WINTER 2016/2017 Not for Profit

IssueCC 56 - COMMUNITYHANGINGHANGING DEVELOPMENT - COLLECTIVE ACTION - EMPOWERMENT II -RELANDRELAND SOCIAL INCLUSION - www.changingireland.ie “Look“Look good,good, dodo good!”good!” -- EntrepreneursEntrepreneurs && theirtheir communitiescommunities

Social Social enterprise entrepreneurs win making waves in awards in Dublin Sierra Leone INSIDE: 5-7 INSIDE: 26-27

ALSO: Trump & Community Development... Our Communities... Brexit... Inclusive Software... 50/50... Lynn Ruane...

This publication is produced by Changing Ireland Community Media Ltd, an independent, not-for-profit NGO funded through the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

h F Closing Aw Sa P V previous educationalachievements. We believethatweare wellpositionedtohelpyouprogress yourcareer. the Irishuniversitysystem.Forover70years,ACEhasbeenproviding foralladultsirrespective opportunitiesinlifelonglearning ofageand Adult ContinuingEducation(ACE)atUniversityCollegeCorkisthe longest establisheddedicatedcentrein foradultandlifelonglearning or ucc.ie/en/ace/courses/ art �p://www enues: Our websiteintroduces youtothemanyprogrammes onofferandyouwillcertainlyfindanarea ofinterest toyouhere here: https://www. • • • • • • What ourContinuingEducationcoursescanofferyou: tur ar mor about theteambehind‘ChangingIreland’. in social inclusion in Ireland today. See page 4 for information andallinvolvednationwide, includingcivilandpublicservants provides encouragementtoworkers, activistsandvolunteers play andtogivingpeoplewhoare rarely heard avoice. development intheirhearts. for thosewithemptypocketsandnothingbutcommunity andagencies.At thesametime,wedepartments provide space byinclusion work anarrayofGovernment fundedorsupported Planning, CommunityandLocalGovernment. Limerick, andiscore-funded by ofHousing, theDepartment and communitiesbest. ground andprovide people aspaceforreflection onwhatserves inclusion work across Ireland. We report onactionthe the impactoflocalandcommunitydevelopment andsocial since 2001,receiving from the: support enterprise revenue. It iscore-funded by Government ‘Changing Ireland’ generatesasmallamountofsocial ‐�me da While covering seriousissues,we hopeourstyleofjournalism We are dedicatedtopromoting socialjustice,equalityandfair This year, we begantoproduce journalismto reflect social The magazinewasestablishedin2001,isbased Moyross, ‘Changing Ireland’ engagesinoriginaljournalismtohighlight d: relevant fieldandare awarded recognised byUCC, aninternationally 5staruniversity Many ofourcontinuingeducationcoursesofferdualaccreditation whereby theyare accredited byleadingprofessional bodiesinthe Our coursesare delivered part-timetoallowstudentsworkandstudyatthesametime Our coursesare ratedhighlybyemployersandgraduatesalike Our teachingteamsare comprisedofablendUCCacademicexpertsandseniorpractitioners intherelevant field We offerdedicatedsupportforadultlearners We combineacademicexpertisewithindustryfocus ‘Changing Ireland’ isanindependentnot-for-profit This one‐ Da y e

Diploma s. Univ in Pr t f e orma .ucc.ie/ INDEPENDENT ogr f FOR HOLDERSOFTHEDIPLOMAINYOUTH&COMMUNITYWORK or er sity amme: Applic ABOUT US N SUPPORT �on, ONE-YEAR DIPLOMAINSOCIALENTERPRISES& y F en/ Colleg ear Q Community W

le visit: publication. a ace‐dsecdp/

�ons:

v diplomahasbeenspecific One el e COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTPRA 7 Cork e 18th v ening and January Cappamor per ork. Thediplomaor THINK NOWABOUTAPPLYING w 2017 eek e, FOR COURSESSTARTING and Co. occ Limerick IN SEPTEMBER2017 ally designedf asional 32: ‘DURTY WORDS’CONFERENCE/UNDAYS 30-31 VIEWS&NEWS:Branding/SSNOGrants 28-29 EDUCATION: Lynn Ruane/DonegalLimerick 26-27 SURFING&DEVELOPMENT: SierraLeone 24-25 GOVERNANCE&TECH:Sola/Enclude Supporting Men 22-23 RURAL&UNEMPLOYED: quotas 20-21 EQUALITY: Callsforgender Communities,” saysCoveney serious asaDepartmentof 16-19 NationalForum:“We’re of Place/Trump &CommunityDevelopment 14-15 HUMOUR/NEWS/OPINION:Horace/Pride 12-13 NEWS:Brexit /Zero Concerns Waste conference 10-11 JOBS&INCLUSION:Pobal’s annual 8-9 NEWS:Teen Parenting /16DaysofAction Dublin 5-7 COVERSTORY: 5winningsocialenterprisesin Aileen Cruise, managerofAspire andLye Ogunsanya, co-founder&CEOofAki- dinarily t

FRONT COVERPHOTO c t The en t de de h h ommuni�es u ak t e v v or holder erprise, s eloping elopmen o

pr es tw r st e ogr re � E: [email protected] |T Cappamor Déir Con Pr Pr Chris E: deir c n amme o y a g ogr ogr skills while l t t. s oftheDiplomainY

t h dr and ear na. Photo by AM. act: a �ne Chasaide e amme Co‐or amme Co‐or

dr n e O'B n The in d i in s t e.ob n incr making CTICE

g a tr e pr p o c

pr people oduces yrne r l easing o [email protected] |T a ogr omple ca ogr c � l amme

s c amme deliv dina dina tr e a cen self co par�cipan ong l

t e. e n t t tr ‐de or or f o l e places ed link m : (086 8079204) , m t outh and U or the i ermina social e e C s s : (0214904715) n C er , ts t

t o

e emphasis y s t m

c o en �on. ommunity o p both f t o

erprise, we s o r c the i i on n a g l contents Editorial Activists looking good, doing good cross the Atlantic, Trump Many might still scratch their heads when then hear of neo-liberal Ahas triumphed and billion- capitalism, but enough know of its evils to fight it at every corner. aires with vested interests are * * * * * filling powerful positions, while racist rhetoric becomes more It’s notable that the relationship between grassroots organisations and more acceptable among and local and national government shows signs of improving. Cuts mainstream politicians there. have stopped, as Minister Simon Coveney noted at a recent ‘Our Communities’ forum (pages 16-19). Everyone present saw the event Ireland is not the USA. as an opportunity to do right by those who are most marginalised and In our coverage in this edition, the Minister swore to listen to community workers and volunteers at we highlight the work of award- grassroots level if they found they were not being heard. winning social entrepreneurs in He said, “The opportunities are there now for real engagement and Dublin. genuine partnership between community leaders, community groups, Don’t be fooled! These are sectoral interests and local and national government.” not ordinary business people, Community workers said they would put their trust in the process they are activists for social so that the formal structures for tackling social exclusion at local level change in their communities. could be made to work better. They expect results. Activist-minded people in Ireland are heartened to see a fightback Whether we seek to ensure the voices of the most vulnerable in against inequality here, evidenced by various protests last year, the society are heard through formal structures or through street campaigns, most recent of which was the occupation by homelessness protesters of we cannot sit back. We must all be activists for social change. Apollo House. Whatever about bed-space availability, the occupation helped to highlight the fact that homelessness also has to do with At the wider level, not to defend human rights and choosing not to policy-choices. become active for social justice where you have the opportunity is to invite in division, exploitation and fascism or worse. Protests by environmentalists, Travellers, people with disabilities and others last year showed there is plenty energy among people seeking social change in Ireland. Thankfully, we live in a democracy where protest is allowed. By contrast, police in Dakota, USA, stood aside while thugs hired by an oil pipeline company shot at, set dogs on and pepper-sprayed water- Allen Meagher protectors (who don’t like to be called protesters).

