The Vision Project

VCS organisations and social activists must also be
clear about what they will do and what they will
not do. They must never compromise their values
and mission. The sector can complement but
should not be a substitute for the state, however
tempting this might be in the short term.
Voluntary collectivism can and should both
complement and augment state collectivism.
Collectivism is key to addressing social exclusion
and its causes. Collective social action can and
should seek to shape the collectivism of the state.
The voluntary and community sector and social
activists should find their voice to fight all that is
inappropriate and harmful. They should promote
alternative policies. They champion social justice
and fairness; and must be ready to challenge
government and engage in the political debate –
charities of course must avoid being partisan.
DEVELOPING HEALTH & INDEPENDENCE
They should say loudly and continually that, in the
fifth richest economy in the world, there should
be much reduced levels of homelessness, poverty,
inequality and austerity. The sector cannot be silent
on such issues if it is going to be true to its mission,
values and beneficiaries.
It cannot simply argue for its communities at
the expense of others. It must avoid being drawn
into false choices. If there is a need for greater
public spending, it has to be ready to argue where
expenditure can be reduced or more likely to make
the case for greater progressive taxation. It has to
argue for the redistribution of wealth and incomes
between individuals and between regions and
places if it is going to make a coherent case for
addressing social exclusion just as much as it will
have to be willing to challenge poorly regulated
markets and market based social conditions.
Social exclusion in its many forms will be consigned
to history when we have an economy and society
that are fair, are inclusive and deliver opportunities
for everyone irrespective of their class, their
ethnicity, their gender or sexual orientation,
and their opinions – provided that these are not
contrary to equality and fairness.
Equality, not just equality of opportunity, is
essential. As Martin Luther King Jr said:
“This will be the day when we shall
bring into full realization the dream
of American democracy - a dream yet
unfulfilled. A dream of equality of
opportunity, of privilege and property
widely distributed; a dream of a land
where men will not the take necessities
from the many to give luxuries to the
few.”
Addressing social exclusion and the causes of social
exclusion should surely be a priority for civil society,
the voluntary and community sector and for social
activists.
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