Backed up by an army of 100,000 councillors they understand their communities and can give a voice to the hopes and aspirations of their residents.

It is vital that these councillors are equipped with the right skills to deal with their communities’ demands and serve them as effectively as possible.

Community Organisers are pleased to announce that we will be working with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) to help town and parish councillors develop an understanding of community organising skills, methods, and practice; to improve engagement and connections with local residents, and the communities they serve.

NALC agree that community organising skills can be an important tool to help mobilise communities, and Community Organisers will be helping NALC to produce guidance around how councillors can use these skills to engage people in local democracy and action.

Together we are planning a number of events, including a webinar and joint training, which will be delivered to councillors to train them in these skills.

Nick Gardham, chief executive of Community Organisers said “We are delighted to work with NALC to introduce the principles and practice of community organising.  Town and parish councils are the most local level of democracy and can act as a tremendous foundation for action and people powered change.  We have seen in areas such as Glastonbury the tremendous impact bringing community organising together with Town and Parish Councillors can have and are delighted to be in partnership with NALC.”

If you are a member or officer of a town or parish council, and interested in community organising training – or in any of the planned events – please get in touch with Ben Murray: ben.murray@nalc.gov.uk