Experiences of the Gathering

This blog was written by Katrina Eves, who works in the Policy & Communications team with Corra, about her experience at The Gathering.

‘Organised by SCVO, The Gathering is the largest free voluntary sector event in the UK. It’s an opportunity for all the amazing people working in and with the voluntary sector to network, showcase what they do and learn from each other.’

In the first week of November I was fortunate to be a part of The Gathering held in Edinburgh by SCVO, and support my team at the Corra exhibition stall. This was a brilliant opportunity to interact and chat with a variety of Scottish organisations who play their part in supporting communities, encouraging others, and improving life in Scotland.

As a person who works within communications, to be immersed in a space with people that we spend so much time engaging with online and creating meaningful content for was simply a fantastic experience. The exchanges ranged from simply a smile and the handing over of a Corra tote bag, to longer conversations that shared details of community, friendship, hard work, and a love for Scotland.

I had the opportunity to chat to a host of different organisations, recognising throughout the day that I had a completely different interaction with each organisation I chatted to.

For example, Plinth, an organisation who connects data to help communities boost their platform, had created a fun and engaging opportunity to win money for a chosen charity. Young Women’s Movement, besides having amazing stall freebies, were passionate to speak to me about their work and their ongoing ideas and ambitions for the year ahead. Social Action Inquiry Scotland took the time to talk to me one-on-one about their communities and the brilliant stories that had emerged from their time together this year. While each organisation plays a different role in the voluntary sector, in coming together to this space, we shared a common purpose.

I loved the rush of creativity, the inventive ideas, the buzz of connections. Hearing snippets of passing conversation, I could tell people were experiencing the Gathering as a real day out. It was a chance to learn and grow in knowledge through the varied workshops, while connecting with old and new faces, and maybe stopping by an exhibition stall to pick up a pen or a chocolate, smile at a stranger, be bold and start a new conversation. Chocolate can be magical, and so can a new conversation!

Throughout the day I connected with new people, and gained a real insight into the brilliant work of the voluntary sector – I hope at next years’ Gathering to visit a few more workshops, and enhance my experience even more by having more insightful chats with people about our sector and the future of Scotland.