07.06.2013
Understanding how the Scottish Parliament works and how organisations, charities and social enterprises can influence its agenda will be the focus of a conference taking place on Saturday 22 June in Stirling. The conference is part of the Parliament Day initiative which aims to take the Scottish Parliament out of Edinburgh.
The conference, which is free, will be held in Forth Valley College’s Stirling campus. It is the first time that the Communities Conference will take place outside of Holyrood.
The event is all about helping small, local and grassroots community organisations from across the Forth Valley region to learn more about the Scottish Parliament and how they can get their issues on the agenda.
Rosemary Everett, Head of Outreach Services at the Scottish Parliament said:
“This conference is not about large organisations. It is about the smaller community groups, charities, social enterprises and individuals working across the Forth Valley and the issues that matter to them. We hope to help them learn how to practically understand and influence the Scottish Parliament.
“Not only is it a very hands on and interactive day but those attending will get the opportunity to engage with their local MSPs - from their Mid Scotland and Fife region, and from our Committees.
“We hope this will give organisations an opportunity to learn more about how to engage with the Parliament, from the public petitions system to how our committees work.”
The event will be opened by Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford. MSPs, staff and experts will be on hand to engage with participants on the following subjects:
- Social media
- Committees
- Working with local media
- Public Petitions
- Events and exhibitions at Holyrood
- Help me to help you: an MSPs view
- Cross Party Groups.
Background
The Communities Conference is now in its fifth year. This is the first time that it will have been held outside of Holyrood.
The event is free of charge and organisations can book by contacting Paul Anderson, Community Outreach Manager at the Scottish Parliament.
The event is part of the Parliament Day initiative that is being held in Stirling on Friday 21 June. Parliament Day aims to take the Parliament out of Edinburgh. It allows people to see the Parliament at work, be it ‘official’ Parliamentary business, or on a less formal level.