At its heart it is a dream of a city transformed through a committed partnership between local churches, Christian faith based organisations, the police and other voluntary and statutory organizations.

It is about highlighting what is already going on, facilitating new partnerships and helping people make connections in local neighbourhoods. ROC comes from Manchester and began in 2004. There they have seen a huge reduction in crime and an increase in community projects. Birmingham people and ROC are jointly leading this initiative and it is supported by the city council and the police.

· Come to a launch event on Nov 16th at the NIA, the promotion for what is hoped will be a city-wide movement

· ROC Birmingham are looking for projects to video and showcase at the event – so any ideas welcome.

· Help us map what is going on in your areas; what are the projects, groups etc that are working in your locality.

· Start thinking creatively, what are the needs - what can be done with working together, can your church connect with others in joint community activities. The focus this year is on young people and loneliness but also crime reduction and safer, kinder neighbourhoods. ROC Conversations have already started in local areas, focusing on key issues faced by the community.

· Pray for new connections across communities, pray for your local police.

· Volunteer to help at the 16th Nov launch, volunteers are needed in many areas including managing various areas of the event e.g. the stage, exhibition area.

· Look out for and get involved - a '1 Million Acts of Kindness' social-action focused project that will launch in November 2010 and continue to Summer 2011.

· Buy tickets for the NIA event – some for you and your church members and some to give away. We are hoping for 5,000 people to fill the NIA. People who share a vision for a better city, who have hope in their hearts and willingness to work for others.

If you want to get involved please contact Fred Rattley, who is on the ROC steering group. Fred can be contacted at the Diocesan Office 0121 426 0400 or by e-mail: fred@birmingham.anglican.org