Did you know that the Chain Reaction team offers independent and bespoke consultancy services on communications & events?
Probably not, but then again, we haven’t been very vocal about it in the past! A recent increase in demand however, has prompted me to write a blog post about what we can offer to other organisations – just so you know!
We can show you how – because we do!
So what do we do? Well, since the launch of Chain Reaction in 2007, we have brought together over 1,600 social leaders, community activists, policy makers, business leaders, and young people from 20 different countries around the globe at events to share learning and to generate new ideas for social change.
Our events are based on principles of being participative, focused, engaging, challenging and serious fun, and range from local community based events as well as international 1,000+ delegate forums. Recent clients have included local community empowerment networks and national charities.
Why is our approach unique?
It brings people together – “few projects have succeeded as well as this one at getting different people in the same space” Chris Grant, 14a Conversations
- AND -
Everyone is equal - and everyone has a chance to contribute
It uses new technologies – a range of social media tools before, during and after the event to connect up what is happening ‘in real life’ with participants online
- AND -
It’s about old fashioned networking – networking is at the heart of all of our events, with a carefully designed process that enables participants to genuinely connect with each other
Broad approach – we create a varied programme of inspiring presentations, practitioner conversations, and practical workshops
- AND -
Special interest – at our events we enable participants to collaborate on the issues they most want to address together
It’s about individual actions and local issues – such as self organised meetings in local communities
- AND -
It’s internationally relevant – in two years, Chain Reaction has shared experience, knowledge and inspriration from delegates from 20 different countries
It’s high level – at our events we have involved government ministers, big business
- AND -
It’s grassroots - but we also involve young people, frontline practitioners and service users – people who understand the challenges best
So what can we offer?
- Independent event consultancy to help advise on certain aspects of your project
- Communications planning and/or delivery for your event
- Our “Connect, Collaborate, Commit” approach at events and conferences – helping participants to connect to the people they want to meet, collaborate on ideas and commit to taking action together.
- Advice and training to organisations to use new social media and networking technologies at events
- Complete event management of your event – from conception to completion
And how much does it cost?
This depends entirely on your needs – and we can tailor our services to fit your requirements and your budget! We are a community organisation ourselves, so that is why our services are both practical and affordable.
Still not convinced?
Well, we don’t like to blow our own trumpet, but here are just a few of the things that people have said about our events:
“All the effort you put into making it so easy to find and connect with others before, during and after the event are deeply appreciated”
Marion Janner, Bright
“The atmosphere was totally unlike any other conference I have been to, and the combination of such a diversity of people from all sectors was very impressive. I am sure it was inspiring for everyone to see so many motivated and talented people who are all committed to making things happen”
Jonny Zander, the Kaizen Partnership
“I can’t wait to come along to the next event. I have never enjoyed a conference so much, or gained so much from one event. Thank you – I feel very inspired”
Claire Wetton, The Children’s Society
“A huge well done to organisers of Chain Reaction in Canary Wharf today. Enjoyed it a lot!”
Liam Byrne MP, Chief Secretary for the Treasury (via twitter)
For more information
To find out more about how we could help you, please contact us for an informal chat!
Filed under: consultancy | Leave a Comment
Tags: affordable, chain reaction, charity, cheap, communications, community, conference, consultancy, event, international, local
Planning Chain Reaction 2010
Planning for Chain Reaction 2010 is now underway, and the success of Chain Reaction depends largely on the people involved – which is why there are a number of ways that you can get involved in our international event in 2010.
Contribute as a Speaker
Is there a burning issue that you would like to share with several hundred others passionate about social change? Do you have an inspiring story? Do you have a practical skill that you would like to share? Then why not suggest yourself as a speaker? Simply contact us with your details and what you would like to share / talk about at the event. Please note that we do have a speaker policy (no shameless self promotion!), and that speaking slots are limited so please don’t be disappointed if your suggestion isn’t accepted.
Suggest a Speaker
Please let us know if you have any speaker suggestions for Chain Reaction 2010. Perhaps you saw someone speak recently who was particularly inspiring, or perhaps there is a particular issue that you feel should be addressed at this year’s event. Let us know! You can make your suggestion on the Chain Reaction 2010 planning group board, or contact us with your suggestion.
Partner
We are looking for active partners to support the work of Chain Reaction in 2010 and beyond. Participating in Chain Reaction will give your organisation the opportunity to demonstrate your support for social change, to access high profile decision makers across sectors and to connect with those who understand the problems on the ground, unrivalled opportunities for connecting with a range of representatives from the Chain Reaction Network, and will also raise your profile in association with a strong and growing brand.
