Bulletin #21, November 2022
As we move toward the end of the year, it’s a good time to take stock and think ahead, especially given the challenges ahead.
We’ll be doing just that at our online Annual Gathering of the Better Way network on Thursday 1 December, 12.00-5pm. If you haven’t done so already you can book your place here.
Also, we’re carrying out a short survey about the Better Way network, to find out what is working and what isn’t and to help us focus our work for the coming year. We’d be really grateful if you could take a few minutes to tell us what you think, by Monday 21st November please.
More details on both are below.
Also, we’ve had a series of amazing Better Way conversations over the year. The notes from each of them are here if you’d like to catch up or dip in.
It’s not too late to sign up to forthcoming events on imagining an end to poverty on 18th November and leadership and well-being on 13th December.
And we end this bulletin with a few things you might like to explore.
Very best wishes,
Caroline Slocock and Steve Wyler
Co-convenors
A Better Way
to improve services, build community and create a fairer society
carolineslocock@civilexchange.org.uk
stevewyler@betterway.network
www.betterway.network
Twitter: @betterwaynetwrk
Better Way 2022 Annual Gathering
Thursday 1st December 12.00-17.00, online
Our annual event brings people together from right across our network, to explore some of the big themes that have emerged in the network over the last year, to look ahead and also discuss our future programme of events. It is a chance to hear some great speakers, to enter into discussion and debate, to share ideas and insights, and come away recharged and refreshed!
To book your place click here.
Better Way Member Survey
As we continue to grow and evolve, we need to know what you think. What is working for you, and what isn’t? What could we do better? The survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete, and the deadline is Monday 21st November.
Fill out the survey today – thank you!
And finally, here are a few things you might like to check out…
Social infrastructure – momentum is building for more investment in social infrastructure, as the Better Way network has been arguing for several years. Here are a few examples:
A campaign led by Local Trust for a Community Wealth Fund is supported by over 490 organisations, and is calling for long-term, community-led investment in the neighbourhoods that need it most.
A report from Power to Change and the Cares Family, Building our Social Infrastructure, argues that levelling up should mean creating a more socially connected Britain.
The Institute for Community Studies and the University of Cambridge have launched a collaborative research programme, focused on levelling-up social infrastructure.
A paper from Conservative MPs and the New Social Covenant Unit, Social Capitalism, says that ‘investing in social infrastructure can deliver faster growth and higher living standards’.
Rethinking democracy: a paper from Compass: ‘The Electoral Care for a Deeper Democratic Approach’, says that ‘Tweaks to the system here and there are highly unlikely to shift our outdated political system to one that embraces voter’s ambitions for a more honest and grown-up politics. A substantial change to the system is needed…’ Something to explore in our network in the coming year?
About a Better Way: We are a network of people across society exploring how to improve services, build community and create a fairer society. Together we have drawn up eight principles and a model of behaviour change for a Better Way. Our recent publication Building a Bigger We contains 36 short essays by Better Way members, which illustrate our thinking. The network is hosted by Civil Exchange, and is currently supported by the John Ellerman Foundation. You can find out more, contact us, and indeed join us, via our website here: http://www.betterway.network/. If you don’t want to receive future bulletins, simply send an email to let us know: info@betterway.network.