The Holland House Movement is the CSR arm of SO Consultancy and funded predominantly internally and by the profits we generate. It is an unusual and unique movement and has previously been widely debated as to its roots, its delivery, and its aims (see Bevan Review on Holland House). We are not an organisation, but a movement that has had some considerable success at delivering engagement between the BME community and agencies, governments, companies and any formal structures. Sometimes we are asked merely to facilitate events led by other organisations such as the Saheli Muslim organisation's speech by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf. In on other times we have provided the debating floor between the BME community and the wider community. Recently we hosted a keynote speech by Trevor Philips, Chair of Commission for Racial Equality, which was broadcast by the BBC (listen to here). Sometimes we are asked to brokerage a dialogue between parties and in this respect we held a successful and televised evening with the Sports Council where leading international sports personalities took part (cf. the Sports Council leaflet).
Sometimes we are asked merely to facilitate events led by other organisations such as the Saheli Muslim organisation's speech by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf. In on other times we have provided the debating floor between the BME community and the wider community. Recently we hosted a keynote speech by Trevor Philips, Chair of Commission for Racial Equality, which was broadcast by the BBC (listen to here).
Sometimes we are asked to brokerage a dialogue between parties and in this respect we held a successful and televised evening with the Sports Council where leading international sports personalities took part (cf. the Sports Council leaflet).
Over the past 2 years we have held high profile events in collaboration with: All Wales Saheli Assoc.- Asian & Muslim children and families projectBBCPolice Welsh Assembly GovernmentDisability CouncilSEWREC - race equaltiy councilSports CouncilBEN - Black Environment Network
The Holland House Meetings is only one of SO Consultancy's ventures for social development, the goal being community cohesion within Black and Ethnic Minorities groups throughout Wales. We aim to broaden our umbrella to help the dialogue with all disadvantaged groups.
So what are the elements that have made Holland House successful? They have developed naturally and organically, over a long period of time, and matured as we grew to understand the nature of the challenge when engaging with disadvantaged groups. Frankly, we cannot say 'why' Holland House Movement is a successful engagement model, but we can point to a number of common themes that we have identified that elements underpinning successful engagement. Some of these are: No formal Board exists - so no rivalry or ego issues over governance. Everyone is a volunteer, not a gatekeeper. No central funding - so no issues of being responsible to other people. No formal registered organization - we are not a not-for-profit, nor a charity, nor an NGO. No agenda of our own - we are neutral on all issues but there to encourage engagement No blame culture - our meetings are open to all as long as there is no recrimination and aggression shown No representation - all attendees to our meetings come in their own individual capacity, not representing others High profile venues - just because it's a 'community' event, we do not believe in downgrading the surroundings of our debates Non-partisan chairing - when we chair events or meetings, we are completely non-partisan
So what are the elements that have made Holland House successful? They have developed naturally and organically, over a long period of time, and matured as we grew to understand the nature of the challenge when engaging with disadvantaged groups.
Frankly, we cannot say 'why' Holland House Movement is a successful engagement model, but we can point to a number of common themes that we have identified that elements underpinning successful engagement. Some of these are:
Holland House is a grassroots engagement movement - if you feel we can be of assistance to you, please contact us - there is no charge or obligation in using our service.