Previous partners of Chain Reaction have included; Department of Communties & Local Government (DCLG), Canary Wharf Ltd, Clifford Chance LLP, Office of the Third Sector, Virgin Atlantic, Department for International Development (DfID), Accenture, Business in the Community (BITC), British Youth Council, NCVO plus many more! To talk through partnership opportunities please contact us
Share your Story
We would love to know about the difference Chain Reaction has made to you. Did you meet someone at one of our events that has made a real difference to the way you work or the way you percieve the world? Have you developed an idea or been inspired to create a new project as a result of Chain Reaction? We would love to know!
Why not email us with your story or connection, or share it on the Chain Reaction network. Not only would it be great for us to hear, but we will also feature inspiring stories in our monthly newsletter – perhaps you will inspire someone else too!
Volunteer
We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with the Chain Reaction project. In particular, we are looking for people wish to develop their existing skills in the following areas: Web Design, Design, Fundraising. There will also be many volunteering opportunties at the event – further details of which will be available later in the year. If you are interested in volunteering please contact us.
Join the Community
- Join the Online Network
- Follow us on Twitter
- Find us on Facebook
- Read our blog
- Find us on Flickr
- Watch us on YouTube
- Find us on FriendFeed
If there is any other way that you would like to be involved in Chain Reaction 2010 that isn’t mentioned here, please feel free to contact us with your ideas!
Filed under: Chain Reaction 2010, Collaborate | Leave a Comment
Tags: Chain Reaction 2010, community links, contact us, cr10, get involved, international event, speaking opportunities
A huge well done to organisers of Chain Reaction in Canary Wharf today. Enjoyed it a lot!
(Liam Byrne MP, Chief Secretary for the Treasury)
Happy New Year!
It seems like an age ago, but on Thursday 12 November, Chain Reaction 2009 brought together social leaders, community activists, policy makers, business leaders, and young people from the UK and beyond to share learning and to generate new ideas for social change, locally and globally.
The full project review is now available, highlights of this years event included:
-
- Over 400 attendees from the worlds of business, community and the public sectors
- Over a quarter of attendees were under the age of 21
- 4,000 people participated online via twitter, the Chain Reaction network, or watching our live stream (provided byNoonan Media)
- In the evening, we were delighted to have been joined by the NFP Tweetup
- During the day, 75 commitments to action were made, and 98 (recorded) new connections were made by attendees
- A film produced by young people was produced by young reporters from Community Links with help from David Arkinsaras and The Big V Bus team.
Click here to read the full report, or view further details online, and please do let us know your feedback about the event.
Huge thanks to everyone who supported or participated in Chain Reaction 2009. Planning is now underway for 2010, and we are looking for active partners who will help us to develop and deliver a dynamic programme of activity!
If you or your organisation would like to be involved in Chain Reaction 2010 – or have ideas for this year’s event, please contact Laura Hyde on 020 7473 9643 or laura.hyde@community-links.org
We look forward to a new year full of new ideas for social change!
Filed under: Chain Reaction 2009 | Leave a Comment
Tags: Chain Reaction 2009, Chain Reaction 2010, cr09, cr10, event review, film, liam byrne MP, programme, quote, social change, Young People
2009: The year that was…
As we are fast approaching the end of the year, we would like to share with you our highlights of 2009 and take a quick look forward at what is in store for 2010
Highlights of 2010…
Stronger Communities, Stronger Economy
In March 2009, communities around the UK came together to develop ideas about creating social renewal alongside economic renewal, and to consider if the recession does provide an opportunity to rebuild a better, fairer society.
Self organised groups took place in London, Birmingham, Stoke on Trent, Sheffield and Liverpool, and ideas and thoughts generated from each meeting formed part of a strengthened strategy paper which went back to the Council on Social Action to share with government ministers. Find out what happened here >>>
Chain Reaction Network
This year we moved the Chain Reaction network to Ning to make it easier for people connect with others and share ideas. So far this year, 187 people have shared 71 ideas! Anyone may use the network to find who you want to connect with, share your idea or discuss an existing idea, or join a discussion group
Time 2 Change
Inspired by the international Chain Reaction event 2008, a group of young people in Newham decided to run their very own Chain Reaction event, to help young people in the borough to connect and share ideas and activities. This event, known as Time 2 Change brought together over 150 young people and included a wide range of workshops, debates and activities that kept attendees engaged from 1pm until 7pm.
Young people who attended Chain Reaction 2009 are now looking to plan Time 2 Change II – watch this space for details!
