Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - Services - Community Relations Groups

Contact: Michael Hughes

38a Oldtown Street

Tel: 028 8676 6670

E-Mail: michael@ruralcommunitynetwork.org

Status of organisation:

Number of staff:

Aims and Objectives

A Strategic Aim 1: Empowering the Voice of Rural Communities

Through this aim Rural Community Network seeks to provide rural people with the skills required to engage effectively with decision makers.

Objectives

To advocate on behalf of rural communities.
To actively support rural communities in the development and articulation of their voices.
To actively support rural communities to develop a vision for the future of rural.
To promote/contribute to effective ‘Community Planning’ processes.
To identify priority needs in rural communities.
To increase effective communication on rural community development issues.

Strategic Aim 2: Championing Excellence in Rural Community Development Practice

Underpinning all of Rural Community Network’s programmes and actions is our commitment to excellence in community development practice which acts as an agent for change.

Objectives

To promote learning, sharing and development of rural community development skills and knowledge at local, sub-regional and regional levels and on a European and international basis.
To support the sub-regional Rural Support Networks, statutory and other agencies in their rural community development practice.
To support the rural community development practitioner (paid/unpaid volunteer) in their community development practice.
To encourage and support continuous professional development opportunities in the rural community development field.
To promote and inform national occupational standards in rural community development at UK and ROI level.

Strategic Aim 3: Developing Civic Leadership in Rural Communities

This aim acknowledges the importance of sustaining volunteers in rural community development initiatives especially those most excluded sectors of rural society.

Objectives

To identify, actively support and encourage those most disadvantaged to engage in rural community development activity to address social need, social cohesion, community capacity and social exclusion.
To champion and support the role of the volunteer in rural community development.
To build community capacity to enable communities to identify issues and advocate on behalf of themselves.
To promote and support increased levels of community activity/active citizenship in rural communities.

Strategic Aim 4: Actively Working Towards an Equitable and Peaceful Society

Supporting rural communities in making a contribution towards a ‘A Shared Future’ through community and good relations work.

Objectives

To actively encourage peace and reconciliation work throughout rural communities.
To promote and actively support the ethos of ‘A Shared Future’ within and between communities.
To embed the principles and practices of EDI and ‘A Shared Future’ within all the work of Rural Community Network, the work of the sub-regional Rural Support Networks and that of other organisations.

Strategic Aim 5: Promoting the Sustainable Development of Rural Communities

Supporting rural communities in their exploration of what sustainable development means in a rural context.

Objectives

To explore and promote what sustainable development means for the future of rural communities.
To promote and encourage inclusive service delivery in rural areas, informed by community involvement and accountability.
To develop best practice in participatory governance structures.
To promote and develop good governance in Rural Community Network, the sub-regional Rural Support Networks and other organisations.

Projects and Activities

Policy, Research and Community Consultation

Community Development Education, Training and Learning

Community Group Governance Training and Education

Skills for Solution – Older People’s Community Empowerment Programme

Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Programme

Rural Enablers – Peace III Community Development Peace Building Programme across 12 counties

ISO – Governance Standards across key rural community development infrastructure

Communication and Publicity

Community Development Support and Advice Services Contract Management