It’s a big decision for me to take time out of the day to attend something like the Labour Conference. Having Power to Change’s support to attend and immerse myself in worlds that, though different, directly influence our work felt incredibly valuable. Not just to observe policy discussions, but to think about how we, as community leaders, can use those insights to shape change in our communities.
Seeing how power is exercised and represented at a national level reminded me of the importance of making sure community voices are heard and influential, and of the role we can play in bridging the gap between policy and the people it’s meant to serve.
Reflections and takeaways
I walked for miles! I loved the different venues that were used along the waterfront of Liverpool and having the opportunity to experience some of these buildings. At the same time looking out from the bubble of conference, it was striking how separate the wider city and the people that live there can seem.
It is different to what you see on the news. The opportunity to really listen to the priorities and reflections of cabinet ministers for an hour, to hear the depth, breadth and care they bring to their roles was reassuring. It was a good reminder that the clickbait news cycle captures only a snapshot of everything happening in government.
Walking past the campaigners and activists outside the main conference area was challenging, thought provoking and a very visible reflection of some of the deep frustration and anger people are feeling. At one point I did stop and really listened to each one – whether I agreed with their campaign or not – it struck me how important it is that people continue to find their voice about the things that affect them, and they want to change, and that this energy and right should be cherished.
Seeing our work in the national conversation
Hearing research, policy discussions, and debates that strongly echoed the kind of change we’re driving at Nudge Community Builders was both reassuring and energising. There was a clear and genuine passion among several MPs for grassroots, community-led, place-based change, including Alison McGovern MP, the new Local Government and Homelessness Minister, and Emily Darlington MP for Milton Keynes Central. Both spoke with real determination about the need to provide housing that genuinely meets people’s needs and provides the diversity of homes that support ‘successful places’.
Pride in place was clearly something that many MPs were passionate about, which was great to see and hear. As well as reflections on the Pride in Place Strategy announcement, I heard the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill referred to as ‘a floor not a ceiling’ to the ambitions for community-led change.
These steps forward in the legislative and policy space, reminded me that community organisations also need to share learning and show leadership. We need to have the confidence to influence and adapt, and be creative within the frameworks that are being created.
However, as someone running a community organisation, I was struck by the scale of the worlds that circle around government. There is of course the weighty presence of the corporate lobbying industry. This world could not be further away from communities, or community business – the conference’s “business day” alone carried a hefty £5,000 price tag.
In comparison, the energy, thought and research different think tanks and policy people in the not-for profit sector are undertaking, to influence and shape policy agendas is astounding. It was encouraging to see, and we try to support this work where we can.
But even so, I found the obvious cost and the luxury of resource and time difficult to reconcile as a grassroots community organisation that right now does not have the essential costs to keep going in a few months’ time, while also grappling with increasing demand. Sadly, this has become normal and exhausting, a direct result of the lack of sustainable support for communities like ours that are tackling the most complex empty buildings and local challenges.
Being a part of the change we want to see
It’s right that the government has made local pride and renewal a key part of their national story, and has made the direct link with widespread discontent in communities across the country. After tensions have been running high in my own community, it was good to hear the Prime Minister calling out racism – there is a need for us to develop a shared language about hope, collective responsibility and possibilities, and it felt like that started to happen.
I left feeling a renewed sense of responsibility to be part of the change we want to see. I’ve always managed upwards and I suppose this is no different. I hope policymakers and influencers continue to watch closely as these policies and funding streams reach communities. I hope the values and commitments to put communities in the lead are realised in ways that are resilient for the long term. Being brave around governance, land ownership, power, and how investment works will be key.
What stuck with me
Finally, there were a few random comments that really stuck with me. I’m keeping them in my notebook and I thought I’d share:
“Fighting for opportunity is a radical act”.
“Curiosity is a duty of leadership”.
“Cheekiness is at the heart of working class social enterprises”.
“Have you ever heard of anyone middle class referred to as a fixer?”
