Carrickfergus Community Forum is an umbrella organisation who will empower people to achieve their aspirations using community development principles and promoting best practice

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

AIM ONE

To provide a service where individuals and organisations of Carrickfergus can access community development information and resources.

Objectives

Relevant information will be provided on the CCF website, e briefings and through the production newsletter. The website will be upgraded and then updated at least monthly. There will be at least two e-briefings per month and the newsletter will be distributed monthly for 10 months of the year.

Use of blogs and facebook will be considered and implemented when feasible.

Member information packs will be reviewed, updated and reissued.

CCF will organise bi monthly meetings of the workers network. Attendance to average more than 8 per meeting. A format for the meetings will be agreed with attendees at the first meeting after CCF AGM.

All Communication and document control procedures will be reviewed and updated to align with the organisations change of status.

Forum staff will provide direct contact - this will be recorded and reported at staff meetings with reference made in the co-ordinators management report where appropriate.

Residentials, seminars and conferences will be organised at the rate of at least one per year.

Best practice visits will be organised to meet the needs identified during member contact.

AIM TWO

To change the status of the organisation to become a company limited by guarantee and achieve charitable status under the new charity legislation.

Objectives

Achieve status of a company limited by guarante at the AGM on 7th June 2011.

Apply for charitable status before the end of 2011 any delay in the achievement of this status will not be due to issues created by CCF.

AIM THREE

CCF aims to develop and source training opportunities for member groups in the Borough of Carrickfergus.

Objectives

Review and Update current training needs in member groups and the community.

Create a Learning and Training Strategy for the organisation and to meet needs identified.

Co-ordinate training opportunities for member groups.

AIM FOUR

To encourage community participation and facilitate partnership and networking for member groups.

Objectives

Develop a marketing strategy for the Forum. To include promoting the benefits of membership of the Forum.

Provide opportunities for partnership, networking and collaboration for member groups.

Provide and faciltate opportunities for debate.

Avail of technological opportunities to exchange views.

AIM FIVE

CCF aims to secure resources and finance to ensure the organisations long term viability.

Objectives

Develop a fundraising strategy for the organisation.

Secure funding to retain current staffing levels.

Secure funding for running costs 2011-2016.

Secure unding to appoint consultant to conduct an economic appraisal and prepare a business plan.

AIM SIX

To be a facilitative channel between the statutory agencies and the local community. Break down barriers; promoting best practice.

Objectives

Become a community voice on behalf of member groups.

Meet with local MLAs and elected representatives of CBC as necessary.

Promote local issues and become a vehicle for community consultation.

Maintain membership on relevant partnership bodies.