GETTING INVOLVED
GCDA Membership
Any resident of Glenbarr or our predefined catchment area can register as a member of the Glenbarr Community Development Association (GCDA).
Benefits of Membership
– Voting Rights: As a registered member, you will have the right to vote on important matters at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), influencing the direction and decisions of GCDA.
– Stay Informed: Members receive regular updates on GCDA activities, projects, and events, ensuring you stay connected and involved in the community.
– Involvement Opportunities: Membership provides opportunities to participate in various GCDA initiatives, including volunteering, joining working groups, and applying for board membership.
How to Register
1) Access the Form: Visit the Resources page on our website to download the Membership Registration form.
2) Complete the Form: Fill out the required details, ensuring all information is accurate.
3) Submit the Form: Return the completed form to the GCDA office via email or post.
Additional Involvement Opportunities
– Join a Working Group: Contribute to specific projects by joining a working group led by a board member. This allows you to have a direct impact on project development and implementation.
– Apply for Board Membership: If you have relevant experience or a passion for community development, consider applying to become a Board Member.
– Volunteer: Engage in community projects and events by volunteering. Opportunities will be advertised through GCDA’s social media channels.
Becoming a Board Member
Any registered member of GCDA or external professional with relevant experience can apply to become a Board Member or co-opted Board Member of the Glenbarr Community Development Association.
Board Membership
– Meeting Attendance: Board Members are expected to attend 6-8 predefined board meetings annually, in addition to the Annual General Meeting. Virtual attendance options are available for all meetings.
– Election Process: Board Members are typically elected by the membership at the AGM. However, applications can be reviewed and approved by the existing board between AGMs if necessary.
– Role and Responsibilities: Board Members participate in decision-making and are encouraged to act as ‘Champions’ for GCDA’s active Working Groups, fostering strong links between the community and the board.
How to Apply
1) Eligibility: Ensure you are a registered member of GCDA or an external professional with relevant experience.
2) Application: Complete the Board Member application form available on our website.
3) Submission: Submit your application to the GCDA Executive Team.
4) Review Process: Applications are reviewed by the current board, and candidates may be invited for an interview.
5) Election: Successful candidates are elected at the AGM or appointed by the board if a position becomes available between AGMs.
Benefits of Board Membership
– Leadership Experience: Gain valuable experience in leadership and governance.
– Community Impact: Play a key role in shaping the future of Glenbarr and its community projects.
– Networking Opportunities: Build connections with other board members, community leaders, and external professionals.
Joining a Working Group
A working group provides a platform for interested members of the community, wider regional stakeholders, and external professionals to actively contribute to GCDA projects.
Purpose of Working Groups
– Community Connection: Led by a ‘Champion’ from GCDA’s board, the primary role of a working group is to maintain a strong and sustained connection between Glenbarr’s community and the ongoing project activities.
– Project Support: Working groups assist the GCDA Executive Team by providing input, feedback, and hands-on support for project development and implementation.
Responsibilities of Working Group Members
– Meeting Attendance: Participants are expected to attend monthly meetings to discuss project activities and progress.
– Active Participation: Contribute ideas, expertise, and volunteer time to support project goals.
– Collaboration: Work alongside other group members, the GCDA Executive Team, contractors, and external partners to ensure the success of projects.
Benefits of Joining a Working Group
– Direct Impact: Play a crucial role in shaping and progressing community projects.
– Skill Development: Gain new skills and experience in project management, teamwork, and community development.
– Networking: Connect with other passionate community members, professionals, and local leaders.
– Personal Fulfillment: Experience the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful projects that benefit the community.
How to Join
1) Express Interest: Contact us via email or phone to express your interest in joining a working group.
2) Attend an Orientation: Join an orientation session to learn more about the working groups, their goals, and your potential role.
3) Get Involved: Start attending monthly meetings and actively participate in project activities.
Volunteer opportunities
GCDA will occasionally advertise volunteering opportunities for community members and other interested parties to get involved in specific projects on an unpaid basis. These opportunities typically involve operational tasks with a clear focus and predefined targets.
Volunteer opportunities will be advertised through GCDA’s social media channels when available.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
– Event Support: Assist with setting up, running, and closing down events, including managing stalls, welcoming attendees, and coordinating activities.