FILE A REPORT FOR US! If you believe in Community Development and enjoy writing, why not file a report for us about your community project and what makes it unique. 300-400 words is plenty (and a photo if possible). Certain criteria apply. Your first point of contact should be the editor.

Published By: Y: youtube.com/changingireland Established in 2001, ‘Changing Ireland’ is a national magazine L: linkedin.com/company/changing-ireland focused on community development and social inclusion. It Also: Issuu.com is managed and published by Changing Ireland Community Media Ltd., through funding from the Department of Housing, Production: Planning, Community and Local Government. Editor: Allen Meagher Editorial Team: Juan Carlos Azzopardi, Viv Sadd, Gearoid Postal address: ‘Changing Ireland’, c/o Community Enterprise Fitzgibbon, Joe Saunders, Rosie Smyth and Allen Meagher. Centre, Moyross, Limerick. Packing and Distribution: Speedpak, Dublin, an award- Office base: Unit 3, Sarsfield Gardens Business Centre, winning social enterprise. Sarsfield Gardens, Moyross, Limerick. Printed by: Davis Printers, Limerick.

Tel Editor: 061-458011. Voluntary Board of Directors: Claire Gallery (chair), Kay E: [email protected] Flanagan, Viv Sadd, Ellen Duffy, George Clancy, Seamus McGiff, Jude Meaney and Cathy Jones. W: www.changingireland.ie T: @changingireland. F: www.facebook.com/changingirelandmedia/ B: changingireland.blogspot.ie Made in moyross limerick Disclaimer The views expressed in this magazine are those of the author concerned. They do not, by any means, necessarily reflect the views of the editor, the editorial team, the voluntary management board of Changing Ireland Community Media Ltd, or the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

4 WINTER 2016/2017 COVER STORY: EMBRACING OPPORTUNITY: FROM ASPERGERS TO DIRECT PROVISION “They may have to learn coping skills to fit in with Aspire Productions society, but I don’t want them to have to change,” she said. Aspire Productions is the name of a new social enterprise The team’s skills range covers animation, direction, based in Dublin that can produce high quality, low cost storyboarding, project management, leadership, writing, media products on demand. The production team consist of editing, sound and lighting. The team’s “unique outlook on people with Asperger Syndrome. the world reflects on the end result” said Aileen. The project taps into their creative side and provides Aspire has for 21 years been supporting people with employment and a commercial service in the community. Aspergers to access the same opportunities as their peers Manager, Aileen Cruise, described the disability: “Some and meet their full potential. people with Aspergers see the world in a really black and W: aspireireland.ie white way and, because of that, it’s difficult for them to get employment, but they can also be incredibly creative. House of Akina ur front cover “We’ve made an animated documentary about Aspergers House of Akina’s slogan is “Look good, Do good” Ofeatures Aileen – what it is and what it isn’t. The ten-minute feature was promoting the idea that you can spend your money on trendy Cruise of Aspire and Lye supposed to be launched six months ago, but they’re yet ethical products that do good for those marginalised in Ogunsanya of Akina. perfectionists,” said Aileen. society. who represent two of five So, crucially, can the team work to deadlines? The social enterprise works to support women living in winning social enterprise The answer is ‘Yes’: The group entered The Wheel’s direct provision in Ireland. It creates handmade, limited projects in Dublin. ‘Better Ireland’ video competition and their entry was “done edition items of clothing, mainly accessories such as bow and edited on time,” said Aileen. Once they have a deadline, They each received ties, pocket squares etc. they meet it. Products are made by women who have been through the awards in December. For Aileen refers to the group as “the lads”. She said this is Irish direct provision system and now have the legal right to more on the awards and because the ratio of men to women with Aspergers is 9:1. work and remain in Ireland. the other three winners, “More men are diagnosed. Women have Aspergers as Profits are used to facilitate workshops to support and turn to pages 6-7 . well but women are better at modelling the behaviour of educate marginalised Migrant Women in Ireland in order to others. We’ve all men attending at the moment, so I just talk facilitate better integration of new communities. about the group as ‘the lads’.

ebate is continuing in regard to “restor- pay to senior management personnel in not- it’s worth reading a report published last ing” pay, particularly in the public sec- for-profits. Whatever about high salaries in year by the Community Foundation for Dtor. However, the Community & Voluntary some charity organisations, most workers Ireland titled: ‘National Guide to Pay and Sector hasn’t got much of a look in. in the Community & Voluntary feel their pay Benefits in Community, Voluntary and When it comes to this Sector, the media is is too low and if anyone deserves pay “res- Charitable Organisations’ (available online focused on high CEO salaries. Recently, the- toration” perhaps it should be the Sector’s at: http://bit.ly/C-Vpay-conds). journal.ie asked: Should there be a salary lower-paid workers. cap for CEOs of charities? They pointed to IMPACT has been holding public meetings Meanwhile, we received the following well-publicised scandals and a survey they on this issue around the country. The trade letter on the subject from a Limerick conducted earlier last year into CEO salaries union, which represents 5,000 workers, is Labour councillor, Joe Leddin, who recently in charity organisations. As we know, some running a campaign aimed at restoring pay completed his Masters in Voluntary and CEOs were being paid almost €150,000 a to workers in the sector. Community Sector Management at UCC. year. They also noted a wide variation in For an insight into pay and conditions, Have a read and send us your views! 100,000 workers must not be ignored economy where workers fare worse from low As Governments change, responsibility for pay and entitlements. sector invariably switches from department The community and voluntary sector or to department with little understanding or not for profit sector has struggled for years to appreciation of the impact these workers have gain accreditation from Government despite on the quality of peoples lives. Dear contributing over €6 billion annually to our Let’s have a dedicated government Editor, economy. The sector provides frontline care in department similar to the UK with In every city, town and village throughout the absence of state services to those most in responsibility for the Community and Ireland over 100,000 people work in need especially in the area of social care and Voluntary Sector. This will enable a sustainable community centres, voluntary or charitable support despite suffering enormously from strategy to be formulated that will strengthen organisations and social enterprises delivering the years of economic downturn with drastic both the sector and the rights and entitlements real and meaningful change to people’s lives. funding cuts impacting adversely on those most of workers. The current debate and media commentary marginalised and isolated from society. Yours sincerely, around pay and conditions in both the public These same workers don’t share the salaries, Cllr. Joe Leddin (M.Soc. UCC) and private sector as advocated by unions allowance or even the pensions that many in Limerick and workers on the merits of pay restoration both the private and public sector enjoy yet and increased allowances would lead one to they work just as hard day in day out to serve think that there is no other sector within our their local communities.

