Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017 and was the worst natural disaster to hit the island in recorded history.The power grid was completely destroyed leaving millions without electricity. In the absence of any other government assistance, a group of survivors in one of the towns – Caguas – began a community kitchen to help … Continue reading Grass Roots Resilience
Europe
Corporate capture?
Anyone who has even vaguely followed the fracking debate in Scotland over the last few years could be forgiven for thinking that the Scottish Government had come down on the side of an outright ban. Turns out that what some understood to be a solid ‘No’ is in fact a ‘no-support planning policy’. Whatever that … Continue reading Corporate capture?
Bank Backs Sector
It’s not unusual to read that the many problems we face in society today are linked to a chronic underinvestment in the institutions of civil society. What is unusual is when the person delivering that critique is the Chief Economist of the Bank of England. In a wide ranging speech on the impact of the … Continue reading Bank Backs Sector
New research finds ‘Size does matter’ when addressing complex social issues across England and Wales
Small and local charities offer a range of economic and social benefits and play a vital role in their communities, a new study has found. Independent research, launched today, reveals that when tackling social issues like homelessness, domestic abuse or mental ill health, smaller charities have a distinctive impact. They also generate benefits through spending … Continue reading New research finds ‘Size does matter’ when addressing complex social issues across England and Wales
Fish farms caught short
There must be some good news stories about salmon farming but to come across one is like finding a unicorn. The following is much more typical of the reports that are coming out of this ever-expanding industry. So it’s not surprising that many coastal communities are on high alert when fish farm companies come calling with plans … Continue reading Fish farms caught short
The power of the volunteer
A BBC documentary called the 'Great Storm That Saved a City' provides a fascinating insight not only into the storm itself, but how it played its part in transforming Glasgow’s housing and in particular how it sowed the seeds of the city’s community controlled housing associations. These tenant-led organisations have consistently argued for their governance to … Continue reading The power of the volunteer
Why is this even tolerated?
Ten years after Greener Kirkcaldy began tackling disadvantage and inequality within their town, last week local people were celebrating the official opening of their new community hub. With purpose built premises, Greener Kirkcaldy can continue tackling food and fuel poverty in the town, but always with an eye to promoting Kirkcaldy as a greener and fairer place … Continue reading Why is this even tolerated?
