International

An online community and wiki for sharing ideas on how to use mobile communications for social and environmental benefits has been set up at http://shareIdeas.org.

Created with support from Nokia and Vodafone, it comes from an idea of founder and CEO of Nigerian NGO, LEAP Africa.

An Executive Summary of NCVO's 'Campaigning in Collaboration' guide is available online, giving an introduction to the case studies and key lessons learned in working with other organisations on campaigns.

See http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/publications/publication.asp?id=4452.

The British Council's innovative UK InterAction Leadership Programme helps participants understand their role as a leader, increase their impact in their community or organisation, and learn from their peers in Africa and the UK.

It is currently looking for 20 outstanding people to join - applications close 22nd June. See http://www.bc-interaction.org.

(Source:  NICVA eNews)

The Advisory Group on Campaigning and the Voluntary Sector, chaired by Helena Kennedy QC, has produced its report. As "the voluntary sector has become the natural home" of much campaigning activity and civic engagement, tackling "the minefield of confusion, obstruction and outdated interpretations of the law" is important to the health of democracy. It urges changes in the Charity Commission's approach to campaigning by charities as well as amendments to the law.

There are concerns that the 'Review of Safeguards to Protect the Charitable Sector (England and Wales) from Terrorist Abuse' announced by the government last week could be "placing a veil of suspicion" over charities as a whole and damage public trust and confidence. National umbrella body NCVO has issued a press release - see http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/press/releases/?id=4992.

Microsoft's DesignIT competition has reached the public voting stage. Shortlisted entries from The Alzheimer's Society, Bullying Online, Global Action Plan and Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society are competing to have professional help in planning and implementing an IT system design.

To vote you need a Windows Live ID, such as Hotmail and MSN accounts. Voting ends at 5pm on 11th May - http://www.microsoft.com/uk/technet/designit/default.mspx.

Social Innovation Exchange, or SIX, is a new global network of networks to promote social innovation.

The partnership which launched the web site at http://www.socialinnovationexchange.org includes the Young Foundation, Cisco, Global Ideas Bank and School for Social Entrepreneurs.

In-depth information on five parliamentary select committees, defence, education & skills, international development, health and treasury, is available on a new web site hosted by ePolitix.com, with more to be added. Select committees hold Government to account and champion focused areas of policy and selectcommittees.co.uk aims to augment rather than replace the official committee web sites.