The Oxford Royal Society of Arts (RSA) will host an all-day event in Oxford Town Hall this Saturday 10th June for anyone interested in or working on projects to bring about social change. RSA Motivate invites local community organisations and socially minded individuals to display ideas and seek collaborations.
RSA Motivate will take place from 10am to 4.30pm. If your idea is still embryonic, or needing funding or just willing, skilled hands, you are encouraged to attend. OCF’s Chief Executive Jayne Woodley will be chairing a session at 3pm on ‘Capable Populations – Community Action’, and will talk about OCF’s work to address unacceptable social problems revealed in our Oxfordshire Uncovered report. She will also raise awareness of OCF’s responsible business group Reciprocate and the willingness of local companies to promote employee volunteering.
This ‘Motivate’ event is the first of its kind. Peter Ashby FRSA, Chair of the Planning Committee explains: “There are many new initiatives in the Oxford area. We want to act as a catalyst to create further ideas, and, critically, new relationships. We believe ideas and relationships together act as the key to sustainable change.”
Tony Stratton DL, former High Sheriff and former Chair of Reciprocate, adds: “I am delighted that the first ‘Motivate’ event will be held in this city, where we have a vibrant landscape powered by two universities, exemplar education and by local high-tech industries. We must bring creativity and intellect to bear on some of the world’s toughest problems. I’m particularly looking forward to learning more about projects to help eradicate youth unemployment, and to create housing for the homeless population.”
The day will include a ‘sandpit’ to help people develop project ideas. If you are a natural entrepreneur, with or without financial backing, come and talk with others. Tell us about your ideas, and hear what else is happening, and how you might collaborate. Gathered groups will bring deep and wide experience from which others can learn. Specialisms will include local sustainable energy, digital healthcare, housing solutions, transport for the future, a focus on youth employment. Behind these will be a desire to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals and other global issues.
RSA Motivate promises to be a stimulating day which, free of charge and free to drop in, will include:
- 25 stands showcasing projects and related organisations
- A range of speakers, Fellows of the RSA and guests
- Competitions music and displays
- Good healthy food
- The chance to meet new people and enjoy fellowship.
Featured sessions include:
- Enterprise in community, including ‘Webcraft for beginners’ and ‘crowdfunding’
- Environment, technology, energy and rural transport
- Education, including Banbury RSA Fellows’ ‘Driving Ambition’
- Research and leading-edge digital healthcare, including Oxford’s ‘openclinical.net’
As we look back to innovative times past, and how to build future success, Prof Jonathan Bowen FRSA FBCS will speak on his new book The Turing Guide in the context of some of the projects exhibited, with particular focus on digital trends.
See the event website www.rsaoxfordshire.org.uk for details.
Find out where else you can meet OCF’s staff and trustees in our events calendar