The Community Development Podcast (@CommDevtPodcast)

Ep.40 - The social value of community finance in Ireland

In this episode, recorded in February 2024, Russell is joined from County Meath in the Republic of Ireland, by Dónal Traynor, Chief Executive of Community Finance Ireland (CFI); and from Omagh in Northern Ireland, by Conor McGale from Rose Regeneration Trust. Rose Regeneration Trust has recently supported Community Finance Ireland assess the social value of its investment portfolio across the whole of the island of Ireland. Dónal explains a bit more about the work of CFI and Conor provides an insight into the methodology that he uses to assess social value. The 2022 report to which we refer can be found here: https://communityfinanceireland.com/publication/community-finance-ireland-social-impact-report-2022/ You can follow both at: https://communityfinanceireland.com/ twitter.com/ComFinanceIrl twitter.com/donal76 https://roseregeneration.co.uk/ twitter.com/ConorMac34 twitter.com/RoseRegen ____________ Support the podcast on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/TheCDPodcast Produced by Russell Todd twitter.com/llannerch twitter.com/commdevtpodcast www.russelltodd.cymru

Ep.39 - Libraries of Things and CD: Benthyg five years on:

In this episode, Becky Harford - co-founder of Benthyg Cymru (benthyg is the Welsh word for 'to borrow') - returns five years after her first appearance on the podcast way back in 2018 when we were first introduced to the concept of a Library of Things (LoT) in Cardiff. Since then Benthyg has grown from a single LoT in Cardiff, to a network of over 20 all across Wales. The LoT concept is not confined to Wales, but a networked approach to developing local LoTs *is* unique. Becky explains what has helped fuel the expansion; some of the challenges faced in the last 5 years (hello pandemic!!); and how community development workers can help legitimise an idea that despite being so simple is challenging behaviours that are hardwired into society. You can follow/contact Benthyg Cymru at: www.benthyg-cymru.org twitter.com/benthyg instagram.com/benthyg linkedin.com/company/benthyg-cymru

Ep.38 - An introduction to Philosophy in Pubs

This episode is a bit of a departure in that it is an edited version of an interview Jan Huyton and I did with Radio Cardiff at the end of May about the fortnightly Philosophy in Pubs group we host in Cardiff. Philosophy in Pubs is a grassroots network across the UK that promotes the merits of philosophical discussion in public spaces (not necessarily in pubs). In the interview we talk through how a discussion tends to go, importance of facilitation, and why a 'stimulus' is important. To know more about the Philosophy in Pubs network visit https://www.philosophyinpubs.co.uk/page/index/home. To know more about our CF14 PiP group in Cardiff that meets fortnightly in The Railway Pub in Llandaff North, visit: twitter.com/CF14_PiP facebook.com/groups/1339395263122904 cf14-philosophy-in-pubs.mailchimpsites.com/ With thanks to Ceri Stennett and all at Radio Cardiff, an independent community radio station: http://radiocardiff.org/ twitter.com/radiocardiff

Ep.37 - Community and trade union organising with Puru Miah

In this episode Russell chat's with Puru Miah about the community and trade union organising that undertakes in East London. Puru is also one of the founders of People's PPE - Philosophy, Politics and Economics - a programme, started in early 2016, of independent community education delivered through debates and seminars. Puru discusses some of the similarities and differences to organising in a workplace setting and in a community setting, and provides a few examples of his organising. As well as mentioning some of his key influences, such as Phil Piratin and David Harvey, Puru also provides some tips and advice for aspiring and budding organisers. A reading list and links to the numerous references Puru makes is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k8REDrRorxnyTnwRApgOeT1PdM2-3FhC/view?usp=share_link You can also follow Puru and the People's PPE at: twitter.com/purumiah www.purumiah.com twitter.com/peoplesppe youtube.com/@PeoplesPPE ___________ thecommunitydevelopmentpodcast@gmail.com twitter.com/CommDevtPodcast twitter.com/llannerch

Ep.36 - Bristol Energy Cooperative with Jess Gitsham

In this episode - recorded summer 2022 - Jess Gitsham, Communications Manager at Bristol Energy Cooperative in England, tells us about her work; why a co-operative approach is important; the community energy movement and how it in builds solidarities across different sectors to advance the movement. Follow Bristol Energy Cooperative on: youtube.com/channel/UCojVboGhwWw4FZSnOY8wvwQ/featured twitter.com/briznrg www.bristol.energy.coop _______________________ Support The Community Development Podcast at Patreon.com/TheCDPodcast