“How can DCAN better support your organisation ?”
We sent this one-question survey to DCAN members and organisations, attenders at DCOP, Dorset Council and to some councillors. Thank you to the 41 people who responded. Here is a summary of your answers.
1. Coordination & mapping of activity across Dorset
- Coordinate the wide range of local efforts
- Map who is doing what
- Help organisations connect with others working on similar issues (e.g., transport, nature recovery, renewable energy, rivers, litter, policy)
2. Better information sharing & communication
- Regular, simple briefings on climate and environmental issues
- Updates on legislative or policy changes
- Improved outreach so more people know what DCAN does
3. Support with funding
- Help identifying and applying for funding
- Possibility of DCAN securing a larger fund to disseminate
- Acting as a parent or umbrella organisation for small groups seeking grants
4. Volunteer & organisation matchmaking
- A volunteer database or matching system
- Helping organisations find volunteers and volunteers to find organisations
- Support recruitment for nature-based or community project
5. More networking opportunities & direct engagement
- More events, networking sessions, and project-based collaboration
- More direct interaction with DCAN staff/volunteers
- Visits from DCAN to local groups to explain what DCAN does & identify needs
6. Awareness-raising across Dorset
- Help expand public awareness of climate issues
- Promote climate-positive behaviours and projects e.g. active travel
7. Practical support for specific themes
- Tech/cable recycling drop-off points
- Helping accelerate renewable energy in Dorset (inc. tidal stream potential)
- Transport-related carbon reduction mapping
- Support for nature recovery partnerships
- Venue sharing/coordination