Society daily: 23.08.11

• Base 33, a youth centre in prime minister David Cameron's Witney constituency, where youth workers go on strike today to register their opposition to closure plans. Cameron has praised the centre as "extraordinary".

• My colleague Shiv Malik's piece for Prospect magazine, explaining why the generation gap, not rap, is to blame for the riots:

"So blame "hoodie culture" if you want. It is foolish and it will achieve nothing. Meanwhile as they subsist on the dole, more of the young will become further discontented, angry and paralysed. And if you think they will thank you for standing by and berating their lack of morality, think again."

• The Carer Watch blog, which has had its discussion forum taken down by its internet hosting company under threat of legal action by controversial disability assesement healthcare firm Atos.

• Research which shows that the councils with the best recycling records collect domestic waste on a fortnightly basis. Food for thought for communities secretary Eric Pickles, who has pledged to force local authorities to return to weekly pick ups.

• An Ofsted report which finds that "Too few young people with learning difficulties and disabilities progress from school to complete programmes that will help them live independently, undertake further study, or gain employment."

• Bloggers We Love Local Government on the viability of government proposals to allow councils to levy fines on utility companies which dig up busy roads during peak times.

• Craig Dearden-Phillips on why local government staff "spin outs" are increasingly looking to partner with existing social enterprises and charities.

• The Guardian's art critic Jonathan Jones on what Italian Renaissance art tells us about how best to rejuvenate England's moribund cities

• New Local Government Network's latest online debate: compulsory National Civic Service – cure for "Broken Britain" or unfair waste of resources?

On the Guardian Professional Networks

Voluntary sector: Live Q&A - How charities can plan for austerity - Tuesday 23 August, 1-3pm

Public Leaders

Nervousness is a natural reaction to the unprecedented changes to the public sector, but managers cannot allow worry to spread through the workplace

Healthcare

Andy Buck, the chief executive of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw primary care trust cluster, says that his staff have taken some knocks ahead of the abolition of PCTs

Housing

Can housing boost social mobility? Abigail Davies, assistant director of policy and practice at the Chartered Institute of Housing, calls for your thoughts:

Local government

Garath Symonds, assistant director for young people at Surrey county council, says social services departments protect the child but neglect the young

Government Computing

Health secretary Andrew Lansley has invited ideas for healthcare apps and online maps to support healthcare

Social enterprise

Julie Harris, chief executive of Cosmic and former Social Enterprise Ambassador, argues that the need for ethics, integrity and expertise is taken as a given, but all too often people entering the field of social enterprise underestimate the need for strong leadership

Events and seminars

How can social and community enterprises access public sector assets?

14 September 2011, London

Examine the theory and practice behind the transfer process, learn about forthcoming legislation and explore which tactics and strategies are most effective for social enterprises.

Effective Events Fundraising

16 September 2011, London

Explore the strategic role of events fundraising in charities. Learn to plan, market and deliver events aligned to your brand and wider strategies. Hear from experts, network with fellow fundraisers and share best practice to maximise participation and income.

Public Services Summit Scotland - Re-examining and innovating for better delivery

22 September 2011, Edinburgh

Challenge thinking, share innovations and debate the future of public services alongside other senior public services deliverers. Book before 26 August for a 20% early bird discount.

Social Media in Social Housing: How to do it

4 October 2011, London

Communication with tenants and increasing media coverage can be made easier with social media use. Join us for clear and practical examples on saving money, improving communications and writing a social media strategy.