Representation

Representation and Conclusion

From the values highlighted above, our policies are therefore derived, notably:

We would seek to represent individuals, families or community groups within Thurrock from the BME Group when it appears a conflict between the service providers and them when a conflict arises in interpreting the represented person(s) values and the policies of the service provider.
For instance: If it is perceived that BME families are not getting a fair treatment by say a school and there is a higher percentage of exclusion of BME Group children than their Caucasian pupils

BUILDING BRIDGES

Along with representation; which in most cases will be when conflict arises; we will engage actively in building bridges between BME Groups and other communities

We would engage in:

Ensuring we provide positive input into every level of decision making within Thurrock that affects the BME Groups;
Publicise our engagements borough wide to ensure that everyone is aware of the CONNECTION of the BME group within the borough and;
Work towards official representation in leadership within Thurrock e.g. if BME Group numbers 15%, then 15% of all elected and appointed leaders or decision making offices must be BME.

FEES OR SUBSCRIPTION

It is worth noting that as an organisation that is non-profit, Thurrock BME Group LTD will seek membership on a subscription basis; however, for non-members a representation fee will be set.
In the event that professionals are required to assist in any given case, the represented will PAY for the professional fees.

Conclusion

Thurrock is a rich and growing borough in which the growing population of the BME Group must be adequately represented.

It has become imperative to have an official and recognised body that is the voice of the BME people.

Thurrock BME Group LTD is a non-profit organisation seeking to position itself to ensure Thurrock can accommodate this demographic change without major conflicts or setbacks.

In order to represent the BME Groups in Thurrock, we need to recognise the common values that bind us together as a community.

These values may differ from the values of the indigenous community, notably:

Value placed on Education;
Value placed on career, especially STEM;
Family Values; and
Community Connection.

In developing a policy for the Thurrock BME Group, one must highlight these values as underlying foundation upon which the structure of this group thrives and last.

Once we are identified and know our values then we can bring such identity to our host community for recognition and acceptance.

EDUCATION: The Black and Minority Ethnic group (BME), values education to a tertiary level and beyond. This value stems from the notion that this level of education improves the career opportunities and consequently the earning capacity of their posterity.

In order for Thurrock to assist the BME group thrive, our value regarding education must be recognised and invested in.

The Borough and leaders must come together to provide ways in which a high level of education can be provided and accessed.

Thurrock BME Group will highlight achievements of our constituents in education, service providers and our high achieving children.

CAREER: We value high achievers, in their chosen careers, having strived in their educational pursuits. In view of this, we believe that over the years, Thurrock BME Group will raise the profile of the Borough from a low skill and sub-tertiary educated citizens to a highly skilled and high achieving area.

With this in mind, we hope that the incumbent community will work with the BME Group to ensure that every child from every community accesses the opportunity the Borough and the country offers its citizens.

The Thurrock BME Group will highlight and feature high achievers within the community who can be enablers (as mentors or mere pointers) in focusing the next generation to achieve in their footsteps.

FAMILY LIFE: The BME Groups get instructions about family life from their faith; as such many values held may be interpreted differently by the incumbent community with regards to faith families’ e.g. traditional family structure, child rearing, etc. Thurrock BME Group will act as an advocate in ensuring that the BME Group are educated in the laws of the land and bridge the compromise between their faith and the incumbent laws to avoid a draconian or heavy handed approach to the BME Group family life by those in authority.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION: The BME Group, generally connect through their places of worship, extended family and friendship network. As such, there may appear a large gathering of BME groups in particular areas in terms of:

Housing;
Functions;
Worship etc.

These can be interpreted in the negative by the incumbent community but the Thurrock BME Group will seek to bridge the knowledge gap between both communities’ values regarding what is considered community.