Visit The Gambia in 2017, a country expecting to be reborn after 22 years of dictatorship. Visit in solidarity or as a tourist! 5 Changing Ireland WINTER 2016/2017 Enterprises supporting Communities 5 top Social Entrepreneurs in Dublin: €45,000 handed out to spur on communities ive thrilled winners were unlimited access to ReCreate’s materials. presented with €5,000 to €15,000 The idea is to nurture fun, creativity, holistic Fcheques as award winners in Social development of the individual and care for Enterprise on December 15. The the environment by diverting materials from Sean Mullan and Tom Slattery of Third Space awards were presented by Minister refill through resource exchange. It affords in Smithfield. of State for Housing and Urban quality employment to a range of individuals Renewal, Damien English. including people who have been long-term Minister English didn’t go away empty unemployed and people with a physical, handed himself - he was presented with sensory and intellectual disability. a hand-made navy-blue ‘House of Akina’ W: recreate.ie dickey-bow by project co-founder Lye Ogunsanya. Ryan Tubridy already wears Third Space one. Third Space was set up to open and The ceremony took place at the Hugh run eating and meeting places in the Lane Art Gallery in Dublin. redeveloped areas of Dublin that lack these The winners were: Re-create; The Yard community spaces. at Solas Project; House of Aki-na; Aspire Each Third Space serves as a community Productions; and Third Space. hub where people can gather regularly, Dublin’s Social Enterprise Grant Scheme informally and inexpensively. Awards was established in 2015 to raise Built around a simple but great menu, an awareness and reward the important work excellent team and an informal environment being done by Social Entrepreneurs in the they will nurture a creative buzz that reflects city. the vibrant variety of life at the heart of a Greg Swift of Dublin City Local Enterprise At this year’s awards, a total of €45,000 modern urban community. Office with Eddie Darcy and Andrew Doyle of was handed over to five winning projects The first Third Space has become a hub the Solas Project on Marlborough Lane. to further develop their operations and for the community in the Smithfield area of organisations. Dublin and has helped in the transformation Evanne Kilmurray, CEO, Inner City of the area. Enterprise, said that social enterprises in That was just the start. New outlets are the City “play a key role in rejuvenating expected to open in other areas in 2017. many of the local communities and have W: thirdspace.ie long lasting impacts in terms of job creation and provision of real social services.” The awards help to showcase what The Yard@Solas social enterprise can achieve in our communities. project The Yard Crew is one of five projects The scheme was launched “to address run by The Solas Project in South Inner the gap for accessing funding for start up City Dublin. It works mostly with men aged social enterprises” and Evanne said funding between 15 and 24 years. and mentoring makes “a vital difference”. They produce woodwork products from Minister English praised the important bowls to pens to full size canoes, which are work done, saying: “Social Enterprise is the then sold to partly fund the programme. up and coming way to give ownership back Dara Connolly accepts the award for the There is “no huge formality” about young to a community by delivering much needed Recreate project. people joining us here, said Eddie Darcy, local services in an efficient manner using CEO. self sustaining enterprises.” They aim to broaden the horizons for young people not in employment, education or training who come from challenging ReCreate backgrounds. Some will have experienced ReCreate collects clean, end of line homelessness, poverty and alcohol or drug materials from business and redistributes misuse. After taking part in a 16-week course them for all kinds of creative and artistic with ‘The Yard Crew’, they will walk out with purposes. work experience, practical woodwork skills, The concept, Creative Reuse, bicycle maintenance skills and the ins and encourages the whole outs of running a social enterprise. community to reuse The programme runs three times a year. everyday materials that The Yard gives young people the skills, are normally being thrown knowledge and confidence to empower away, in all kinds of them to fulfil their personal and professional inventive ways. potential. Members pay a set W: solasproject.ie annual fee and have Minister of State Damien English is presented with a dickey bow by Lye Ogunsanya, co-founder & CEO of Aki-na. An Cosán Virtual Community College is “pioneering 6 social change” through online community education. Changing Ireland WINTER 2016/2017 Enterprises supporting Communities 5 top Social Entrepreneurs in Dublin: €45,000 handed out to spur on communities

RIGHT: Mary McSweeney, Dublin City Local Enterprise Office, Minister Damien English and Aileen Cruise, manager of Aspire.

BEHIND THE AWARDS ehind the awards are: the Inner City Enterprise, which formed a partnership with Dublin Local BEnterprise Office, the Irish Social Enterprise Network, the Carmichael Centre, Dublin City Council and Dublin City University. Their aim is to promote practical business supports to social enterprises in Dublin city. The Social Enterprise Grant Award Scheme was established in 2015 to raise awareness of and promote and reward the important work being done by entrepreneurs in the capital. Support has also been provided to the entrepreneurs through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, which is co- funded under the European Social Fund.

Cause to celebrate: Award-winning social entrepreneurs who provide superb community services in Dublin with Minister of State, Damien English.

An Cosán Virtual Community College is “pioneering social change” through online community education. Women have been to the forefront of the fight against fracking in 7 Ireland and indeed internationally. Would you agree? Changing Ireland TEEN PARENTING young dads learn the ropes

