A strong community
In a series of articles, we highlight resources for community groups - including NZCOSS.
The New Zealand Council of Social Services (NZCOSS) uses its collective voice to speak out, influence policy makers and empower the community. As a dynamic social force for change and sustainability, the COSS network assists community groups with daily challenges such as strategic planning and employment issues. They share information on funding opportunities and provide seminars on community management. Driven by the desire to support a strong, dynamic and sustainable Third Sector, Coss staff offer advice and support for emerging groups, lead community projects and articulate the community voice through advocacy and the preparation of appropriate submissions. In Auckland, the network includes Auckland District COSS, Franklin COSS, Kauri Trust Youth Services, Manukau East COSS, Nga Manga o Mangere, North Shore COSS, Waiheke Island COSS and Community Waitakere. Northland members are Kaitaia COSS and Whangarei COSS. Under the NZCOSS, the groups work together to more effectively support local communities and member organisations to achieve social well-being. One focus for the network has been the joint Employment Relations Project. Run in collaboration with the NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations and Social Services Waikato, it aims to raise the profile of employment relations issues. This has included employment relations education training workshops pitched at managers and board members. The workshops aim to clarify their rights, obligations and responsibilities under the Employment Relations Act, as well as give handy hints on recruitment, employment and conflict resolution. The next workshop is in Taranaki, on July 9, the next in Wanganui on July 10.
