Social entrepreneurs called upon to defend civil society

Social Enterprise is joining a growing number of social entrepreneurs and others from the voluntary and community sector in supporting the role of civil society.

We've added our name to a letter campaigning for people and politics to recognise the importance of 'working together' and the role of the community, which is being sent to the national media this weekend.

The letter states that campaigners have been taken aback by the opposition in the press and elsewhere to the role citizens can play in our country, partly generated by pre-election discussions on such areas as the 'Big Society'.

It says: 'While it can be tough for citizens to run hospitals and schools single-handedly, they can and should - with help from social enterprises as well as the state - have much more of a say and be allowed to deliver and commission aspects of local services where they can and where there is demand.'

It also defends civil society's role in improving the quality of life for people in this country, including those who are involved in front line work in the community.

Campaigners so far include Rob Owen of the St Giles Trust, Titus Alexander of Novas Scarman Group and Tony Burton of Civic Voice.
  
However, the campaign is looking to get as many names from the social enterprise sector as possible. You can sign up by sending your name, organisation, and contact details today to civicdefence@googlemail.com.

Read the letter HERE.