THE PURPOSES OF THE ORGANISATION ARE:-
To support new and emerging Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities (BAME) alongside more established BAME communities to tackle and overcome barriers created by structural inequalities (e.g. labour market and ethnic health inequalities) that prevent BAME individuals and communities from reaching their full potential and enjoying equal representation and participation as active citizens within UK institutions and wider civil society.
The purposes of Oxford Community Action is to promote community development, social inclusion and social justice for diverse, multi-ethnic BAME communities are aligned to the key community development principles of:
- Local Leadership – The communities play the leadership role in their own development.
- Collaborative Approach – Builds on collaboration and co-operation between communities, local and national government, 3rd sector
- Sustainable Balance – Addressing economic, social, environmental and cultural considerations.
- Respect for Local Values – Communities values are understood and respected.
- Diversity, Equality and Inclusion – All of the communities members, regardless of gender, age, ability, race, ethnicity, culture, language, sexual orientation, or social and economic status are empowered and engaged in the community development process and are able to access its social and economic benefits.
- Common Vision – The communities members work together to define a common vision for the future.
- Community Assets Approach – Projects, initiatives, community development, is built on existing community capacity and assets.
- Community Volunteers/Champions – community development initiatives – values, respects, nurtures, and encourages community volunteers/champions.
Some examples of projects that we have done to support the local community:
- Direct fundraising for marginalised and hard to reach groups in need to support them with raw food supplies in response to Covid-19
- Translation and distribution of leaflets detailing important information and help points to navigate families through the lockdown
- Help to identify funding pots for community-led projects
- Research into BAME communities’ access to Mens Health Services in the NHS
STRUCTURE
We established on 10th February 2019 and later formalised as a not-for-profit organisation (Company number: 12601424), headed by three directors (Hassan Sabrie, Mujahid Hamidi and Nigel Carter), a Secretary (Nigel Carter) and supported by a Management Committee for Oxford’s local communities.
Our food redistribution project is supported by a Chairman and a Treasurer.
The role of the chair will be to liaise with the OCA Directors and Secretary to discuss setting regular dates/agendas for OCA meetings.
In this role the chair will ensure meetings run to time, that the meeting agenda and OCA business are conducted in an orderly fashion, and that the meetings are conducted in the spirit of unity, co-operation and mutual respect.
The chair will facilitate the Community Champions and other persons attending OCA meetings prioritising and agreeing actions and reaching a consensus for the purpose of shared decision making.
The role of the Treasurer will be to monitor the OCA finances and budget, sharing on a regular basis the income and expenditures for each project.
We are always looking to develop and support new projects to make our community a better place to live. If you think we should be doing anything in particular to support your community, we’d love to hear from you. Simply make contact via this link