I mean what I say
24/11/2011
Kevin Curley made his final address to a NAVCA Conference after 40 years in the NAVCA movement this week, at NAVCA’s Annual Conference in London. Kevin first spoke at a NAVCA (NACVS) Conference in 1971.
In his speech Kevin stressed that although sometimes you need to bite your lip he said that he firmly believed that “we achieve more at the table inside the town hall than if we stand outside the town hall banging on the door and waving a placard.” He did add that NAVCA members also support campaigning.
However, although we may compromise on the means Kevin was clear that we must not compromise on the values. Our values “sit beneath everything we do and say. They help us to steer a course through confused waters. They bind us together.”
Kevin ended his speech by saying that NAVCA members “embody the very best of localism. Localism built on the right values. Unchanging values for rapidly changing times.” He added that NAVCA members great strength is their values, confidence and belief “in the potential for independent local voluntary action to transform people’s lives and people’s neighbourhoods”.
Kevin’s final message to members was that “the cuts will draw blood but no transfusion will be needed. The wounds will heal. And you, your organisation and this movement will be strong and will continue to fulfil its mission”.