Young Social Reporters
With the help of a group of social media specialist, this year we worked with a group of young people from Community Links youth groups to develop the core journalistic skills to enable them to report on the Chain Reaction 2009 event and subsequent events and activities. This year, this team of young social reporters not only filmed, photographed and reported their way through the Chain Reaction 2009 event, but have also made a film with Save the Children, the 4 in 10 Campaign, and provided the social reporting at the Into 2010: The European Year Against Poverty event.
The Chain Reaction 2009 Event
On 12 November 2009, Chain Reaction brought together over 400 people from 5 different countries for a one day event in the heart of London’s Canary Wharf. Participants at the event were offered a programme of activity in 7 different spaces, including a main hall for speeches and group activities, 5 practical workshop spaces, and an ‘open space’ where participants could organise their own meetings. At the heart of the event, our Connect, Collaborate, Commit desk provided clear guidance to helping participants connect with other people at the event, share their ideas and organise their own discussion groups.
The event resulted in over 98 new connections made by attendees, and over 75 commitments to action made. You can read about what happened at Chain Reaction 2009 here, but here are just some of the things people said about the event:
A huge well done to organisers of Chain Reaction in Canary Wharf today. Enjoyed it a lot!
(Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury – via twitter)Chain Reaction put small organisations with big ideas (like the Empty Shops Network) on the same platform as big organisations…that’s really valuable for grassroots groups like ours
(Dan Thompson, Artists and Makers)I can’t wait to come along to the next event. I have never enjoyed a conference so much, or gained so much from one event. Thank you – I feel very inspired
(Clare Wetton, The Children’s Society)
Big thanks to…
We would also like to say a big thank you to all of the organisations and individuals who have supported our work this year! Including:
Canary Wharf Group Ltd, Clifford Chance, Triodos Bank, DCLG, Parity, Heart of the City, Prospectus, BITC, Serenity IT, British Youth Council, Sun Start-up Essentials, New Start, The Wharf, V Inspired
Going Forward…
Consultancy Services
In 2010, we will be stepping up our bespoke events Consultancy Service, which helps organisations to plan, manage, and deliver their programmes of events. Our approach to events aims to be participative, engaging and serious fun, and with our track record of delivering a wide range innovative events, we know what works and what doesn’t.
Read more about our consultancy services >>>
Chain Reaction event 2010
In January 2010, we will begin planning for our international Chain Reaction event 2010 - plus a programme of smaller focussed events throughout the year - and inviting partnerships and collaborations on programme delivery.
Watch this space for details or contact Laura Hyde at laura.hyde@community-links.org for more information on getting involved.
All the best for the festive season and a very happy new year!
Filed under: Chain Reaction 2009, Stronger Communities | Leave a Comment
Tags: annual event, canary wharf, Chain Reaction 2010, consultancy, cr09, cr10, european year against poverty, events, review, self organised, service, social change, stronger communties, stronger economy, time 2 change, Young People, young reporters
The Wave
On Saturday, around 50,000 people joined The Wave – a march to put pressure on government to take urgent action on climate change ahead of this week’s United Nations Climate Summit in Copenhagen.
Many organisations were involved on the day, including Oxfam, the Co-operative, and Green Peace, as well as individuals from all walks of life and across generations.
For me there was a real feeling of ’collectiveness’ for this event. Everyone taking part in Saturday’s march were there to highlight the need for action on climate change on a global level - the effects of which may only be felt in many years to come (and not necessarily in their lifetime)
Here are some of our pictures from the day:
Filed under: Environment | Leave a Comment
Tags: climate change, copenhagen, photos, thewave
| We have a one-off opportunity here at Community Links!
Our Christmas Appeal helps vulnerable families in east London at Christmas and all year round. Providing food hampers and gifts to the elderly and families in need.
Offering advice and support to help people deal with their bills and debts at what can be a difficult time of the year for many.
As well as providing safe places for children to play all year round.
The Children who benefit from our Christmas Appeal are from deprived homes and experience many problems including poverty, family breakdown and abuse. In this year’s harsh economic climate, Christmas will be a time of stress and isolation for many, but with your help we can give some hope at Christmas and open up new possiblities of change for the coming year. |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
Filed under: Young People, community | Leave a Comment
Tags: appeal, children, Christmas, community links, deprived children, donation, double, east london, fundraising, social change, the big give
Yesterday I spent the day at “Into 2010: The European Year Against Poverty” which was organised by the European Anti Poverty Network London branch (you may have seen some of our prolific tweeting during the event!). The EU have declared 2010 the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and this event was to allow London anti-poverty charities and organisations to meet to share successes and decide what they could do throughout next year. Community Links is a member of the End Child Poverty coalition and keen supporter of the campaign aims.
