10.03.2015
The third sector and non-governmental organisations are today being asked to give their views to the Scottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee as it launches the next stage of its ‘Connecting Scotland’ inquiry.
Committee members joined with a troupe of young dancers from Indepen-dance at the Tramway in Glasgow to launch the committee’s call for evidence which asks how non-governmental and third sector organisations in Scotland engage internationally.
The ‘Connecting Scotland’ inquiry has been looking at how Scotland can engage most effectively in a globalising world.
Committee Convener Christina McKelvie MSP said:
“Indepen-dance is exactly the sort of project we’re interested in right now. The Committee wants to hear from organisations which reach out and get involved in the world beyond Scotland. It could be colleges or universities engaged in international research work; local authorities getting overseas examples of good practice; professional groups who need an external point of reference or third sector organisations like this one who work with others collaboratively or provide services overseas.”
The Committee has identified three main areas of questions for its inquiry:
- What international activities are happening now in your sector and/or organisation? Please describe how and why these activities take place. Are other sectors or organisations involved? What do these activities contribute or achieve?
- Do you think your sector and/ or organisation is effective in participating in international activities? If not, what would help you to make improvements? What prevents you from making improvements now?
- What should organisations in Scotland do to be effective internationally? Are you aware of any good examples of this from Scotland or another country?
Background
Indepen-dance is an inclusive dance development company offering creative movement classes to people with diverse abilities, their carers, family members and volunteers. The dancers have recently returned from performing a series of shows in Belgium, one of many overseas performances the group has staged over its 19 year history.
This is the second stage of the ‘Connecting Scotland’ inquiry, which was launched in December 2014. The first stage looked at how the Scottish Government engages internationally. Future work will look at Scotland’s physical, virtual and social connectivity with the world; and the value of membership of international organisations to Scotland and Scotland’s relationship with them.
The call for evidence closes on 17 April 2015.