nicvanews May 2011

This month's round up

Download a copy of May's nicvanews

So the moment of truth is finally here for our politicians. Elections on 5 May will determine seats in the Assembly, on our local councils and the future of the voting system for Westminster elections. The voluntary and community sector has made the most of the campaigning period by engaging and lobbying candidates regarding the various pressing issues the sector faces.

It was great to see so many of our members represented at our own election event, held here at NICVA, on 7 April. The event, hosted by BBC journalist and presenter William Crawley, was a lively and entertaining opportunity to question representatives from several political parties. This event also provided the ideal opportunity to launch NICVA’s policy manifesto 2011, a copy of which is included with this month’s issue of nicvanews. You can read more about the event on page 1 and comments on the policy manifesto are welcomed on the website at www.nicva.org/policy-manifesto-2011

The two other inserts included with this issue signal further exciting developments for NICVA. Two new projects have been launched – CollaborationNI and the Centre for Economic Empowerment. Both projects have the potential to support and aid development of the sector so please take some time to see what they have to offer. In addition the members’ session leaflet and booking form has been included with this issue as a pull-out section so look out for that!

A range of good news stories have been included this month with several organisations reaching significant milestones – Sector Matters has just celebrated its first full year in operation, Hostelling International Northern Ireland is celebrating its eightieth year, and the Lyric theatre is reopening after major rebuilding works.

Seána McAuley