Comments on: Labour ‘utterly resistant’ to grassroots empowerment? http://simondickson.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/labour-utterly-resistant-to-grassroots-empowerment/ The former home of Simon's blog on news, politics and e-government. Now at puffbox.com. Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:28:40 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Designing for Civil Society http://simondickson.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/labour-utterly-resistant-to-grassroots-empowerment/#comment-27179 Designing for Civil Society Sat, 13 Oct 2007 13:35:46 +0000 http://simondickson.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/labour-utterly-resistant-to-grassroots-empowerment/#comment-27179 <strong>Engagement isn't marketing, members are more than customers</strong> I believe much fresh thinking and innovation emerges from cross-overs between sectors, disciplines and cultures, and so I was fascinated to sit in on a presentation last week about engaging and expanding membership of a charity, given by a team Engagement isn’t marketing, members are more than customers

I believe much fresh thinking and innovation emerges from cross-overs between sectors, disciplines and cultures, and so I was fascinated to sit in on a presentation last week about engaging and expanding membership of a charity, given by a team

]]> By: David Wilcox http://simondickson.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/labour-utterly-resistant-to-grassroots-empowerment/#comment-27062 David Wilcox Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:39:03 +0000 http://simondickson.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/labour-utterly-resistant-to-grassroots-empowerment/#comment-27062 I found Matthew's statement interesting on two fronts - a rear window into New Labour's attitude to its followers, and forward into his vision for the RSA. It's tempting to think that Matthew might be trying to achieve at the RSA something he failed to do in the Labour Party - but I think it is much more interesting than that, with possible lessons for all membership organisations. What's being attempted at RSA is a reinvention - as Matthew says in the video - that puts members at the centre, and staff in support. It's hugely challenging, and I'm not sure the process is yet well worked-out. However, what's encouraging is that it is being done openly, with honesty. Some lessons learned, then. I found Matthew’s statement interesting on two fronts – a rear window into New Labour’s attitude to its followers, and forward into his vision for the RSA. It’s tempting to think that Matthew might be trying to achieve at the RSA something he failed to do in the Labour Party – but I think it is much more interesting than that, with possible lessons for all membership organisations.
What’s being attempted at RSA is a reinvention – as Matthew says in the video – that puts members at the centre, and staff in support. It’s hugely challenging, and I’m not sure the process is yet well worked-out. However, what’s encouraging is that it is being done openly, with honesty. Some lessons learned, then.

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