News
Announcement
East of England Faiths Council Director appointed as government adviser…
Director of East of England Faiths Council, Jenny Kartupelis, is one of 13 new advisers on faith to the
Communities and Local Government Department.
Communities Secretary John Denham has appointed the advisers, who will act as a ‘sounding board’ to advise on
effective engagement with faith communities.
Jenny said: ‘I am delighted to be joining this new panel; it is a privilege on a personal level but also encouraging to see
the Government recognise the important role that inter faith work and faith groups play in contributing to social wellbeing.’
John Denham said: ‘This new panel brings together an unprecedented wealth of knowledge and experience that will help advise
on the big issues facing society.
‘Each adviser has an outstanding track record of achievement. Together they will help inform Government on the views and
values of faith communities, enabling us to learn from the unique insights that faith groups bring to contemporary issues.”
Spare a thought for ....
Mongolia: The Disaster You Haven’t Heard Of
“There’s another disaster quickly uncoiling far, far away from Haiti” writes Konchog Norbu.
“It has no celebrity spokespeople, no mainstream news coverage, no Super Bowl mentions. But tens of thousands of people,
and millions of animals, are right now in a daily struggle between life and death, and many have already lost.
I’m speaking of our brothers and sisters — two- and four-legged — caught in the most catastrophic winter the country of
Mongolia has seen in at least 30 years. It’s a cold hell realm right here on earth.”
There’s more from Konchog, with pictures and video, by following
this link
Events
Find out about the forthcoming series of the
East of England Faiths Council and Community Leaders Support Group seminars
on 18, 23 and 25 March.
Funding
There’s information about Charitable trusts now open for applications and there’s information about East of England Community Grants supporting organisations that are working with people who face barriers to the labour market, and also details of The Henry Smith Charity which offers grants for projects providing culturally appropriate services to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
Guidance
There’s information about an Equality and Diversity Forum research project into Harrassment suffered by Muslins in a variety of environments and also an Advice Portal for ethnic professionals and employers to look at finding new ways out of the recession by tapping into the strengths of ethnic professionals. There is also information about Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the potential a joint Government and Church of England publication to help faith groups identify sources of funding to make their buildings more sustainable.
And Finally ...
School Governors needed – can you help?
National charity School Governors’ One-Stop Shop is encouraging more people to volunteer as School Governors.
Being a Governor allows you to make a positive difference to the lives and aspirations of local children and provides a
very good opportunity for personal and professional development.
Governors act as ‘critical friends’ to the Head Teacher and make major strategic decisions that affect the school’s long term future.
Volunteering as a governor can allow you to develop your skills in a range of areas including financial management,
communications, team working and strategic decision making, as well providing the personal satisfaction of knowing you are
adding value to children’s life chances.
To speak to someone about the vacancies in your area call
020 7354 9805 or go to
www.sgoss.org.uk to view an interactive map.