Merton's BME Forum

The forum meets quarterly to monitor its BME Strategic Plan (2006-09) as well as discuss issues and policies on the horizon.

The next meeting is scheduled for 4th March 2008 at Vestry Hall, Mitcham. An agenda can be obtained from this website nearer the date or via admin@mertonunitynetwork.org.uk.

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Merton Unity Network's AGM

The AGM is planned for Tuesday, 18th March 2008 for which further details will be provided on this website or can be obtained via admin@mertonunitynetwork.org.uk.

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An International Day was held on Saturday, 24 March 2007, at 78 Kingston Road, South Wimbledon, London SW19 1LA

The event which was opened by the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Merton was a success. Approximately 200 people attended the event which met its aim in bringing Merton's diverse community together to promote a cohesive society - where people have respect for each others culture.

The programme included a film "Our Merton" which showed the contributions that black and minority ethnic community groups have made to enhance their general well being. The event also included cultural music, dancing and singing, prizes and a variety of cultural cuisine.

Details of future cultural events can be obtained from Patricia Anderson on 0208 648 9551.

BME Forum & Strategic Plan

The BME Strategic Plan is the outcome of a successful seminar, titled “Are you ready for Change”, which was held during black history month in October 2005. At that seminar BME representatives expressed a need for a BME Forum and a BME Strategic Plan to help chart the way forward and to further develop interactions between BME organisations and the wider environment.

The Plan is intended to be the starting point to bring about changes to the way BME organisations work, their relationship with policy makers, and their involvement in decision making that affect their lives and that of their communities. Principally, BME organisations wanted a document that:

•  Expresses their aspirations, needs and concerns, is BME-defined, informed and led.

•  Facilitates BME organisations to work together to chart their way forward and to develop a coordinated approach to service development and delivery.

•  Provides a clear vision about how the BME 'sector' can help define and shape the Merton they want to live and work in.

A copy of Merton's BME Strategic Plan can be downloaded via the following link:

BME Strategic Plan

Merton Race Equality Toolkit

Merton Unity Network has been working in partnership with Merton Race Equality Partnership and other partner agencies to develop this toolkit. Phase 1 of the toolkit was launched in June 2007. Phase 2 is scheduled for completion by April 2008. For further information please visit: www.mertonrep.org.uk

See also reference to toolkit on this website's Events page.

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These are just a few of the new Acts that will impact on community groups:

• Racial & Religious Hatred Act 2006

• Equality Act 2006

 See our Policy section  

Brief News
			The BME Forum & Strategic Plan Read about it on this page

Merton Unity Network newsletters:

Further copies are to be issued shortly. Watch this space.