Next Wednesday 7th November, over 450 people will be descending on the Marriot Hotel in Bristol for two days of talks, community business visits and networking. The Locality Convention is one of the biggest conferences for the social sector, attracting community activists from all over the country. Power to Change is proudly sponsoring the event for the fourth year running and here’s 7 reasons why we think it’s worth making the time to attend:
- Unlock the power of your community
It can be hard to change the world when the people around you don’t seem to care, or don’t believe in themselves enough to make change happen. That’s why the first session at the convention is all about unlocking the power of community and features the Communities Secretary, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP; Marvin Rees the Mayor of Bristol; Amy Kinnear from Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership; Suzanne Wilson from Lockleaze Trust and Tony Armstrong, Chief Exec of Locality will be chairing.
And on day 2, there’ll be TED-style talks from the Co-Director of Fun Palaces, Stella Duffy; Rebecca Trevalyan from Library of Things; Carolyn Hassan from Knowle West Media Centre; Miriam Dogu from The Circle and David Robinson from Community Worker. Sure to get some fire in your belly.
- Get your head round the localism agenda
To reconnect citizens to economic growth not just in our cities but in all parts of the country, we need a new model of neighbourhood-based economic growth. That’s why Power to Change backed the Localism Commission, led by Locality, to find out how local authorities and communities are working together. Join us in the Localism workshop, the Keep it Local plenary session on Day 1 or how to work with your local authority on day 2 to hear practical examples of how this can work.
- Get business advice
One of the most sustainable ways of making change is through business. Join dedicated sessions on income generation at Convention, whether you’re just starting out or more established, for some fresh inspiration to keep change happening sustainably.
- Win prizes
You’ll also find lots of sector providers, funders, social investors all exhibiting at Convention, including Power to Change and Twine, our business intelligence platform. Many are offering freebies along with advice, and some are offering exciting prizes like food hampers and free trial subscriptions – worth speaking to them when you have a break between workshops.
- Find your tribe and share advice
Being a community activist can be lonely and stressful. Change is never easy. But that’s exactly why you need to be talking to others who’ve been through something similar. 78% of community businesses supported by Power to Change said they value advice and experience from peers. And at Convention, you’re guaranteed to meet people with stories that will help you solve pressing problems.
- Finally crack social impact measurement
You know you’re doing good, addressing needs and helping people. But can you prove it? Often community groups fall down at this hurdle and struggle to demonstrate impact. And if you can’t do that, it’s hard to attract funding and more support. Hear from how BARCA Leeds transformed their approach to measuring impact, understand how your business is performing in real time thanks to Twine (visit the stand in the exhibition hall), and on day two, how to do so for the health and wellbeing impact of your community project.
- Visit inspiring community businesses
One of the great things about the Locality Convention is that half of it happens outside of the venue. You can sign up to do a tour of four Bristol-based community business – including Knowle West Media Centre, Windmill Hill City Farm, Barton Hill Settlement and Wellspring HLC and Trinity Arts – and hear their stories first hand of taking on assets, local impact and unlikely partnerships.
Book your ticket and see the programme for the Locality Convention ’18, 7 and 8 November.
As Power to Change is sponsoring the Locality Convention, we have a special Convention ticket discount code for community business leaders who would like to attend, who aren’t Locality members. If you are interested, please email mattm@www.powertochange.org.uk