Is there a black and minority ethnic third sector in the UK?

Can the BME third sector be considered a distinctive sector in its own right? Contributing towards building a foundation of knowledge on the black minority ethnic (BME) third sector, this chapter offers an introductory resource on research in this field. The paper begins with discussion on the contested concept of a BME third sector (BME TS) and its 'distinctiveness' from the wider third sector. It highlights the importance of robust comparative analyses to identify the differences between subsectors, in order to examine the policy implications for these different organisations. The chapter provides brief overviews of material about different types of organisation that might constitute the BME TS. These include: refugee and asylum seeker organisations (RCOs), faith based organisations, diasporic immigrant community organisations, and Black community organisations. In closing, the paper identifies gaps in the current research base that will be of interest to the wider research community.

The UK Gypsy, Traveller and Roma third sector: a Gypsy industry or route to empowerment?

The chapter analyses the historical and contemporary condition of the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma (GTR) civil society movement, its strengths, achievements, threats and pitfalls and the motivation, dynamism and tensions within its varied manifestations. It explores the struggles against assimilatory and discriminatory policy, the interplay between community bonds and diverse aspects of identity and analyses the transformative potential of inclusive, grassroots and asset based community development, which draws upon the strengths of identity and culture but fuses these with perceptions and strategies which are emancipatory and inclusive.

Lost to austerity, lost in austerity: rethinking the community sector in Ireland

The community sector is going through a period of crisis. Its funding is at risk, its voice is ignored, and its role is increasingly demarcated by the state. This crisis is being experienced in a context of severe austerity policies, however, its roots lie in the time of a booming economy. Now a survival agenda dominates the sector. Challenges of imagination in, organisation of, and approach by the community must be met if the community sector is to renew and re-energise and move beyond this stifling survival agenda.

‘Almost a whisper’: black and minority ethnic community groups’ voice and influence

The chapter is an examination of the voice and influence of Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community groups in rural and urban areas of England using primary research to analyse the experiences of groups in the West Midlands, the North West and the South West. The research focuses on recent experience in the wake of the economic downtown of 2008 and the economic and social consequences of the Government’s austerity programme, and includes interviews articulating the personal experiences of activists in the sector. The chapter discusses and compares experiences of theurban and rural BAME community sector and looks at ways forward for the sector.

‘More than a refugee community organisation’: a study of African migrant associations in Glasgow

This chapter explores processes of change and development within African migrant, asylum seeker and refugee-led associations in Glasgow from 2004 onwards.In a shift away from social capital as the dominant lens through which to describe and analyse migrant associations, this chapter turns the focus inwards, through an exploration of the internal and external factors and processes which affect the emergence and sustainability of such groups. It then shifts its focus outwards to consider the effects of changes in immigration status on associations, problematising the ‘refugee community organisation’ category. Finally it considers the effects of internal diversity on migrant, asylum seeker and refugee-led associations’ responses to the welfare needs of their members

Community as policy: reflections on community engagement, empowerment and social action in a changing policy context

This chapter explores the debates about 'below the radar' (BTR) community groups and their assumed role in delivering a range of policy agendas from democratic renewal through to community cohesion and public service delivery. It argues that the motivators for community action are, and have been, ill understood in policy circles. Further, there is and has been little systematic analysis of the power relationship between the state (both locally and nationally) communities and neighbourhoods which can inform meaningful debate on devolution and localism. The chapter critically examines the implications of changing policy environments for small community groups and asks can such activity, which has often been independent of, and operated outside the state, be co-opted to deliver particular government policy objectives?

Introduction

There is a growing body of literature on the voluntary, or third, sector (Milbourne, 2013). Equally, there is a long tradition of research into communities, stretching back in the UK to the series of reports produced by the Community Development Projects in the UK in the early to mid-1970s (...

Conclusion: thinking back and looking forward

This concluding chapter reflects on the current state of ‘below the radar’ community groups and calls for further research to be done in this under-explored area. It consolidates the book’s key themes and debates, and identifies the key challenges for policy-makers in engaging with community groups, and for researchers working in this field.

Understanding grassroots arts groups and practices in communities

This chapter builds on ideas and findings from research conducted to consider the distinctive elements of grassroots arts activities in communities. It highlights the current critical framing of grassroots arts activities and identifies the range of claims made around the impacts of informal arts participation, particularly concerning individual and social well-being, social cohesion and place-making. The authors suggest future directions for research in the field to develop a broader understanding of the experiences and practices of grassroots activities and their role in communities.

Getting below the radar: micro-mapping ‘hidden’ community activity

This chapter presents the concept of micro-mapping. This is a technique of identifying ‘hidden’ community groups: those that do not appear on the official lists of regulators, sector directories and have no online presence. In addition to describing the street-work involved in, and two different approaches to, micro-mapping the chapter explores the strengths and challenges of this way of working. It draws on data gathered from two very small geographical areas of England which identified 58 community groups operating in and around just 11 streets. These groups deliver diverse services and activities geared towards specific interests and target communities, are embedded into their localities and operate within a very specific socio-cultural context. The chapter also discusses how micro-mapping may be used, or misused, in the context of austerity and cuts to public and voluntary sector services.