There has been significant emphasis on strengthening and developing the sector—but we fear it has meant shaping us up to deliver government services within a particular market model.
All community organisations have volunteer boards, many of whom learn in that setting about:
- Democratic procedures
- Leadership, strategic and financial management,
- Working together to achieve a united view
- Sharpening focus on community need
- Responding to changes in the community
- Building coalitions across a locality.
THICK democracy is built from the bottom up!
So why Boards?
- Boards have a strategic role in identifying ways forward for their organisations;
- Community Boards are a key dimension of local democracy;
- Community boards represent their membership/community;
- Board members have skills, knowledge and capacity to address challenges;
- Boards have a responsibility as employers to safeguard workers’ conditions;
- A Board voice carries different authority to that of staff or citizen.
Thoughts from some other board members:
“On March 25, 2024, representing the Hedland Buderim Croquet Club, I participated in a workshop facilitated by the Sunshine Coast Coalition of Community Boards on regenerating our community organisations.
I found the workshop to be professionally delivered, and very helpful, both in the thoughts it generated, and in the opportunity it presented to discuss our concerns with other local organisations. I would happily recommend their workshops to any similar organisation wishing to clarify and address issues concerning their own sphere of operation.”
– Sherry Tusler Secretary Headland Buderim Croquet Club –