Young dads from Ballyfermot discovered inner strengths and also that there’s no mountain, never mind any hill, that they can’t climb. These are not trips for the faint-hearted or softies! hard for the young fathers to be identified as a As Ms. Skerrett pointed out, “A lot of our BY CIAN MATTHEW KEARNS young father, even statistically, because it’s not young dads worry about when they have access, hen you hear the words “teen parent” the recorded anywhere. Unless they are actually in a because of the cost of everything, that they can’t mind jumps to a scared young girl and an relationship with the mother - or the mother has do anything with their children.” Wabsent father. Yet, this is often not the case. given consent to have their name recorded on the The activities the group engages in help them A 2012 study by Crisis Pregnancy revealed birth cert - it can be really difficult for the young to see that money is not always necessary. that, in general, adolescent males who are parents father to play a role automatically in their child’s While the group has been very successful in believe they should take responsibility for the life,” said Ms. Skerrett. Ballyfermot, Ms. Skerrett realises, “There are a pregnancy and not leave everything up to their lot of young fathers out there who aren’t getting girlfriend (where applicable). Furthermore, FamiliBase has carried out research to identify support and who aren’t being recognised. They given a range of preferences for the future, 38% the needs of young fathers. They found men are facing a lot of the problems that the young of those surveyed wanted to stay with their lacked information on how to access their dads we work with have faced. But they’re doing girlfriend and raise the baby together. While children and how to work through the legal it alone. And they’re doing it silently.” surprising to some, this reflects reality. Almost a system. As Ms. Skerrett said, “A lot of young Helping these young people is vital, not just third of young parents are already cohabiting. men just don’t know how to go about getting for themselves, but to “ensure the best possible Margaret Morris, co-ordinator of the national access to their children.” outcome for their child.” ‘Teen Parents Support Programme’, explains Their research also found there was a strong that keeping fathers involved in their child’s life need for peer support and that mental health For more information, contact: The Teen is crucial, even if their parents’ relationship has issues were also impacting on young fathers. Parent Support Programme, Familibase, ended. FamiliBase were determined to rise to the Blackditch Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 “All the evidence shows that from a child’s challenge. Working with Paul O’Shaughnessy of E: [email protected] . point of view, a child fares better if it at least Cherry Orchard Youth services, and Derek Ahern, T: 01-654-6800. knows who its father is and ideally has contact,” sports development officer with Dublin City she says. With the father involved, “the baby has Council, they set up a Ballyfermot young fathers NOTE: FamiliBASE is a member of the ‘Keep not just the father’s influence and care in its life group. The group provides a place where teen In Training and Education’ group in Ballyfermot which aims to ensure that projects in Ballyfermot but also the paternal family’s influence and care. fathers come together and learn from each other. that offer alternative educational services co- For a child it’s all about the more people who Older fathers share their experiences with operate and are not duplicating provision. KITE love you the better.” younger members and the group promotes featured in ‘Changing Ireland’ a year ago (Winter The Teen Parents Support Programme (TPSP) positive attitude to mental health. Regular hikes 2015/2016 edition). consists of eleven separate projects funded by and cycles across the country build up to some Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) and the impressive yearly events. For example, members HSE. of the group successfully scaled Ben Nevis in Scotland one year and they walked the Camino One of these projects is FamiliBase, in de Santiago in Spain the next year. Perhaps the Ballyfermot, where Tracy Skerrett works with most anticipated event, however, is the family parents and their children. day where, once a year, Familibase workers help She said FamiliBase works with, “young fathers and their children spend a night away parents who need support around housing, together. unemployment, mental health problems, “But, whatever the activity is, the group keeps family law, information, advice, parenting and costs low,” Ms. Skerrett said. everything to do with being a parent and living in While building team spirit and individual a community with social deprivation.” resilience, the group aims to show parents that The project realised from the beginning that they can enjoy time with their children without young fathers are often forgotten: “It’s really spending much money. Young Polish and Irish dads.

“There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist.” — Mark Twain 8 Winter 2016/2017 FEMICIDE 209 women’s deaths commemorated during 16 days of action y December, 209 women had been murdered open the doors of our refuges and let people in Watchouse Cross Library, Moyross and was in Ireland since 1996 when Women’s Aid when they call, instead of turning them away due attended by women from women’s groups across Bbegan recording figures. to a lack of resources.” Limerick. Marking the annual ‘16 Days of Action According to group facilitator Edel Geraghty, Opposing Violence Against Women’, Margaret the issue of violence against women is one that Martin, director of Women’s Aid said: LOCAL ACTIONS the women’s network deal with on an almost daily “Femicide must not be accepted as a fact of Local actions took place nationwide throughout basis. “We come across many women survivors life. Women should be safe in their homes and the 16 Days. of domestic abuse who have never reported in their relationships. And we must recognise the For example, Limerick Women’s Network the crime. Statistics say one in four women are strong connection between the killing of women (LWN) members gathered to hold a minute’s affected by this issue but from our experience the and domestic violence.” silence in solidarity with victims of domestic number is likely to be far higher.” The project’s Femicide Watch shows that a violence. Members of the ‘Circle of Friends’ LWN is funded by the Dept. of Justice and woman in Ireland is more likely to be killed in her group produced a symbolic wreath recording the Equality. own home and by a current or former boyfriend, names of the 209 victims. They also launched a booklet (pictured) listing partner or husband. The Women’s Aid 24hr National Freephone Where the cases have been resolved (through all the services for women in Limerick city. The event took place on December 7th in Helpline operates all year round. the courts or in cases of murder-suicide) 89 T: 1800 341 900. women (54%) were murdered by a current or former male intimate partner. Another 54 women (33%) were killed by a male relative or acquaintance and 21 women were murdered by a stranger. 16 DAYS EXPLAINED Meanwhile, figures from the Central Statistics Women’s Aid define the ‘16 Days of Action Office show that breaches of domestic violence Opposing Violence Against Women’ as “an court orders have nearly doubled in the past 10 important opportunity to raise awareness and years. call for changes at an international, national and Lashing out at those in power who could do local level to make women and children safe more, Sharon O’Halloran, CEO of SAFE Ireland from abuse.” said, “We can prevent these murders. We can MOTHER AND SISTER OF LATE Clodagh Hawe launch fund for Women’s Aid he mother and sister of Clodagh Hawe who was murdered in her home last year Talongside her three sons Liam, Niall and Ryan, have set up a fund in their memory, with all proceeds going to Women’s Aid. The aim is to raise at least €50,000. “Clodagh was strong and beautiful inside and out and was so loving,” wrote Clodagh’s mother Mary Coll and sister Jacqueline Connolly. “She was warm, loving, bright and capable and she was bringing her boys Liam, Niall and Ryan, up to have those same qualities. We want their deaths to help other women who are living in fear and isolation in their own homes.” “Please support our fundraising appeal for Women’s Aid. One in five women in Ireland experience domestic abuse and many women are isolated and alone,” said Mary and Jacqueline. The four were killed on August 31st by their husband and father Alan Hawe who afterwards killed himself. Donations can be made online through this page: https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/in- memory-of-clodagh-liam-niall-and-ryan Clodagh Hawe with her sons Liam (14), Niall (11) and Ryan (6). Photograph: Jacqueline Connolly