Speaking at the event were Stephen Timms MP, Financial Secretary for the Treasury, and Jean Lambert MEP, Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London (you can read our blog post about their contribution here). Other highlights of the event included:
-
The thoughtful introduction to the event by Kevin Jenkins, Councillor for Newham and Co-founder of Community Links, an organisation that sees the consequences of poverty on a day to day basis. Kevin talked about poverty does not respect any class or culture – it can affect anyone at anytime. He also talked about the ‘poverty of aspirations’, where people are willing to accept their ‘lot’ in life. Yet, everyone has the ability and the skills within themselves to overcome this – they just need the confidence to do so.
-
Launch of the ECP film for the 4 in 10 campaign – raising awareness of long lasting impact of young Londoner’s growing up in poverty. (The film featured children and staff from Community Links’ Arc in the Park open access childcare project)
-
The ‘Buzz’ session, facilitated by the Kaizen Partnership, which saw participants sharing ideas around four key topics: Old Age Poverty, Child Poverty, Working Age Poverty, and Severe Multiple Deprivation
-
The presentation of the City Parochial Foundation research – London’s Poverty Profile. This is an independent report which has brought together a wide range of indicators related to poverty, inequality and social exclusion in London. Some of the key finding included;
London is the most unequal region in England and income is more concentrated at the top than elsewhere. It has the highest proportion of households in the top tenth of incomes nationally, and the highest proportion in the bottom tenth
The proportion of households in London living in temporary accommodation is tem times higher than the national average
The proportion of men who die before the age of 65 is much higher in inner London than in any other region of England
London has the highest rate of income poverty of any other region in England (after housing costs). Inner London in particular has the highest rates for all age groups (children, working-age adults and pensioners)
-
Voices from the Ground Up – Presentations from local organisations who promote social inclusion, which included the Migrants Resource Centre and their newspaper giving a voice to migrants in the capital The New Londoner, the Need Not Greed Campaign on ‘Myth Busting’, End Child Poverty London and the Leonard Cheshire Disability who are working to tackle exclusion and enable access for disabled people.
Maeve McGoldrick of the Need Not Greed Campaign sums up the day:
The event finished with two calls to action – firstly, for everyone at the event to continue to develop ideas and take action to help eradicate poverty. Secondly, to tell others about the work that is happening and that will happen in 2010 – help us spread the word!
Click here to see photos from the event >>>
Click here to see the videos from the event >>>
Click here to find out more about how you can get involved in combatting poverty in 2010 >>>
Filed under: Networking, community, poverty | Leave a Comment
Tags: action, community links, end child poverty, Ideas, into2010, jean lambert mep, kevin jenkins, leonard cheshire disability, lvstc, migrants resource centre, need not greed, poverty, social exclusion, stephen timms mp, the new londoner
Continuing the Connections…
Since this year’s Chain Reaction 2009 event, we have been busy sifting though the outcomes of the event.
There has been some truly inspiring outcomes from the event - this year there were 98 new connections were made by attendees, which led to 75 new commitments to action.
We will be following up on all of those commitments over the coming months, and a full event review will be available shortly (watch this space for details).
But it doesn’t stop there! You can continue making new Connections on the Chain Reaction Online Network.
In fact we have now made it easier than ever for you to connect with the type of person or organisation that you want to. Simply tell us who you are looking to meet in your ‘Connect’ post and we’ll tweet it out (follow hashtag #crconnect) and also feature it in our monthly newsletter.
Filed under: Chain Reaction 2009, Connect | Leave a Comment
Tags: action, Chain Reaction Online Network, chainreaction, Commit, Connect, cr09, crconnect, event review, Networking, social action
My Chain Reaction experience…
Guest blogger: Hannah Candassamy, The British Youth Council
Along with two other people, I was given the opportunity to take the on the role of social reporter and represent the British Youth Council at this year’s chain reaction event. After last year’s success and the excitement that it generated, especially from BYC interns who attended the event, I was looking forward to participating in a day that is all about social change and effective ideas.
“Connect, Collaborate, Commit” was the slogan of the event and these actions were encouraged throughout the day, making it a beneficial and rewarding experience. Usually networking at big events, means slyly squeezing in a few minutes to cheekily talk to an important person and indeed this quick form of networking was celebrated during ‘speed networking’, but the light hearted approach to this activity meant that attendees were able to meet lots of different people and casually talk about their interests, projects they were involved in and the support that they needed. I was able to talk to lots of different people throughout the day who I wouldn’t normally come into contact with and this is part of the success of Chain Reaction.
