TAKING ACTION
TIME FOR CHANGE
During the recent Community Renewal Fund project, RENS explored the use of Wicked Lab’s internationally recognised and awared winning Tool for Systemic Change to plan, monitor and map actions taken in a transparent way. Overall, the positive effects of using the Tool, even over a relatively short period of time, proved so significant that RENS has committed to continuing to use the Tool to structure ongoing work.
LOCAL STRATEGIC ACTION
RENS works with North Somerset Council, Weston Town Council, Voluntary Action North Somerset, Citizens Advice and others to deliver strategic initiatives that help help to address local issues.
Our current focus is threefold:
Weston Town Council’s Anti-Racism Working Group
RENS Making Anti-Racism Visible initiative
North Somerset Councils RHINS group (Responding to Hate in North Somerset)
We also participate in a range of working groups including: Super Weston Placemaking, North Somerset Economy Steering Group, Multi-Agency Contingency Hotel Meetings, WsM Community Network, Food Equality and Digital Inclusion.
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
If we are to have a truly inclusive society that is free from discrimination, then all ethnicities need to be acknowledged and respected as equal and contributory partners in all aspects of life.It is with this underlying philosophy that RENS supports informal, organic and inclusive engagement, initially at The CHAT Room and currently at The Other Place.
It was with this underlying philosophy that we redesigned and relaunched our offices in Meadow Street as The CHAT Room, a free community hub space; to be used not just for our own organisation or as a drop-in for associated communities but rather for the entire community in which we are all (or should be) equal participants. This was to be
a place where the community – of any and all races – could meet or hold events, as equals, and learn more
With the success of North Somerset Council’s Community Renewal Fund application, we were able to further develop this approach with the opening of The Other Place.
CULTURAL & RACISM AWARENESS
RENS promotes and supports the recognition of national and international observances and initiatives at a local level.
These special days, weeks or months promote and celebrate diversity. They raise awareness of circumstances affecting particularly communities and the impacts of racism in the UK.
At a local level, they provide a focal point that energises collaborative action.
We also recognise the importance of continuing related activities throughout the year and ensuring that relevant action and events are ongoing.
All of the activities listed are run entirely by volunteer teams in collaboration with local organisations and we welcome all support for these important initiatives.