– Environmental Projects: Participate in community clean-ups, tree planting, and maintaining local green spaces.
– Educational Programs: Assist in running workshops, after-school programs, and community education sessions.
Benefits of Volunteering
– Skill Development: Gain new skills and experiences that can enhance your CV.
– Community Engagement: Meet new people and strengthen community ties.
– Personal Fulfillment: Make a tangible difference in your community and experience the satisfaction of giving back.
– Professional Networking: Build connections with like-minded individuals, local leaders, and organisations.
How to Get Involved
1) Check for Opportunities: Keep an eye on GCDA’s social media channels for the latest volunteer opportunities.
2) Apply: Fill out the volunteer application form available on our website.
3) Attend an Orientation: Join a volunteer orientation session to learn more about the project and your role.
4) Get Started: Begin volunteering and making a difference in your community.
Becoming a Co-optee
GCDA actively encourages experienced, professional co-optees to become involved in our activities and projects, either through the GCDA Board or working groups.
Application Process
– Submission: Interested individuals should submit their application, detailing their experience and areas of interest.
– Review: The GCDA board will review and discuss each application, assessing how the candidate’s expertise aligns with current needs.
– Agreement: Upon approval, the candidate will be formally invited to join as a co-optee.
Commitment and Expectations
– Minimum Term: Co-optees are expected to commit to a minimum period of nine months to ensure continuity and effective contribution.
– Meeting Attendance: Co-optees must attend meetings relevant to their role, which could include board meetings or working group sessions.
– Flexibility: Depending on location, co-optees can attend meetings either in person or virtually to accommodate their availability.
Roles and Responsibilities
– Active Participation: Co-optees are expected to actively contribute to discussions, provide insights, and assist in decision-making processes.
– Project Involvement: Engage with specific projects that align with their expertise, helping to guide and support project development and implementation.
– Mentorship: Provide mentorship and guidance to other group members, leveraging their professional experience to foster growth and development within the association.
Benefits of Becoming a Co-optee
– Professional Impact: Utilize your expertise to make a tangible difference in community development projects.
– Networking: Connect with other professionals, community members, and local leaders.
– Skill Enhancement: Gain experience in community development, project management, and collaborative decision-making.
– Recognition: Contributions are acknowledged through GCDA newsletters, social media, and at community events.
Areas of Expertise Sought
– Community Planning: Expertise in urban planning, landscape architecture, or environmental design.
– Finance and Fundraising: Skills in financial management, grant writing, or fundraising.
– Education and Outreach: Experience in educational programmes, community outreach, or public relations.
– Sustainability: Knowledge in sustainable development, renewable energy, or conservation practices.
How to Apply
1) Contact Us: Express your interest by contacting us via email or phone.
2) Submit Application: Complete the co-optee application form, detailing your professional background and areas of interest.
3) Interview: Participate in an interview with the GCDA board to discuss your application and potential role.
4) Agreement: Upon mutual agreement, begin your involvement as a co-optee.
Skills Learning Workshops
At GCDA, community development is at the heart of what we do. One way we actively foster community growth is through our skills learning workshops.
Purpose of Skills Learning Workshops
– Community Empowerment: These workshops aim to empower community members by offering opportunities to learn new skills.
– Professional Engagement: Skilled professionals involved in GCDA projects are encouraged to share their expertise through these workshops.
– Long-Term Impact: By acquiring new skills, participants can contribute to ongoing and future projects managed by GCDA.
Workshop Offerings
– Diverse Topics: Workshops will aim to cover a wide range of subjects, from practical skills to professional development.
– Hands-On Learning: Participants engage in interactive sessions led by experienced professionals, gaining practical knowledge and expertise.
Participation and Advertisement
– Community Engagement: Workshops are open to all community members and are advertised directly within the Glenbarr community through local channels, including social media, newsletters, and community notice boards.
– Registration: Interested individuals can express interest to GCDA directly once workshops have been advertised.
– Accessibility: We strive to make workshops accessible by offering flexible scheduling where possible and adapting content to meet needs and interests of participants.
Benefits for Participants
– Personal Growth: Enhance skills relevant to personal interests or career aspirations.
– Community Connection: Connect with neighbours and local experts in a supportive learning environment.
– Contribution: Skills acquired can contribute to ongoing community projects and initiatives led by GCDA.