History of the AGC
The Association was formed in 1984 when a handful of local organisations felt that it would be worthwhile to get together periodically. An Association was formed, and local charities and volunteer organisations paid a membership fee (originally just £5) and joined. Today there are over 300 members.
In the early days, the main emphasis was on co-operation and sharing ideas. Meetings were organised which gave members a forum to discuss relevant issues and concerns. they were also able to ask for help from each other and work together on larger events. the Association also aimed to encourage charitable and community work on the Island.
An early initiative was to produce a printed directory of members. The Directory of Charitable Organisations was first published in 1984, but as the Association's membership grew, the booklet needed to be retyped in 1987 and again in 1989.
The Directory was seen as a valuable source of information for many, including the medical and legal professions. In fact, it was the definitive guide for anyone trying to find details of charities in the Bailiwick. In 1995 a new Directory was produced in a loose-leaf format, making it far easier to produce update packs as new organisations joined.
In June 2000, the Association launched its first internet site. The website included a page of information on every member, and a variety of ways for users to find information. In particular, there are many locally based charities offering to help with medical related conditions, and the website offers a means for either the general public, or healthcare professionals to find if there is a support group, or provider of specialist medical equipment etc.
In 2014 the Association celebrated 30 years with a Reception in the presence of the Chief Minister. We also marked the occasion by announcing the agreement of a Social Compact with the States of Guernsey which governs the relationship between charities and the States of Guernsey going forward, with a view to assisting the Bailiwick in providing a social environment where there is active and engaged citizenship. Later in 2014 the AGC's new website was launched, giving members control over updating their mission and contact details on the AGC website, and the ability to post and publicise their own News, Events, and Volunteer vacancies.