Margaret Martin: One in seven women in Ireland, compared to one in 17 men, experience severe domestic violence. Source: Research conduted by the National Crime Council and ESRI 9 in 2005. Changing Ireland JOBS & INCLUSION: POBAL’s annual conference COMMUNITY WORKERs, Researchers & minister size up barriers / solutions BY ALLEN MEAGHER how sometimes engagements can be very meaningful.” he 2016 annual Pobal He added, however, that Conference was held in The he could imagine a “counter- THelix threatre, DCU, Dublin, on movie that might provoke our the day after the world learned customers”. that Donald Trump had won Pointing out that he is only the US presidential election. the second Fine Gael member Given the platform on which he in 60 years to hold office in stood and how he tapped into the Department of Social alienation among the working Protection (including its earlier poor and those on the margins, manifestations), the Minister said: Pobal’s conference theme was “I’m a strong believer in the apt: “Creating an Inclusive contributory principle. If people Labour Market”. pay into the system, they should Unemployment in Ireland fell benefit from it.” to 7.2% by January of this year, He highlighted progress on 0.1% lower than in November, “encouraging self-employment However, unemployment remains and entrepreneurship”, for Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar, with Denis Leamy, CEO of Pobal. The conference aimed to support greater co-ordination high for groups such as refugees, example by extending more between community, statutory, local government and the private sector Travellers and people with low social protections. in creating a more inclusive labour market for disadvantaged groups formal education, while people The most important area of and communities. who are unemployed for more his work, he said, was “moving than three years (termed “very people from welfare into work” initiative to subsidise childcare. serious about doing this we’re long-term unemployed”) face and “creating an inclusive labour Plans for 2017 he pointed to going to have to do it properly.” considerable barriers. market is part of that.” included: The audience/participants and The Department aimed over five - Making it easier and quicker Questions from the floor the many guest speakers – too years “to move 100,000 people for people to access the Back To included one from a community many to mention – identified from welfare to work”, he said. Work Enterprise Allowance. worker from Kerry which barriers and sought solutions to “But, while the numbers who - Engaging employers to resonated with the audience. make employment opportunities are unemployed are falling every increase their awareness of Dee Keogh, a Jobs Club co- more socially inclusive. month, we’re actually seeing the grants to support them in ordinator in Castleisland, said, The debate was lively. Ken number of people unemployed employing people who are long- “I work with a lot of 45-year-old Loach’s heart-breaking movie for more than five years term unemployed, young and skilled males who are course- ‘I, Daniel Blake’, was mentioned increasing,” he acknowledged. unemployed or with a disability. weary, tired of CE schemes, and by a speaker from the floor. The “As unemployment falls, - Relaxing the rules governing of hearing there’s a job out there. movie is about an unemployed the cohort of people who are access to Community They might do a Tus scheme, it man struggling to get social unemployed are harder to reach Employment and Tús schemes. lifts their morale and confidence welfare supports and the Minister and it requires much more - Investing €1m extra in the for a time, but afterwards they had been to see it: focused interventions than we Community Services Programme, come asking me what will they “I’d recommend anyone to go have at the moment,” he said. The Minister also spoke about do next.” see it. I’d like some of my He referred to barriers such as the Action Plan for Jobless She said more than two funded staff to go see it too, to get the lack of transport particularly Families, Jobpath, Gateway “interventions” should be allowed a different perspective as to in rural areas and the costs. and the importance of services for each individual. She said that how a person can interact “Obviously, childcare is an delivered through CE and Tús. On it can take community workers up with our Department and enormous barrier,” he continued, intergenerational unemployment, to eight (often voluntary/unofficial) drawing he said, “Any intervention is meetings with individuals to lift attention to the going to have to be holistic, their courage and confidence to Government’s and expensive too, but if we’re be ready for one of the formal

Minister of State Catherine Byrne announced that the Maureen Gaffney, writer, psychologist & broadcaster, Eamonn McCann of Wicklow Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme who moderated a roundtable discussion, with Jerry Travellers addressed a work- will be extended into 2018. The programme is to be Murphy, programme manager with Pobal. shop looking at how social en- evaluated in the meantime. terprises create work for people from disadvantaged groups. “It can take a generation to make a significant 10 cultural and institutional change. - Deiric O’Broin, DIT. WINTER 2016/2017 JOBS & INCLUSION: POBAL’s annual conference COMMUNITY WORKERs, Researchers & minister size up barriers / solutions

interventions – for instance, joining from course to scheme to welfare, concerns expressed from the floor. such as ex-offenders should be a course or applying to a scheme. and that’s not a success. “Recovery has seen the growth better supported. She called for a new ‘Tús Plus’ “I’m always open to new ideas, of a substantial group with Calling for a range of measures, scheme: “I have people who’ve including a Tus Plus, or people multiple disadvantages who he said, “As unemployment worked in a charity shop for a year spending longer on CE, but I stay unemployed for very long falls it becomes necessary and through Tus and, when they’re don’t think we should see it as periods,” he said. possible to adopt more inclusive finished, they go and do another a success if somebody spends Age, skill-levels and education client-centred investment in scheme for free because they just three instead of two years on CE. are among the determining employability of all with the want something to do. “But, bear in mind, all of this is factors. capacity and desire to work.” “There’s no jobs where I live paid for by taxpayers, who go out He said there has been “an in Castleisland – check it out and work everyday, who maybe alarming growth” in the number of Meanwhile, Donald Storrie yourself, we’ve no bus service, no aren’t in their dream job or ideal those unemployed for more than of Eurofound, an EU agency wifi. And, no disrespect, but these job, but go to work to earn money three years: “About two-thirds of promoting better social, men don’t want to do computer for their families and themselves those unemployed for two or more employment and work-related courses, they want work, real – and pay taxes - and they years are still unemployed one policies, spoke about the work,” said Dee. have a right to raise questions year later. It is very hard to escape employment challenge facing if somebody is saying, ‘I’m not long-term unemployment, though refugees, noting that 4,000 people From Dublin, a Simon going to take a job because it’s there is some indication that from Syria and other war-torn community worker called Tracey not suited to me, or I don’t like it, activation is reducing long-term countries are due to arrive here. endorsed the Kerry contributor’s it’s not the job I want and, by the unemployment.” “They’ll be traumatised and far views, adding: “We need to way in the meantime you should In 2016, around 50% of those on from the labour market,” he said. measure the quality-of-life impact pay for me.’ We cant have that,” the live register were “long-term “Unlike labour migrants, they are of our work on people who are he said. unemployed”, compared to 63% not labour-market ready,” he said. homeless, who have disabilities, Addressing the point raised in 2012. Looking at Sweden’s experience, who are third generation by the Simon worker, he said, He credited the Social Inclusion he said migrants and refugees “do unemployed, to see the impacts “Of course we should take into and Community Activation catch up after many years, but for that don’t show up in cost-per- account the quality of life and the Programme with playing a role women it’s a big catch-up.” head or regional analysis.” impact any intervention we make in reducing the levels of very He pointed people to the latest has on a person,” said Minister long-term unemployment. He Eurofound research paper for Minister Varadkar replied, “I Varadkar. spoke about a “rationing of more information on the best totally hear the point you make services” available through the approaches (available at: http:// about course fatigue and scheme Philip O’Connell of the Geary Government’s ‘Pathways To Work’ bit.ly/eurofound2016). fatigue and spending years going Institute said he too shared the and said socially excluded groups

6 inclusion Workshops: Co-operation, social enterprises, employers, work & homelessness, the ‘activation agenda’ and the role of local authorities ix workshops took place during the conference to identify key learning points creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups. Sfrom experience to date. The fourth workshop heard how employers can engage with employment The first workshop looked at how local agencies that provide employment services to create local job opportunities for disadvantaged groups. supports co-operate and exchange information. The fifth highlighted integrated approaches to supporting people who are at The second examined the performance of local authorities and Local and risk of homelessness to find work. Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in supporting employment The sixth workshop discussed the value of apprenticeships and how they activation and broader economic development. It also looked at the impact of operate locally. Local Economic and Community Plans. ‘Changing Ireland’ attended two workshops and will follow up in the Spring Workshop number three highlighted the contribution of social enterprises to by looking at the performance of LCDCs, some being more open than others.

