My name is Ila Chandavarkar, and I am one of the founding trustees of Voice4Change England (V4CE). My journey began with the application to the Home Office's Active Communities Unit for initial funding. V4CE started as a partnership of like-minded organisations before evolving into an independent legal entity.
I became a trustee because I felt strongly that more needed to be done to tackle the race inequalities faced by Black and Minoritised Ethnic (BME) communities. The BME sector is often marginalised and underfunded, despite its essential role in providing a safety net, friendship, and empowerment for those facing exclusion and discrimination. It was important to me that V4CE did not reinforce these inequalities but instead collaborated with the organisations we support. We achieve this through membership, briefings, outreach, development support, and consultations.
There are many aspects I enjoy about being a trustee. I appreciate working with my fellow board members and our Chair; we engage in robust discussions to improve our strategy and promote race equality. Our decision-making process is always consensual, even if not unanimous.
However, addressing race inequality is challenging. It is systemic, and demonstrating its existence can feel like an uphill battle. At times, we surge forward through collaboration and partnerships; at other times, we see setbacks, such as the rise in hate crimes following harmful public rhetoric on immigration. The disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis on BME communities further highlight ongoing neglect.
I am proud of how V4CE has developed since 2006. Our Infrastructure and Development team provides invaluable support, information, and training for BME frontline groups, empowering them to advocate for their communities. Our policy and communications teams deliver thought-provoking briefings and engaging website content.
Through my role as a trustee, I have gained skills in procurement, entrepreneurship, social investment, fundraising, and oversight. My understanding of race inequality has evolved as I've learned what we need to do to address this changing landscape.
For anyone interested in becoming a trustee, my advice is to join an organisation that ignites your passion; this commitment will sustain you. We welcome anyone interested in becoming a V4CE trustee to help the BME sector gain influence and promote race equality.
Ila Chandavarkar,
V4CE Treasurer and Founding Trustee
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