate and contribute to the UK.
 
The conference offers a platform to celebrate the achievements of the refugee sector, explore and reflect on its role and consider its future sustainability.

The Basis Project is a partnership project led by Refugee Council and Refugee Action, funded by the Big Lottery Fund. As well as providing one-to-one organisational development support to RCOs across England, we work closely with funders and other mainstream bodies to increase their understanding of RCOs.

This conference will facilitate:

– An information exchange between RCOs and those who support them

– Discussions between RCOs for more in-depth exchange of experiences, knowledge and skills as well as the opportunity for RCOs to foster partnerships and networks between regions and other organisations

– Discussion about the needs of RCOs within UK policy and decision-making processes

Key Speakers:

– Sanjay Dighé, Big Lottery Fund (BIG) England chair
– Liz Atkins, the Director of Public Policy for the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
– David Ndiwanyu, the CEO, founder of The NILE African Development Organisation in Bradford
Who should attend?
– Refugee Community Organisations
– Second tier organisations
– Local authorities
– Academic institutions – with refugee studies faculties
– Migrant and refugee think tanks
– Press organisations
– Funders

Workshops:

Developing an effective Refugee Community Organisation – led by Evelyn Oldfield Unit
Exploring the various ways in which RCOs can develop their organisations. RCOs will have the opportunity to contribute ideas on how they feel they can be best supported by infrastructure support organisations.

Plugging the gaps – led by Praxis
An opportunity to learn more about the role played by RCOs in the integration of refugees and asylum seekers and the services they provide.

Key aspects of effective RCO involvement – led by The Asian Health Agency (TAHA)
How you can engage with RCOs and reach their communities. This workshop is also a chance for RCOs to give their views about the challenges of sustaining their community organisations.

RCOs and environmental issues – led by Climate Outreach Information Network (COIN)
How RCOs can partner with other agencies to reach their communities so that they do not get left behind in saving the planet.

Social enterprise and a guide to commissioning – led by the Development Trusts Association (DTA)
A chance for RCOs to learn how they can diversify their income and how they can be independent and sustainable.

RCOs understanding the funder’s perspective – led by Lloyds TSB
The challenges funders face when dealing with funding applications from RCOs and the funding successes they have had with RCOs,

For more information and to book a place (before 11th May 2010):
Tel: 020 7346 1297
Email: alain.munyangabe@refugeecouncil.org.uk

Post: The Basis Project
240-250 Ferndale Road
London SW9 8BB