On creating opportunity: - Eamonn McCann of Wicklow Travellers, Evelyn Murray of Shuttleknit Ltd and John Murphy of Speedpak in Dublin gave excellent presentations on the contribution of social enterprises, at Pobal’s annual conference. An OECD report titled ‘Weaving Together Policies for Social Inclusion in Ireland’ was launched at Pobal’s conference in November. The report is available to read 11 at: http://bit.ly/OECDpolicyIrl Changing Ireland BREXIT: Anthony Suares speaks out Cross-border projects already need more support Is the threat Brexit poses to communities being taken seriously? Brexit poses a threat to the peace process on these islands. Support and funding for many community groups is at risk, despite the impact this could have. Anthony Soares (pictured right) told ‘Changing Ireland’ in late 2016 that because of Brexit’s impact to date, cross-border projects already need more funding. And this was before political power- sharing collapsed at Stormont. In December, the House of Lords EU Sub-Committee deliberated on Brexit, saying an agreement should be drafted to “guarantee open land borders and sea boundaries, support cross-border trade and preserve EU funding for cross- border projects”. The issue also received attention in December from the British- Irish Parliamentary Assembly, while An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, has addressed the matter as being of the utmost concern. Anthony Soares listens to a colleague at the launch recently of the latest Journal of Cross- Border Studies in Ireland, available online for free: http://bit.ly/XborderJourn

BY ALLEN MEAGHER EU, but inside the single market and takes becomes a much more significant border. part in social programmes. “We’ve already started – since June - he UK’s Brexit minister late last year One of the two most important cross- seeing an increase in hate-crimes against Tvisited Belfast and Dublin, meeting border programmes is INTEREG – which immigrants – immigration became part with political representatives and business covers NI, ROI and West Scotland – and of the discourse by those in the Leave leaders. He did not meet Community and the European Social Fund (ESF). Campaign. Voluntary Sector representatives. This promotes “inter-regional “We’ve proposed that, for the current This sent out a strong signal to those integration”, the opposite of what Brexit Peace Programme, the Irish and UK in the Sector that the priority is trade, was supposedly about. governments should add a special pot commerce and business. The other “really important programme”, of money to deal specifically with the Meanwhile, as a direct result of the according to Anthony, is the Peace uncertainty caused by the referendum Brexit vote, community organisations are Programme: “We are the only part of the result and the erosion around social seeing an increasing workload. Witness EU that has such a programme.” cohesion at the border and away from the subsequent rise in hate crime, said “The needs, rationale and logic is there, border. Anthony Soares, deputy director of the but where the funding comes from? “As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Centre of Cross-Border Studies. Even if the UK leaves completely and Agreement, Ireland (the Republic) could He told ‘Changing Ireland’ there are doesn’t want to fund any more cross- argue that it needs the EU to recognise “significant concerns” for communities on border projects, well the need will still be special circumstances and the EU might both sides of the border with regard to the there,” he said. continue to support the Peace Programme. continuing funding of community projects “The Centre and other groups have been We in the Centre for Cross Border Studies if, or indeed when, the UK leaves the EU. proposing – in that scenario – that the UK been arguing for that. The ESF will continue for the ROI – government should create a new Intereg “Peace isn’t done. It’s a very young thing “they’ll be okay”, said Anthony. However, – for the ROI, NI, West Scotland and also we have here. We have to continually work for community groups in Northern Ireland, Wales. Let’s keep the projects going and at it. We’re no different from other places. some of which depend almost completely new projects, by creating a new fund, we You can return to conflict – it doesn’t have on ESF funding, their very existence is propose.” to be violent conflict,” said Anthony. under threat. The hole in that argument is that a new “We’re already seen organisations talking UK government may come along and at about shutting up shop – for example I’m budget time drop funding for peace and thinking of one project focused on young cross-border activities. people’s employability. Groups are really “That’s absolutely true,” admitted concerned going forward,” he said. Anthony, “In one year, the money could be “For cross-border projects, without taken away.” the EU funding I don’t think a lot of them EU funding has always been of increased would continue to run,” he said. “Putting it value because it comes in seven-year generously, the governments in Dublin or cycles. Belfast don’t have the funding that those His organisation is “safe” as, since 2014, cross-border projects need.” it has not relied on significant EU funding In the most positive scenario – cross- and it is campaigning hard with others border projects may still have EU funding “A new ‘hard’ border doesn’t have to be Martin Mansergh, Ruth Taillon and Michael – this depends on a “soft” exit. There is a physical, because as soon as differences Farrell at the journal launch. See link in precedent for this – Norway is outside the around rights and regulations emerge, it caption above.

RED TAPE A PROBLEM: “Over 7,000 people are without a home while there are 198,358 empty homes nationwide,” says homeless charity Simon, campaigning 12 with the slogan “It’s time to cut the red tape.” WINTER 2016/2017

