Here is a report from organiser Phil Frampton on the Inspire Forum Ideas Night held on 17th January. If you would like to get in touch with Phil, please e-mail him on phil@philframpton.co.uk.
Thank you to all those who participated in the very productive Inspire meetings on Tuesday night.
Thanks especially to Stacey Coughlin from Bankley Studios who put the Spotlight on Art in Levenshulme.
Ideas Night came up with several proposals, in particular:
Events around the Olympic Torch and procession passing by Inspire on Sunday, June 24th (this date is within Co-operatives Fortnight and could be promoted as part of our contribution both to the fortnight and to the International year of Co-operatives). Matthew Duggan who is based at the Centre has agreed to call a meeting to discuss how we make this a reality. Do contact Matthew or myself if you have any ideas.
Following the success of the Centre’s first Murder Mystery Night – Beryl Cowan agreed that her troupe would look to put on another night in the June/July period at the Centre.
Freddi Greenmantle proposed and has begun to establish “keep fit for the over-sixties” chair-based sessions at Inspire. If you or any of your acquaintances wish to assist Freddi in this, please contact Kate or myself at the Centre.
The issue of setting up local sign language classes was discussed and Sue Dixon volunteered to assist with this. It was also reported that, arising from previous Ideas Nights, a Youth Club will begin at the Centre next week.
Phil reported on the Inspire Multiplier Fund http://www.lev-inspire.org.uk/2011/12/help-from-inspire-to-make-that-idea-a-reality-in-2012/ which can be applied for in order to help make these schemes a reality.
Inspire Forum included several aspects:
Annual General Meeting. It was announced that the AGM will be at 8.15pm on April 18th and preceded by an Ideas Night at 7pm. The AGM will take reports from the officers and elect a new Board composed of Inspire Forum members. The aim of the Board is to secure a new Board composed of Directors able to play an active role in the development of the Forum as a vibrant co-operative. The AGM can also elect 3 representatives to sit on the Inspire Centre management Board.
Membership Campaign and Steering Group. It was announced that the new membership leaflet is being prepared, and new Membership details. Membership will be open to all those who have or will buy a minimum of £5 Community Shares. There will also be a of £10 per year to retain membership. However new members will be required to pay a fee of just £5 for their first year. These fees will be used to finance the administration of the co-operative and build up its independent financial basis.
As part of the campaign a new flier is currently being produced.
It was agreed to establish a Membership Campaign Steering Group. Initial contact will be be via an email group; the initial members are – Sue Dixon, Sarah Riley, Peter Naughton and myself. Please let the above or myself know if you are interested in assisting with the group.
Sue who works at Bubble kindly agreed to set up a Centre Recruitment Team to ensure that as many people who visit the centre for any reason join the Inspire Forum.
It was also suggested that we take to the streets to recruit and that we look to getting as many organisations and businesses to become members allowing them to express their support for Inspire but also raising the Forum and Centre’s profile.
