Spain: Angel Rodrìguez

Would you say that the Spanish non profit sector has developed over the last four years?
Yes, the Government?s social policies over the past four years have allowed non profit organisations to develop to a great extent. Especially those organisations that work to promote employment among people who risk social exclusion and people with disabilities. The effect this has had, beyond the fostering of social inclusion, has been to increase social security income through contributions. Although there is still much to be done, both non profit and for profit organisations are working together to ensure that more and more people have access to the labour market.

In this sense, corporate social responsibility within companies has also seen an increase over the past years, a sign that has been confirmed time and time again by reports published by the Social and Economic committee, the Company and Society Foundation and the government.

What indicators are there that express this growth?
The Spanish third sector is made up of approximately 5 million workers who contribute to the nation?s Gdp. Moreover, there has been a steady increase in the number of events that promote non profit issues across the whole of Spain, from Madrid to Valencia and Barcelona. The events tend to focus on themes such as microcredit, work placement and social entrepreneurship. Another signal of growth can be interpreted from the range and number of courses that are now available to those interested in developing their skills and preparing themselves to work in the third sector. Social economics, economics and specialised non profit courses have become increasingly popular. Finally, it is important to note the boom of ethical finance, which in Spain has created a special niche for itself.

What laws have marked the Zapatero era in terms of their impact on the Spanish third sector?
Certainly the Law on Dependency, which is now in its early stages of implementation, will be the driving force behind the development of inclusive labour policies. There is no doubt that the law that allowed single sex marriages was an important social step. Firstly it has allowed people who are often excluded from the concept of family to be legally acknowledged. But it also has meant that a new phenomenon has arisen, what we call the ?pink economy?, meaning that there are suddenly a whole plethora of services and opportunities that aim to meet gay needs.

In your opinion which area of the Spanish third sector has seen the most growth?
It would be fair to say that all sectors have benefited from the employment policies that have sought to include more people into the labour market. Perhaps the area that has most developed has been the environmental not for profit sector.

Has the development in the third sector been matched by an increased interest in your magazine, Entorno Social?
We have noticed that the increased social awareness has meant an increased interest in advertising through our magazine, at the same time there has been a definite increase in the number of users on our website, www.entornosocial.es , and it is fast becoming one of the portals of reference for the Spanish third sector, especially as far as social information and health issues are concerned.

And has this increase been matched also by an increased interest in investing in the publication?
As a logical consequence of the increased social activity, Entorno Social is now growing well over 6% a year, which enables us to look to forward to the future with optimism despite the uncertain economic times we live in.

Have you felt the need to launch new services and channels as a result?
Yes. The growth of the social economy has led us to launch various new services, such as a new digital EntornoSocial.es format, the incorporation of English translations of some of our news and shortly we will also be launching a specialized new bulletin service for companies, government agencies and professionals dedicated to social and health issues. Finally, we are also working on a new internet portal that will deal with recreation and tourism, in particular the website will deal with social themes and themes related to disability.

What campaign would you say embodies the social revolution taking place in Spain today?
Not so much a symbol of revolution but certainly a sign of social awareness, Entorno Social has tirelessly campaigned to promote the belief that the social economy is a fundamental element of the structure of Spanish society.
Far from simply projecting a socially responsible image, Entorno Social aims to ensure that all those people who endeavour to help others through their work get the recognition they deserve, both in Spain and abroad.

What can we expect from the elections?
Spain has been through remarkable and admirable social changes in recent years. Thanks to the good relationship that has been established between the Government, social agents and the majority of the population, this country has achieved a level of cohesion and social integration that is reflected in the nation?s annual economic growth, among the highest in Europe. In my opinion, if on the 9th of March progressive political policies triumph over conservative ones, Spain will continue to be a point of reference for the European community?s social politics.

More info:
www.entornosocial.es