Minister Kennedy calls for authentic partnership with sector at UUP party conference.

In his address to the UUP Annual Conference Employment and Learning Minister Danny Kennedy spoke of the role voluntary and community organisations play as ‘valued partners’ in  addressing disadvantage and educational under attainment.

Once again the voluntary and community sector was well represented at the conference and NICVA hosted the only fringe event on the conference programme. The Smart Solutions in Tough Times seminar was attended by many of the candidates in the upcoming elections as well as party leader Tom Elliot MLA, Minister Kennedy, Roy Beggs MLA and John McCallister MLA.   NICVA Chief Executive Seamus McAleavey outlined the role voluntary and community organisations can play in offering effective solutions to our most pressing social problems. He also spoke about the role the voluntary and community sector plays in building social capital and contributing to democracy and social cohesion in Northern Ireland.  

Speaking after the seminar Mr McAleavey said “We were really pleased to get this unique opportunity to talk to elected members about the importance of the voluntary and community sector and were delighted to see that such high level party members took the time to come along and hear what we have to say as well as participate in the discussion.  We were also encouraged to see how of the candidates for the 2011 elections are interested in the role of voluntary and community organisations.”

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