The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) is this week launching its
annual elections campaign and is looking for people active in charities,
voluntary groups and social enterprises to be nominated as 'the voice of the
sector' on a wide range of important citywide partnerships.

The CVSF is a membership organisation and provides the route through which
the views and experiences of communities and voluntary groups are
represented in the city; there are currently 74 seats available on 22
different partnerships .

Sally Hiscock, Chief Officer of the CVSF said: "We have over 550 members,
ranging from sports groups to older people's groups, campaigns, housing and
health charities, large groups and small ones, all of which provide
activities or support to people in Brighton and Hove. The experience of
these groups is incredibly beneficial to the boards and partnerships which
make decisions which affect us all; they are experts and really know what
they are talking about. They rightly deserve their chance to speak and in
doing so can ensure that services meet local need and that the community and
voluntary sector is involved at every stage".

While most people in the UK vote in general elections, the turnout in 2005
was only 61% , and less than 39% of local voters turned out for Brighton
and Hove's council elections last year. The CVSF is hoping that its own
elections will prove more enticing. Ms Hiscock continued: "The right to have
our voices heard at these meetings has been hard fought, so these seats are
incredibly valuable; this is a real chance to make 'people power' work. We
know there are hundreds of people out there who would make excellent
representatives and we urge them to think about taking on this prestigious
challenge'.

Nomination packs are being sent to all CVSF members on 30 June, and the last
day on which nominations can be submitted is 28 July. Voting takes place
between 8 August and 10 September.

The CVSF provides support to all its representatives, including a thorough
induction session, a representative's resource pack, one to one support and
some expenses.

Notes to editors

Full details of the CVSF's election can be seen at
www.cvsectorforum.org.uk/elections08.




Katy McGrory
Communications Officer
Brighton & Hove Community and Voluntary Sector Forum
Community Base
113 Queens Road
Brighton BN1 3XG
01273 234003
www.cvsectorforum.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 108741. A Company Limited by Guarantee 3895635

New Members Welcome & Induction Event 30 June 12.00-2.00pm, Community Base.