BREXIT: Anthony Suares speaks out Sustainable Development Goals Tr Not all borrowing is bad - Experts say we need to share more BY MENDY O’BRIEN ot all borrowing is bad. We’re not talking about money for once, but borrowing Nand loaning out items that reduce the amoung of waste and needless dumping in society. But is zero waste possible? Can we chuck out our bins and live with no waste at all? Unfortunately not, as our current system of supplying consumers prevents us from achieving lower levels of waste easily. Between plastic wrapped bags of fruits and vegetables and over packaged products, zero waste seems out of reach. However, the definition of ‘zero waste’ is forgiving. It refers to the journey towards zero waste rather than the destination. It means looking at current consumption patterns and finding solutions through waste prevention, re-using and repairing products and recycling Earlier this year, a ‘food rescue’ event was held in Clonakilty, Co. Cork, with support fromthe and composting. Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment (VOICE). They rescue food that otherwise be Zero waste embraces a ‘circular economy thrown away or rejected by supermarkets, businesses and restaurants. See below. model’, which turns the current ‘linear consumption model’ on its head. items find new homes. There are many Instead of extracting, consuming “Share products rather than purchasing new ventures in this area, which not and disposing of valuable natural new items. It is estimated that each only preserve valuable resources, but resources, we can redesign products generate local jobs. to be easily repairable, reusable and electric drill is only used around ten The promotion of zero waste and recyclable. minutes in its lifetime.” the circular economy has a win, win, We can work with industry to adopt win effect. It benefits the environment, new manufacturing practices to reduce in Ireland. (See page 30 for news about creates new local businesses and jobs the amount of waste. In this way, we won’t Cashel). and pulls the community together towards a continue the current practice of using and We have begun meeting and consulting common cause. It’s a sustainable consumption destroying non-renewable natural resources with local champions, groups and the county model that can be rolled out throughout such as rare earth metals and minerals. council. Zero waste must be a bottom Ireland, community by community. Zero waste also looks at how to share up movement with the full engagement products rather than purchasing new items. It and commitment from local residents and This article by Mindy O’Brien of Voice, is estimated that each electric drill is only used businesses. is based on a presentation she made at around ten minutes in its lifetime, unless the We hope that through zero waste we not the UCC Credit Union Summer School, user is in the trade or an avid DIYer. We are only benefit the environment through reducing organised by the Centre for Co-operative used to borrowing books from our libraries, so the amount of generated waste, but also Studies, UCC. why not create a tool lending library so we can benefit the economy through reduced waste borrow tools and little used items as well? costs, the establishment of new businesses Many communities, large and small, have (reuse, repair, leasing and recycling) and How to run a local embarked on their zero waste journey. social enterprises. For example, Gipuzkoa, in the Basque Such businesses have been created in Country, has reversed its waste trend, going ‘Food Rescue’ other zero waste communities. A thriving VOICE is an environmental charity working from 30% recycling and 70% residual waste to compostable packaging sector has popped on waste and water issues. 70% recycling and 30% residual waste in just up in San Francisco to meet demand, a Among the things it does best are ‘Food three years. nappy composting business was established Rescues’ which involves recovering food that San Francisco is also a very successful in England, and leasing services, such as zero waste community. It has done this is edible, but often not saleable. Airbnb, Dublin Bikes, and GoCar, have been Call them if you’d like to see one held in through local action and local ordinances. hugely successful. Local government has banned polystyrene your area. In Ireland, new social enterprises have “Our champions will organise the collection packaging, requires food businesses to use also popped up, including FoodCloud, which compostable or easily recyclable packaging of short-dated food from local shops, farms redistributes surplus short-dated food from or other food businesses which will then be for all food takeaway containers, has banned shops to charities to feed those who face plastic bags and banned the sale of bottled prepared to make a delicious meal to share food poverty each day. In two years, they with their neighbours. They have already held water in public spaces. have rescued enough food to provide over California also has a container deposit/ events counties Sligo, Cork, Leitrim, Carlow, two million meals. Wicklow and Fingal. refund scheme where consumers pay a deposit In Cork, Boomerang collects and on all drinks containers which is returned when VOICE is supported through Local Agenda deconstructs old mattresses so that the 21 contributions. the container is brought back. steel and paddling can be turned into new Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment W: voiceireland.org E: info@voiceireland. products. org. T: 01-642-5741. T: @voice_ireland Also (VOICE) has started work to make Cashel, Charity shops ensure that unwanted Co. Tipperary, the first zero waste community on Facebook.

Unemployment in the Republic of Ireland was down 13 by the end of last year - on average - to 7.5%. Changing Ireland Diary of Horace McDermott REFLECTING ON THE YEAR BEHIND & AHEAD And what are we left with? Bieber, Baldwin, in the EU? They have much in common as they McGregor and The Donald coming up trumps are both called “them over the border” or in the election. Alec Baldwin - How can a man “them up North” and they have very similar with bald in his name impersonate a Big Wig accents that no one else can understand. like Trump? Finally, will anyone come to my conference Other questions from 2016 are: “Durty Words” on Thursday, May 11th in the Why are the Gardai better at holding Limerick Institute of Technology where I us to ransom than those lads who took the hope to meet fans, sign autographs and hand greyhound? out lots of free feckin’ advice? Did Obama ask Mary Robinson for advice Happy New Year! about where to locate his presidential library H. before he decided not to have it in Ballina either? (Ed’s note: Thanks for the reminder, Horace! Did somebody think Tommy Tiernan, with More on the back page about our ‘Durty Words’ his dirty beard, was homeless and it would Conference). be funny to have him live at the Apollo House Jays I hope 2017 is better than last year instead of perform Live at the Apollo? – we’ve seen musical maestros Prince, Bowie Questions in 2017: ABOUT HORACE: and Leonard, acting greats Alan Rickman, A former civil servant, community worker Will The Donald reap the rewards from his Gene Wider and Zsa Zsa Gabor and sporting and agony uncle, Horace knows it all. belief that - when it comes to Russia - you legends Mohammed Ali and Arnold Palmer He has addressed everything from only get out of it what you Putin? all signing a long-term deal with Eternity world poverty to extraordinary rendition Will community workers threaten exclusion Productions. and estate enhancement, and has a huge and disadvantage on themselves by going on El Presidente Miguel Del Higueno got into readership among people seeking change strike to match the Gardai threatening to do bother for his comments on Uachtaran Castro. in their pockets. something illegal to strengthen their position It brought me back to my days studying A few of his better columns are available as law enforcers? Community and Youth Work with Shay O’Gara exclusively on the ‘Changing Ireland’ Will Northern Scotsland be formed when who was a huge fan. website. Northern Ireland and Scotland unite to stay How to consult communities...

As understood by field-workers As recommended by development As modified by the finance who spoke directly to the village experts back in HQ after speaking oversight committee after the children. to top consultants. project is re-evaluated.

