Groups make a difference through action learning projects

 Year two CLP groups are finishing their action learning projects and have to have their project reports to NICVA by the end of April. Year three groups are discussing and developing plans for their projects at present and need to send their project proposals to NICVA by 4 May for consideration by the IFI programme team.

The purpose of these action learning projects is as the name suggests to give the groups the opportunity to put their leadership and learning on the programme into practice. The projects should be something that allows each person in the group be leaders and take on a specific role in planning, organising, carrying out  and evaluating the project. Each group will receive £2,500 or euro equivalent to finance the project. 50% of this is given to the group up front and 50% when the group completes the project and sends in their project report, budget and receipts. The project should be of benefit to the local community and the money cannot be used to purchase equipment. If you want to use part of the project money to pay for external expertise or contract services you should discuss this with NICVA first as only a proportion can be used for this purpose.

Some examples of action learning projects to date are:

Environmental improvements, community audits, volunteer recruitment days, volunteer recognition events, family fun days, taster sessions, developing a strategic plan, community relations activities, researching the need for a heritage centre, developing the use of the community centre, researching and planning a new community facility, investigating and setting up a women's group for the area.

It would be great to see some innovative new projects being suggested, so get your thinking hats on!

Good luck for those completing projects and also to those at the planning stage. If NICVA or your facilitators can be of any help please contact us.