Natural Neighbourhoods, Real Communities - National Conference

The Centre for Civil Society is calling for papers and presentations as past of the National Conference on the theme of Natural Neighbourhoods and Real Communities taking place in Melbourne in June 2009.

This event is a national networking and development conference for people interested in building and strengthening natural neighbourhoods and real communities through activities such as:
– Circles of support
– Informal and social volunteering
– Daily living supports for older neighbours
– Buddy, companionship and visitor schemes
– Street parties
– Homework clubs
– Gardening clubs
– Cross-generational interactions and mentoring
– Schools and neighbourhoods
– Car pooling and community transport
– Family day care and baby-sitting clubs
– Welcome for new arrivals
– Neighbourhood-based cultural exchange
– Neighbourhood-based language learning and teaching
– Community safety initiatives
– Community choirs and music
– Self-help groups in fitness and health maintenance
– Neighbourhood initiatives in recreation, sport and the arts
– Neighbourhood venues, cafes, pubs and meeting places

The Centre is interested in identifying and showcasing initiatives and strategies around the country that are strengthening social relationships and building natural neighbourhoods and real communities. By ‘natural neighbourhoods’ they mean clusters of social relationships which are generated by individuals, families, neighbours, friends, playmates and workmates through informal and incidental, as well as formal and intentional, interactions, and which are different from ‘professional-client’ relationships, ‘business-customer’ relationships, and ‘state-citizen’ relationships.

They are interested in learning from successful and unsuccessful initiatives in strengthening these social relationships. As well:
– Public policy change to strengthen natural neighbourhoods
– Natural neighbourhoods and social inclusion agendas
– Critiques of ‘community-building’ approaches which ignore natural social relationships and their formation

The aim of the conference is to share ideas and experiences, explore some national initiatives, and facilitate ongoing networking between people who want to make a difference in their communities.

Proposals are invited for papers, presentations, workshops and action proposals.

Submissions of abstracts should be forwarded by 30th April 2009 by email or hard copy (not exceeding 300 words) to: Vern Hughes, Conference Convenor, vern@civilsociety.org.au, PO Box 159 Yarraville Vic 3013
Register at http://www.civilsociety.org.au/CommunityBuildingRegistration2009.htm

Further details are available at http://www.civilsociety.org.au/CommunityBuildingNationalConference2009.htm