NCVO used social network site to stimulate debate about giving

NCVO used social network site to stimulate debate about giving

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The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has set up a members’ only discussion thread on the social network site, Yammer, asking “What should the Government’s role be in encouraging giving?”

Policy and research officer Charlotte Stuffins launched the debate stating: “The government has committed to promoting giving both time and money. This was set out in the Giving White Paper in May 2011. Initiatives included: - a Social Action fund to promote giving in priority areas (giving money) - a Challenge Prize fund to reward charities that develop ideas around volunteering (giving time) Giving White Paper. Do you think this is the kind of support the Government should be offering?”

NCVO says it uses a Yammer network for its members to help shape its policy work on funding. A spokesperson said: “The site has allowed our members and staff to discuss funding directly with one another and it also provides an open-forum for the sharing of front-line experiences.”

The group has proved very popular, with almost 250 NCVO members joining. The debate on funding has provoked a wide range of responses including:

“The need for infrastructure to support organisations is not acknowledged or supported by the Big Society

“We are attempting to continue to deliver the same services with fewer resources”

“The voluntary sector could do more to encourage giving”

“Government should be encouraging giving, but overall responsibility does sit with individuals”

“The tax system should be better structured to encourage giving”

The online debate is set to continue for the next few weeks. It is part of a wider effort by NCVO to elicit members’ views on its policy work, using Twitter, Yammer and an online survey.