2009: fireworksThe VAM office would like to wish everyone the best for 2009 and we look forward to working with many of you over the coming months.  After a well deserved holiday we are all happy to be back and working hard.

Why blog?  

 Hmmmm....there really are lots of reasons to blog particularly for non-profit organisations but there are equally a large number of issues to think about before you do. 

The obvious reasons why you should be blogging are to help engage people with your group and to disseminate information.  Essential considerations before you start blogging include who will be writing the blog, what software will you use and what type of content will you be putting in the blog.

twitter screen: Screen shot of the twitter websiteYou may have noticed that VAM have recently become fully fledged members of the twitter community.  You can find more out about the benefits of twitter in our resources section or by clicking here.

I'd like to say thanks to all those who have passed on their appreciation that 'VAM is back'. And also thanks for the compliments about our newly designed & developed website.  From the feedback we have received so far you seem to like it.  Please feel free to drop me a line (hannaht@vamanchester.org.uk) if you do have any comments or suggestions and I'll see if I can implement them.   

If you missed the Gio Project Launch here is a little sample of the events that took place.  It was on the 30th October 2008 at the Zion Centre. 

I must add a big thank you to Drum Roots, MaD Theatre Company & Full Circle Arts for their colourful & vibrant performances. 

After lots of organising a a little bit of stressing the Gio Project launch was a great success! 

Click on the image below to see the rest of the photographs from the event!

Claire A & Claire D: Claire A & Claire D putting up picutes 

Rob Arnold: Rob Arnold - VAM Director

So much to do and so little time!  

Both Claire's have been out of the office a lot recently visiting groups, making contacts, eating cake and generally familiarising themselves with Manchester's voluntary sector. I've mainly been bunkered down in the office teaching myself how to upload content onto our website using drupal and finishing off the design for VAM News.