Policy fora gearing up for September

By Jonny Currie from NICVA

Published on 12 Aug 2008

The NICVA facilitated policy fora will be back in action again in September. Are you or your organisation interested in trying to influence policy makers? The policy fora aim to enhance the capacity of organisations to make policy responses, coordinate policy information, participate in policy development, and influence decision making.

Chaired by policy experts in each subject, the fora aim to meet 3-4 times a year in NICVA and venues across the country. Membership is open to any organisation or individual with an interest in these topics. You don't need to be a policy "expert" to attend!

Here are the meetings planned for September:

Older people’s policy forum

This forum will meet on Wednesday 3 September in NICVA at 10.30am. Representatives from the Community Transport Association and the Community Safety Unit will be in attendance to brief members on recent policy developments.

Community relations policy forum

Following on from an introductory meeting in May, the next community relations policy forum will take place on Thursday 11 September at 2.30pm in Ballynafeigh Community House, Belfast.

Men’s policy forum

At the next men’s forum on 16 September at 10.30am in NICVA, Evelyn Hoy from the Gender and Sexual Orientation Equality Unit within OFMDFM will be in attendance to hear from those present, and to brief participants on progress being made with the Northern Ireland “Gender Matters” strategy.

Women’s policy forum

Fermanagh Women’s Network will host the next forum meeting on 18 September at 10.30am in Fermanagh House, Enniskillen.

Policy and lobbying forum

The next meeting of this forum will take place on Thursday 2 October from 10.30am – 12.30pm in NICVA. Dr Gareth McGrath the new director of engagement of the Northern Ireland Assembly will be the guest speaker.