I attended the ‘Campaigning for Social Change’ session and was really impressed with the variety of knowledge and experience in the room. Young people played a big part in this session in both contributing to discussion and with two of the speakers on the panel, being young campaigners. The way that they had put together their campaigns and were actively orchestrating change in their community was hugely impressive. Certain people in the general public who have a wholly negative attitude towards youth, should attend Chain Reaction and see how these young people are inspiring adults with their energy and clarity, especially on issues such as gang culture and gun & knife crime.
In the main room of the impressive venue at Canary Wharf, I was able to sit in on numerous sessions with a wide variety of speakers and each one presented a different avenue for social change. The one unifying point mentioned throughout, was the importance of community and the need to strengthen the ties that we have with people and to establish new connections. I am pursuing a career in international development and Chain Reaction has reminded me that no matter where your campaign or project is taking place, you should always be aware of what is going on around you and to also notice the highs & lows of people who are a bit closer to home.
Connect with Hannah on the Chain Reaction Network >>>
Got a Chain Reaction Experience to share? Sign up to the Chain Reaction network (its quick and free) and tell us about it >>>
Filed under: Chain Reaction 2009, Young People, social reporting | Leave a Comment
Tags: british youth council, chainreaction2009, cr09, guest blogger, hannah candassamy, social change, social reporting, Young People
-
-
Authors
The latest from linksuk-
Flickr Photos
More Photos
chainreactionteam
chainreactionguest
Laura Hyde
WillRecent Comments
 | QuikPitch on Pitch your idea for social cha… |
The Council on Social Action: Twelve Snapshots
by David Robinson, Vice-Chair of the Council on Social Action and Co-Founder of Community Links
The Council on Social Action first met in December 2007, and yesterday the last meeting of the Council took place, over the short life of CoSA we have discussed many issues and suggested several new ideas in a brief overview of just some of our work here are four topics from our agenda and, two years later, twelve outcomes.
At the first meeting the PM challenged us to imagine a society where we might all have a one-to-one relationship, someone to turn to, through out our childhood years and thereafter in times of crisis or transition….
Our report on this subject in November 2008 made 44 recommendations. We have subsequently pursued them all; 31 are now either completed or underway. We made 11 more last month, four are underway already.
To further develop the ideas on the ground two “Leading Community” pilots will begin work, with independent funding, in spring 2010
And “extra time funding” has been secured from our three corporate partners to chase through and further develop all our one-to-one recommendations for another 12 months
At the first meeting we considered the challenge of sustainable funding……
A pilot for the “sustainable law centre” built around the one-to-one relationship between client and adviser is now being developed in south London by the Ministry of Justice and a group of independent trusts and city law firms.
Much work on developing the Social Impact Bond is close to generating the first pilots. It has taken a lot of effort, several partners and a long time but could transform the funding of preventative work and early intervention.
And it has led to further work on developing and sharing other alternative funding models and to the new “Alternative Funding” ning.
At the first meeting we talked about bringing together people, ideas and opportunities………
More than 1200 people from 20 countries have attended the first two Chain Reactions. Much larger numbers are connecting, collaborating and committing to new ideas for social action in the thriving Chain Reaction online community.
The Catalyst community awards for social technology have unearthed and profiled hundreds of inspiring stories demonstrating the power of technology for catalysing social action.
We have developed the idea of a National Talent Bank to promote and support employee volunteering amongst those with more time to share as a consequence of recession
And the Big Lunch, a twinkle in Tim Smit’s eye at that first meeting was served at more than 8,000 street parties last July.
And at the first meeting we discussed the importance of not just doing things but also generating new thinking and long term structural change……..
One-to-one is now a “common core skill” in the cross government children’s workforce training strategy, considered in procurement and a featured priority for all new policy in the DCSF “Making Policy” guides and tools.
And our eleven publications have included many more examples of the advice we have offered and the projects we have led. They have covered new ground on “willing citizens”, on “collaborative commitments”, and on the implications of our one to one learning for the reform of public services. Our two commentaries have reflected on what we’ve learnt through out the process as well as on the outcomes.
For further more information on these projects and all our other work see www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_action.aspx or contact david.robinson@community-links.org.
David Robinson, Vice-Chair of the Council on Social Action and Co-Founder of Community Links
Filed under: Council on Social Action, Guest Blog | Leave a Comment
Tags: big lunch, cabinet office, catalyst award, chain reaction, Collaborate, collaborative commitments, commentaries, Commit, Connect, cosa, Council on Social Action, cr08, cr09, david robinson, dcsf, extra time funding, gordon brown, issues, leading community, National Talent Bank, one-to-one, prime minister, social action, social impact bond, sustainable, tim smit, willing citizens