ABOUT US

IMPACT is a broad based organisation with a membership of over 20 community groups from across Sheffield. We were launched in 1996.   Since then we have worked on improving Police Forums, investment in school buildings, traffic calming schemes, parks, financial exclusion, a consultation process with Sheffield City Council, pollution from Bernard Road incinerator, Stocksbridge bypass and many other issues.  All the issues have helped local people hold accountable those who make decisions about our communities and build relationships across the city with the voluntary sector, business and statutory services. Based on the shared values of justice, dignity and self-respect Impact offers local organisations across Sheffield a way of acting on their values and ideas, whilst simultaneously developing their people as citizens and communities of action.   

By organising together throughout Sheffield local organisations have built a strong and influential peoples organisation capable of winning respect in the corridors of power and effecting positive change in their communities

What are the aims of IMPACT?

Our aims are to bring together a wide and diverse set of local congregations, institutions and associations into a civic organisation that will encourage members to act together on issues and concerns they share.  This process of co-operation, compromise and learning together about power and politics is challenging stereotypes, sectarianism and discrimination.  We aim to build relationships of trust and mutual respect between an increasingly diverse group of community, workplace and religious leaders by working together around a shared vision and by agreeing specific, achievable steps towards making this vision a reality.  

The process of solving problems and the active and regular participation of the organised people of Sheffield in the decisions that affect their lives, is as important as the vision itself.   This will strengthen and enhance the democratic process and help the local member organisations to develop and train their leaders.

What does IMPACT do?

IMPACT leaders are delegates from each member community and accountable to that community and each other. They research and address, through action, issues that threaten individuals, families and their neighbourhoods.  Research, analysis and evaluation are thorough. Action is firm, direct and persistent.  A representative Strategy Team democratically agrees which issues to pursue and take action on. Successful action by thousands of Sheffielders, driven by their values and in conjunction with their neighbours, rekindles hope and builds new confidence in the people of Sheffield. Impact provides training in the theory and practice of effective organising so that communities can act with precision and discipline.  Learning takes place 'in action' and through residential workshops both locally and nationally. Sheffield citizens are working together with other local leaders involved in citizen organising in other UK areas.

Why Sheffield?

Sheffield has a long and outstanding history of organised people who fought for their rights. This rich tradition of action can teach and inspire us in our struggle to make our surrounding a better place to live in. The inner city has a long tradition of immigration and therefore cultural diversity. Most people assemble somewhere, be it a church, a Mosque, a Temple, a school, a housing co-op, a pressure group or a union branch. Connecting these associations for a common purpose mixes people from different backgrounds and makes us aware of the richness of other cultures. It is also very interesting and a lot of fun.  

How is IMPACT funded and what does the money pay for?

Each community group pays an annual due. This is matched by funds from national denominations and foundations.  We were particularly grateful for the generous support of the Community Fund (http://www.community-fund.org.uk) who awarded IMPACT with a very substantial grant over 3 years in 2001.  A strong dues base ensures political independence and long term viability. The money pays for regular training and development of the membership, the salary of the Organisers and the use of the office.