Using our differences to make a difference
Do you think you’ve ever had a completely unique thought? A thought that nobody else has thought of before? I’d like to believe I have.
Even when running through the ‘same’ ideas, our different principles and beliefs can change the way we interpret the ideas, or the way that they’re processed through our distinctive neural networks. Now combine this with our diverse backgrounds and experiences, and the impact they have on our outlook - the possibilities are endless. Well, before this turns into my very unique take on neuroscience, let me highlight the importance of bringing together very individual minds and the power that this can have when creating community solutions.
We’re 6 months into our partnership with Camden Council, Camden businesses and Camden citizens to provide funding and support to ideas that are making Camden a better place. The funding decisions are made by a panel of 10 Camden residents that all have very different experiences within the area, and we believe that their collective minds are best placed to make decisions for their borough. The structure of this programme is truly shaped and driven by the people that it supports.
Excitingly, we’ve been able to fund Camden citizens as individuals through the kit and were able to provide important infrastructure support to help the projects succeed. The not-so-exiting part is the harsh reality of the barriers that ordinary people face in the funding world.
THE PRESSURES OF TIME AND KNOWLEDGE
Many people pursue social action initiatives on top of their everyday lives and responsibilities and in most occasions, on a voluntary basis. Although being very stretched for time they still make the time to run community projects are fuelled by their passion for doing good.
This doesn’t leave much room for research into funding opportunities, and even less room for growth, training sessions and fundraising support. Running on passion alone is not sustainable. It’s really important that we simplify the application process and provide 1:1 support where we can, especially for those that don’t have experience with funding processes. When Camden citizens are funded through the Kit they also receive support with safeguarding, insurance, DBS checks and finding the right connections, freeing up more of their time for the important work they’re doing on the ground.
Running on passion alone is not sustainable. It’s really important that we simplify the application process and provide 1:1 support where we can.
BUILDING TRUST AND EMBRACING FLEXIBILITY
The work being done by those at the heart of community projects is often informed by personal experiences of the greatest inequalities. For individuals and organisations that are all too familiar with systemic failures, it is vital that we work to be different. We need more opportunities that allow people to be flexible, whether this means applying to cover the unglamorous core costs that make their projects possible, or adapting the delivery of their projects to respond to the issues and being trusted to do so. Embracing a flexible spirit will encourage people to have more confidence in funders. This is even more crucial during a global pandemic where financial hits and the physical and mental health challenges have been harder than ever.
CHANGE BEYOND FUNDERS
Community leaders who are vulnerable to burnout or worse should not have to navigate a world that’s littered with inequalities. Someone who is keen to run a community project shouldn’t have to worry about a grant payment affecting their benefits schedule. Wanting to do good shouldn’t compromise a person’s health and wellbeing. People are at a disadvantage from the outset and underlying issues within social and economic systems need to be addressed.
In a world where the problems are so deeply rooted, how can the most un-heard voices in our communities be the ones steering the change?
We’re always learning and I’d love to hear your thoughts about this over a coffee, so please get in touch. If you’re a Camden citizen and you have an idea for a project that would contribute to achieving one of the Camden Renewal Missions, drop me a line at yasmin@camdengiving.org.uk and we can have a chat about the flexible funding and support available through the We Make Camden Kit.
* Note: your idea doesn’t need to be wildly unique, just one that you believe will make Camden a better place.