SCDC's mission is supporting best practice in community development.  Our three key priorities for achieving this mission are to;

• Influence policy by researching issues and contributing to government working groups and committees on related policy issues. 
• Work with agencies and partnerships to achieve effective community engagement and community participation. 
• Build strong, healthy, sustainable and equitable communities. 

Statement: In 2012 Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) was commissioned by the Community Safety Unit of Scottish Government to undertake a 'proof of concept' project aimed at scoping out and testing the parameters of a more community-led approach to tackling sectarianism.  To that end, we have supported 6 community led projects across the central belt to undertake action research and/or test out different methodologies in developing and supporting community-led approaches to tackling sectarianism. We worked with the following projects

• Community Links; South Lanarkshire
• Getting Better Together Healthy Living Centre in Shotts
• YIP world in Cumnock
• Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Centre (ELREC) Edinburgh
• Fauldhouse Community Development Trust in West Lothian
• Pilmeny Development Project in Edinburgh

Definition of Sectarianism: Through the above projects’ work on the ground,  we have come to recognise that sectarianism needs to be understood as a multi-faceted complex issue – it differs by community and geography, social class, gender, and changes through time. Sectarian identities, ideas and behaviours reflect attitudes, beliefs and attachments which are heavily influenced by both place and wider social forces.  But through dialogue, conversation, and active engagement with the community, conflicting groups can be encouraged to develop mutual understandings and respect. 

Name: David Allan
Address: Scottish Community Development Centre,  Suite 305, Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington Street, G2 6HJ
Website: www.scdc.org.uk 
Telephone: 0141 248 1924/1964
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