Civil society is about people-led, consumer-led and community-led action; people taking responsibility for finding solutions to their own problems, initiating and managing their own services and facilties, organising in their workplace, and lobbying the public and public and private sectors alike for better and more appropriate policies and provisions.
It is acknowledged that the voluntary sector mobilises the energies of more people than any other part of civil society.
Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil, or VAMT as it is more commonly referred to is the Local Voluntary Council for the County Borough of Merthyr Tydfil and has a membership of some 290+ voluntary organisations. Membership varies and includes voluntary organisations, community groups, self-help groups, community co-operatives and enterprises, religious organisations and other 'not for profit' organisations of benefit to the Borough.
Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT) aims to support voluntary and community activity in the County Borough of Merthyr Tydfil by helping new projects, bringing groups together in forums and networks, producing regular newsletters, providing training and practical help. VAMT offers information and advice on funding, legal matters, volunteering, marketing, ICT and how your group can work effectively.
VAMT is also home to the Volunteer Centre which helps organisations recruit and support volunteers. Volunteering has been described as an important expression of citizenship and essential to democracy. It is the commitment of time and energy for the benefit of society and the community and can take many forms. It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain". It is therefore most encouraging to find that over the twelve months, the Volunteer Centre has witnessed an increase in the number pf people who are wishing to undertake a volunteering role within the Borough.
The Merthyr Tydfil Compact is a partnership agreement between the third sector and the public sector in Merthyr Tydfil which provides a framework which will assist partners to improve the quality of life for the people of the County Borough. You can view the compact in full here.
Some facts and figures for 2006-07
- 3.5% increase in membership to 297 from 287
- 4,153 requests for information and advice
- significant development support to 110 voluntary organisations and community groups
- involved in 79 multi agency partnerships
- database of 179 volunteering opportunities