Why should your group join us?
Preston Community Network provides a structure for local voluntary and community groups to work collectively to influence local decision making through the Preston Strategic Partnership, its eight Thematic Working Groups, and, other partnerships.
We also help to build capacity within the local voluntary and community sector, to enable and empower its representatives to influence local decision making on the PSP and other partnerships.
The Network achieves this in various ways - it runs ad hoc free training for member groups, has a meeting room available for members to hire at very attractive rates (free to member groups with small incomes). The Network holds some equipment, which member organisations can hire (please enquire about prices).
Additionally, we provide practical and ongoing support to the Network's representatives, through our Representatives and Groups Support Officer. We provide a structure which ensures and facililates the accountability of the Network representatives on the PSP and other partnerships, through regular reporting back and to ensure the wider voluntary and community sector have input and influence, via their Network representatives on the PSP and other partnerships. Full Network Events are run several times a year to allow for two way communication and a Newsletter is produced annually. Finally, membership of the Network is completey FREE!
Where do I get the membership form from?
You can download (and save) a blank Network membership application form directly from this page (see right hand side). The form once completed, can then be e-mailed to the Network at waheda@prestoncn.org as an attachment. Or, if you prefer, you can simply print off a blank form, complete it by hand, and post it to us at Units 23/27, Guild Hall Arcade, Lancaster Road, Preston. PR1 1HR
If you would like the Network to send you a blank membership application form through the post, or, require help filling in the form, simply call us on 01772 204604 or e-mail us at waheda@prestoncn.org
Membership criteria
Membership of the Network is available under the following categories:
Full
Open to voluntary and community sector organisations working within the boundaries of the city of Preston and which meet the following criteria:
- Is run by a voluntary management committee which includes members of the local community
- Is a small local group serving local people, but which adheres to the rules of a regional or national organisation (e.g., a self-help group)
- Is not a political organisation
- Is not a faith group, unless they can clearly demonstrate community involvement and participation
- Has clear aims and objectives and a constitution or written set of rules by which the organisation is run
- Supports the aims, objectives and ethos of the Community Network
Full members will have the following rights:
- To nominate and vote in Preston Community Network elections (e.g., for PSP/other representatives, and the Executive Committee/Board of Directors)
- To nominate members of their group as TWG and other representatives
- To receive Network mail-outs
- Attend Full Network Meetings
- The opportunity to attend Community Network training events
- To attend and vote on issues and in the elections at the A.G.M.
Associate
Associate membership is available to organisations which provide services to the community, and which encourage and promote community involvement and empowerment, but which are not managed by a voluntary management committee. Associate member organisations will not be eligible to nominate or vote in elections to the Network Executive Committee/Board of Directors, PSP or any other representatives.
Associate members can:
- Receive Network Mailings
- Attend Full Network Meetings
- To attend, but not vote at, the A.G.M.