Aims & Values

These local community groups and their volunteers are the backbone of civil society; and are essential to the welfare of the neighbourhoods in which they operate and the individuals that live there. We aim to be the principal membership organisation for community groups, support organisations, public bodies and individuals that share our belief in the core values of association, participation, collective action and community volunteering and that are working to build strong communities.

Our work promotes:

• Stronger bonds between neighbours, where inclusive relationships build trust and mutual support and create communities in which everyone is valued.
• Stronger bonds between all communities, where diverse relationships are strengthened and fear, mistrust and social breakdown are prevented.
• Active and enterprising neighbourhoods, where local people come together to participate and work in partnership to contribute to a vibrant community life
• Self help, where people can work with business, government and others to find their own solutions to local problems
• Space for open debate, where local people’s voices can be heard and their opinions valued
• Community identity, where local people have a sense of belonging and pride in their neighbourhood

PRINCIPLES AND BELIEFS

Community Matters work is underpinned by a number of principles and beliefs.

We believe

• In the importance of “community”, in a world where so many people are isolated and marginalised.
• That racial, religious and social diversity (or difference) adds value to our society, and that everyone has the right to equality of opportunity.
• That democratic community organisations help to empower individuals and contribute towards a cohesive and vibrant society.
• In the value of voluntary activity: including formal and informal volunteering, mutual organisations and self help groups.
• In the distinctiveness of the community sector as a part of the wider voluntary and community sector.
• In the value of community development as a process which gives confidence and skills to people to exercise greater power in their everyday lives.
• In working in partnership with organisations that share similar values in order to maximise resources and influence

Community Matters values the protection and conservation of our natural environment. We support ‘one planet living’ and we promote sustainable development in the following key areas:

1. Saving Energy
2. Travelling Wisely
3. Saving our Resources
4. Shopping Ethically, and
5. Caring for our area.