Strengths and Opportunities. There is a strong sense of community across East Lothian’s towns and villages with community initiatives thriving in arts, culture, heritage, sports, environment through a wide range of interest groups. All this depends on high levels of volunteering which is evident in our community centres, village halls, community groups, clubs, festivals, galas and other events and of course in the strong local support and participation in these activities. Community groups are managing a range of buildings which provide key services such as community centres, day centres and museums. This is a partnership arrangement with East Lothian Council which owns and maintains the buildings. Opportunities are being explored with community groups to extend this to a wider range of services and buildings. East Lothian has a thriving enterprising third sector, coordinated through Voluntary Action East Lothian, which focuses on developing volunteering and accreditation; developing social enterprises; and, supporting and building the capacity of voluntary organisations. This sector provides important services for the social economy as well as employment and career development opportunities and plays an important role in strengthening community capacity and cohesion. However, the sector is vulnerable to reductions in public finance and external funding opportunities. The long history of collaboration across services and sectors has produced strong partnerships. This is evident in the broad cross-sector involvement in community planning at all levels including delivery partnerships which are already transforming services and shifting resources in key areas. Our population is generally healthy and health is improving. In addition, our older people will be better equipped to carry on living independently and working as well as being better able to give their skills and support to others in the community. Local people often do want to care for their families and indeed others – at least 1400 adults are registered with Carers of East Lothian. Many more people of all ages, including young carers are actively looking after members of their family and neighbours and the number of informal Carers is estimated at 12000. Volunteers run activity groups in at least four sheltered housing developments and are involved in Befriending people of all ages. Increasing access to the Internet is enabling more people to work from home whether self- employed or through flexible working options, to be conne...
Strengths and Opportunities. The SSA funds for the last two years went back unused. Though the utilization has now begun, it is still not streamlined. The government has not tried to engage with any NGO and/or communities to think through plans for SSA implementation. There is an opportunity for REACH India to fill this gap. • Three educational areas were identified for funding in Mumbai: o Innovative programs; o Upper primary education, including vocational education; o Education for special groups such as street children and child laborers. • There appears to be a strong partnership between NGOs and the corporate sector with many companies supporting NGO initiatives in educational programs in Mumbai. • The NGO sector in Mumbai seems to be professionally run.
Strengths and Opportunities. The Facility has capacities well beyond the market. • The Facility is just 10 years old. • The Facility is large, seating 600. • There is an opportunity for foundational involvements creating long-term sustainability. • As a performance venue, CSPAC brought in more than 28,000 spectators in 2011. • The state-of-the-art multi-purpose center is able to host numerous cultural events. • The Facility offers ample space for conventions, conferences, and meetings, and it also includes a full-service kitchen. • It is the largest state-of-the-art performance venue in Central Louisiana. • The Facility helps to fulfill community leaders’ longtime vision for a vibrant city – rich in the arts. • The Facility provides an additional venue option for Alexandria performing groups such as City Park Players and Rapides Symphony Orchestra. • The centrally located Facility attracts premier arts presentations and experiences, expanding cultural offerings and providing an economic catalyst to Alexandria, the state and the region. • Great space for corporate functions and speaking engagements and its position in the center of the State makes it an ideal meeting spot for state and regional convention needs. • The Facility features the best theatrical lighting setup in Central Louisiana. • The Facility features the only permanent sprung floor in Central Louisiana (this is essential for dance performances). • A fully utilized Facility would provide much-needed space for events such as weddings, galas, and small conventions. • The City of Alexandria is growing. • The S.P.A.R.C. (Special Planned Activity Redevelopment Corridor) project has improved and could further improve the surrounding infrastructure, which could be used to leverage dollars and attract redevelopment of the Facility. • Successful partnering could lead to additional ventures with new development partners. • The Facility has untapped potential to increase audience base and better meet the needs of specific audience segments and contributors. • The outlook for the health and sustainability of arts organizations would be more positive if organizations worked to accommodate larger and more diverse audiences in the Facility by making better use of marketing procedures. • New economic developments have led to a greater focus on the private sector and the marketplace, producing an increased emphasis on marketing, fund-raising, profit- marking ventures, and the commercialization of artistic enterprises.
