Social Network for RSA Fellows

Big Society

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A conversation about how people are interpreting the concept of Big Society and does it need tightening as Matthew Taylor suggests, or might a 'baggy' concept be a strength and help more people get involved?

Members: 189
Latest Activity: May 3

Exploring the idea

There has been *a lot* of discussion on Big Society over the last couple of weeks. An event, a meeting at Downing Street, a rather poorly regarded piece on Newsnight (to view here), Matthew Taylor has been blogging here and here and David Wilcox has been mapping the potential and social reporting here.

What do you think of the potential and the constraints? How does it differ from what many RSA Fellows and Social Innovators are doing already? How could we connect and develop ideas around this?

Discussion Forum

Beyond the Big Society Report 10 Replies

In case you haven't seen the RSA's latest report on Big Society written by the Social Brain team let…Continue

Started by Tessy Britton. Last reply by Jeff Mowatt Jun 12, 2012.

Ad Hoc Enquiries - First Series Starts 3rd April

The first series of the Ad…Continue

Started by Tessy Britton Mar 25, 2012.

Making the Big Society a practical reality

I have spent the past three years trying to develop a website which would actually enable communities to turn what is a great concept, the Big Society into some practical and real action within the…Continue

Started by Paul Ettinger Jan 13, 2012.

Creating capability for young adult leaders in Northern Ireland 2 Replies

I've scribbled a few words about a positive experience of 'bettering society' through voluntary efforts, based on an enjoyable experience in the Share Centre, Co Fermanagh yesterday. It's not…Continue

Started by Denis Stewart. Last reply by Denis Stewart Oct 3, 2011.

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Comment by Rebecca Veazey on September 4, 2012 at 12:33: Hi all,

Here's a bit more food for thought on the Big Society: bit.ly/NJfju9

It might not be quite to everyone's taste, but hopefully it will help stimulate new debate and ideas.

Comment by Graham Gardiner on August 26, 2012 at 13:58

Jeanne Booth and Graham Gardiner- both Fellows of the RSA- would like to invite you to the innaugral meeting of the RSA North of Watford Gap Social Enterprise Network.

This is a great opportunity for RSA Fellows (and non Fellows) interested in social enterprise to get together outside of London!

Come and hear from some of the most exciting social enteprises working in the Midlands (and beyond!)
Network with likeminded people involved in social enterprise
Meet others who can help you with your project and explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership
Discover information and resources that will help you develop your social business
Find out more about the RSA and how to become a Fellow

We have 2 confirmed speakers for the evening:

1. Ermine Street Project CIC is a Community Interest Company created to give those wishing to pursue a future in moving image production a springboard into their career. It is an established social enterprise that is looking to develop new ideas.

2. The Little Society is at the very early stages of moving from idea into reality. A whole system approach to connecting with businesses, community groups and individuals, The Little Society seeks to encourage local connections, local trading and using the skills and talents of a community to ensure that people can be inspired and motivated to link with others in their neighbourhood.

Find out more at http://rsanorthofwatfordgap.eventbrite.com/

We look forward to meeting you on the 18th!!

Jeanne and Graham

Comment by David Floyd on May 9, 2012 at 9:42: Blog post on making the sums add up in the Big Society: http://beanbagsandbullsh1t.com/2012/05/08/making-the-sums-add-up/

Comment by David Floyd on April 26, 2012 at 9:06: Blog post on Henry Hemming's Together and politicians in search of community:

http://beanbagsandbullsh1t.com/2012/04/25/the-quest-for-community/

Comment by David Floyd on January 16, 2012 at 13:39: Blog based thoughts on the RSA's recent Big Society report: http://beanbagsandbullsh1t.com/2012/01/16/complex-analysis/

Comment by David Floyd on October 7, 2011 at 15:01: Some thoughts on Phillip Blond's concerns about lack of progress on Big Society: http://beanbagsandbullsh1t.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/big-society-won...

Comment by Adrian Ashton on August 30, 2011 at 8:02: it was surely only a matter of time... "Big Society - The Musical!" http://bit.ly/qIdqXh

Comment by Adrian Ashton on August 4, 2011 at 7:18: how the Big Society will lead to Anarchy! (but that's a good thing...) http://bit.ly/pDS4Kx

Comment by Adrian Ashton on July 22, 2011 at 9:04: lots of people tweeting about my lastest blog on why the Big Society isn't the Big Society (but something else) http://thirdsectorexpert.blogspot.com/2011/07/when-is-big-society-n...

be interested to know group member's thoughts about if I've struck a chord or started to drift off track...

Comment by David Floyd on June 29, 2011 at 14:26: Thought you might be interested in this interview with Jess Steele of Locality on the community organisers programme: http://t.co/eNdnXIK