Pierhead to host event aimed at encouraging community action and co-operation
23 June 2011
The National Assembly for Wales will host the launch of the Hansard Society’s annual report on political engagement on Thursday (23 June).
The report’s main findings show a core of what it calls ‘willing localists’ are particularly prevalent in Wales, that is, people who will get involved with community issues in their local area.
The Hansard Society claims Wales is well placed to boost civic engagement when compared to Scotland or English regions.
But it says charities, civic groups and politicians need to nurture this socially active community to get them more involved in the future.
“The Hansard Society’s findings are incredibly useful for us as we start work on empowering the people of Wales to take part in Welsh democracy,” said Rosemary Butler AM, Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales.
“I want the Fourth Assembly to directly interact with communities across the country. This will not be limited to geographic communities, but will include cultural communities, communities of interest and demographic communities. No one in Wales should feel that their voice cannot be heard.
“My fellow Assembly Members and I are here to represent your interests and empower you to find your voice on the matters that concern you, your family, friends, street or society.”
The report will be formally presented during an event examining political and civic engagement in Wales at the Pierhead in Cardiff Bay.
“Community action and co-operation have long been parts of the social and cultural history of the country and Wales has a strong voluntary sector,” said Dr Ruth Fox, one of the report’s authors.
“This leaves Wales better placed than Scotland and most areas of England to boost levels of civic engagement in the future.”
Guest speakers at the event include:
John Osmond, Director of the Institute for Welsh Affairs.
Dr Ruth Fox and Matt Norris - authors of the report
Graham Benfield, Chief Executive of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action
Professor Richard Wyn Jones, Director of the Welsh Governance Centre
Jenny Rathbone AM, Welsh Labour
Mark Isherwood AM, Welsh Conservatives