As a membership organisation, we are committed to engaging and connecting with voluntary & community sector organisations across Eastbourne, Lewes District and Wealden. We especially want to target our support at places and populations of greatest need and excluded groups and to use asset-based approaches that release and support the skills and energy of the groups and communities we exist to support.
Hundreds of local groups are our valued members, but we are always keen to strengthen our links with the sector, welcoming new member organisations to a movement for social change and bringing their voices into our decision-making and leadership processes.
Member benefits
Joining 3VA gives you access to an extensive local network of organisations serving the needs of people in Eastbourne, Lewes District and Wealden.
Our members range from some of the largest charities in East Sussex through to small community groups.
Benefits of membership include:
- Access to our full information and expert advice services
- Discounts on training courses
- Discounts on advertising jobs
- Being listed in our online members’ directory
- The chance to bring your voice into our decision-making and leadership processes
- The opportunity to help influence policies, plans and practices locally here in East Sussex
Full membership
Full membership is open to voluntary and community groups working for the benefit of people in Eastbourne, Lewes District and Wealden with:
- a clearly defined purpose;
- a governing document such as set of rules or a constitution;
- a clear decision-making mechanism (e.g. a committee);
- appropriate financial records and a bank account in the name of the group or organisation with two unrelated signatories;
- all necessary insurances, such as public liability insurance;
- all necessary policies such as child protection, confidentiality, equal opportunities; and
- commitment to 3VA’s Statement of Values and Equal Opportunities.
Full membership is not available to groups with aims or objectives relating to party politics.
If you are unsure whether you would meet the membership criteria, please contact us so that we can help you achieve membership.
Provisional membership
We offer unconstituted groups the opportunity to have a one year provisional membership during which time they can develop a governing document, appropriate financial records and a bank account, and necessary insurances and policies with our support. It may be possible to extend provisional membership beyond one year if appropriate, but this will be within the discretion of 3VA’s Board of Trustees.
Provisional membership is not available to groups with aims or objectives relating to party politics.
If you are unsure whether you would meet the membership criteria, please contact us so that we can help you achieve membership.
How to apply
To start the process, you just need to complete an online application form, which should only take a few minutes.
Once submitted, you will receive confirmation that your application has been received. The community development officer for your area will then review your details and get in touch to discuss the next steps.