Home About Us
About African Voices Forum PDF Print E-mail

 

African Voices Forum (AVF) is a Bristol-based network of African and African-Caribbean community associations/organisations, other community organisations working to empower Africans and African-Caribbeans to take active part in policies and initiatives that concern them, as well as other organisations that share and support the forum’s values, principles, and objectives.

The AVF is registered in the UK as a company limited by guarantee with charitable objectives. It was set up on 18th March 2008 by African and African-Caribbean community groups following their participation in the African Voices conference organised at the Bristol City Council House on 1st March 2008 jointly by them and the Bristol-based Social Justice organisation, African Initiatives. 

Vision  

Active and sustainable African and African-Caribbean community interventions where our voices and concerns, and those of other groups,  are given equal consideration by mainstream agencies, and where everybody is allowed to enjoy their full dignity and respect, and above all to realise their full potential

Mission

African Voices Forum pursues this vision by supporting and developing  the capacity of African and African-Caribbean community organisations to enable them identify common needs and challenges,  develop common approaches to address them, and above all develop partnerships with other organisations to enhance our objectives and promote community cohesion.   

Principles and Beliefs

The African Voices Forum mission is informed by the following beliefs: 

  • In the power of community development as a process which gives people confidence and skills to  exercise greater power in their every day lives.

  • In working in partnership with other organisations that share similar beliefs in order to maximise resources and influence

  • That properly constituted community organisations can help empower individuals and make them contribute towards a cohesive and vibrant society.

  • That racial, religious and cultural diversity adds value to our society, and that every one has the right to equality of opportunity.

  • In the unique role of the African and African-Caribbean community sector as part of the broader voluntary and community sector.

 Brief Objects  

  • Promote best practice and set up a data base of African and African-Caribbean experts;

  • Promote Africa in the curriculum and African Voices in schools etc.;

  • Provide support such as advice and capacity building for member orgs.;

  • Develop its structure, foster links among its members and/with others

  • Represent its constituency locally, nationally and internationally.