What was eventually delivered After costly consultants re- What the village children and to the village. installed the facility. their parents actually wanted. “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” — Eeyore, from A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh 14 WINTER 2016/2017 PRide of Every cloud has a... place TRUMP’S ELECTION winners SHOULD BE A ride of Place is an all-island competition Pthat acknowledges the work that communities are doing all over the island of Ireland. CATALYST FOR “The competition is about showing respect and inclusion for every sector in our communities, young, old, rich or poor and COMMUNITY creating communities to which the people are proud to say they belong,” says Tom Dowling, former Meath County Manager and Chairman DEVELOPMENT and Founder of the Pride of Place Initiative. - Particularly for strengthening the ‘SICAP’ programme from 2017 Main Competition WINNERS 2016 BY ROBERT CAREY Robert Carey (pictured) sometimes uncomfortable issues that we often Pop. up to 300: Broadford Development is SICAP Programme wish would just go away. This is why we need Manager with North Association, Co Limerick. to engage, because most people’s default East and West Kerry Pop. 300-1000: Clonbur Community Council, position is to have goodwill towards their fellow Development Company. citizen. Co Galway. He writes here in a There are many issues which are causing Pop. 1,000-2,000: Borris Tidy Towns, Co private capacity and is uncertainty and fractures in society. In Carlow. a regular contributor to response, we need to increase our awareness Moate Action Group, Co ‘Changing Ireland’. Pop. 2,000-5,000: and knowledge and to debate such issues. Westmeath Community development is pivotal in this - it Pop. Over 5,000: Douglas Community can support education, discourse, community Association, Co Cork. he election of Donald Trump should be a self-reliance, advocacy and the promotion of Age Friendly Community Initiative: catalyst for community development in equality. McAuley Place, Naas, Co Kildare. T general and SICAP in particular. The national Social Inclusion and Community Meath River Community Social Enterprise: There has already been a barrage of Activation Programme (SICAP) is not only Rescue, Co Meath. discussion on why and how Trump won an activation programme: Equality and Community Business Enterprise Initiative: the election. Of relevance to community Community development (with its attendant Ferbane Food Campus, Co Offaly. development is the fact that working class concepts of social justice) are key principles in Communities Reaching out Initiative: and middle class people are voicing their the Programme. Integration & Support Unit, Waterford City,Co disaffection with growing economic inequality. There is a clear need for a resource in Waterford. In addition, the equality agenda is under attack communities to support the work identified Housing Estates: Three Drives Family with many not convinced of its merits. above and the SICAP programme - delivered Resource Centre, Tipperary Town, Co While America and Brexit may be totemic through Local Development Companies at local Tipperary. examples of these issues there are similar level - can play a key role here in promoting Islands and Coastal Communities: themes emerging across Western Europe, civic engagement around these issues. Local Clogherhead Development Group, Co Louth. including Ireland. and Community Development Committees that oversee its management should take note. Urban Neighbourhoods: Dominic’s Economic inequality has been increasing In order to facilitate this investment in Community Centre, Tallaght. since the era of increased globalisation and neo-liberal capitalism was ushered in under community development, the local delivery Regan and Thatcher in the 1980s. Issues companies need to have the resources Cities Competition such as precarious low paid work (Ireland has and support to fully engage in community Neighbourhoods Under 1,000: Glór na one of the highest levels of low paid workers development work. At present, Local Móna, Belfast. in the OECD) unemployment, high debt and Development Companies are under pressure Neighbourhoods 1,000-2,000: Stoneybatter insufficient services are causing angst. to achieve high ‘activation’ targets (getting Heritage Village, Dublin. Against this backdrop there is increased individuals into work and education). We could Neighbourhoods Over 2,000: East Belfast tension around migration accompanied by be putting more into promoting collective Community Development Agency, Belfast reported increases in racism and a hardening action and empowering communities. Age Friendly Community Initiative: Mahon of opinions in some quarters with less empathy SICAP’s emphasis on individual advancement CDP Agelink, Cork. shown towards those in great need. commands the majority of resources at Community Enterprise Initiative: Foyle So how is this relevant to community present when it is clear the country needs a Down Syndrome Trust, Derry. development? renewed programme that is more community Community Arts Initiative: Blue Teapot These issues are not simple. Some working development orientated. Theatre Company, Galway. class people will blame people who are The world and Ireland is changing and if “downwards” (eg, the unemployed or poor) SICAP is to have any impact on these issues it Special Awards while some will look to hold those in power to will need to change also. Cities Competition: 1. Play Resource account (witness the rise of the ‘Right to Water’ Note: At Pobal’s labour market activation Warehouse, Belfast; 2. Saol Café, Galway. campaign). Some people who support equality issues conference, in November, Catherine Byrne, Minister of State for Communities and National Main Competition: 1. Liskennett Farm – St such as same sex marriage for example may not necessarily support equality issues around Drugs Strategy, announced that 2017 will see Joseph’s Foundation, Granagh, Co. Limerick; evaluation of SICAP and consultation on the 2. Mulhuddart Motocross Project, Fingal Co. migrants, Travellers or economic inequality. These issues require us to challenge ourselves new Programme, which will be introduced in Dublin; 3. Trinity Arts Project, Castlerea, Co. and our beliefs and to think about complex, 2018. Roscommon; 4. Wexford Marine Watch.

Special Council Award: Dublin City Council. Trump did very 15 well among voters who had never left their home town. (FT) Changing Ireland REACH THE OUR COMMUNITIES - National Forum WIDEST AUDIENCE! “We are serious as a Department of Communities” - Minister Simon Coveney MOST POPULAR BY ALLEN MEAGHER MAGAZINE ommunity groups and interests can Government’s Framework Policy for the sector work outside the formal structures published last year, saying, “They’re all fine and Cor within those structures and in many aspirational, but what I’m interested in is their LONGEST ESTABLISHED cases they are obliged to do the latter. In pragmatic implementation. How do we ensure (2001) practice, many do both: that the community has had involvement and “We are serious as a Department of a say in the process when I make decisions Communities,” Minister Simon Coveney based on the basis of recommendations that assured people attending a ‘National Forum’ come up to me from talented and serious civil WIDEST REACH servants in the Department. Ensuring that meeting for ‘Our Communities’, held in involvement is the only way we’ll start to light a November, in the great hall at the Royal Spring Advertising Deadline: fire again under communities and empowering Hospital Kilmainham. Answering the call, Wed, FEB 22nd, for publication them … as opposed to top-down instruction. community reps gathered to see about One of the reasons that I took the ministry on or before Mon, April 3rd. turning policy into practice that will work on I was offered was because I wanted to close the ground and deliver community-driven, a gap that had opened up in the past decade 33% discounts for non-profits bottom-up social inclusion. between communities and (the State). One Opening the proceedings, Minister Simon of the reasons we’re insisting for instance on Coveney, noted that in the most recent mixed tender housing development rather than ADVERTS FROM €199 budget “we saw an increase in funding” for segregated builds is because we are serious community programmes. While this was a positive, he noted that “the CALL FOR SPECIAL approach towards community development has changed.” OFFERS “In rural Ireland, it was very much led by Policy into practice: What happens next? he Department of Housing, Planning, LEADER funding, financing ground-up led Community and Local Government held a Contact the editor, projects and we’ve been through a painful T Allen Meagher. forum meeting with community representatives enough policy change, but I think we can make in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in November. E: [email protected] it work in ways that are more effective than The aim of the day was to help develop an T: 061-458011. before - even though there are many good and implementation plan for the Government’s strong things about previous decision-making ‘Framework Policy for Local and Community and funding structures which we don’t want to Our ratecard, reach & readership Development’. lose. The implementation plan is expected to be at: “The opportunities are there now for real completed by the middle of this year. www.changingireland.ie engagement and genuine partnership between Community and Voluntary Sector groups, community leaders, community groups, while to a degree welcoming the Framework sectoral interests and local and national policy statement when it was approved by government. Government in late 2015, had also expressed “And getting those structures right is key,” criticism. The Framework Policy seeks to he said. promote “a joined-up, collaborative and He listed the five priorities in the participative approach to local and community

Workshop: Participant A, Eimear Quinlivan and Helen Fitzgerald, both from Limerick. Since January 1st of last year, 4,242 jobseekers have been subjected to penalties for refusal to engage with services. Source: http://humanrights.ie 16 C’mon! Just five more minutes... OUR COMMUNITIES - National Forum “We are serious as a Department of Communities” - Minister Simon Coveney

about community and community Among those to also address the relations and diversity and we are conference were Anna Marie Delaney, ON THE GROUND trying to learn lessons from the past. CEO of Offaly County Council, who “We’re not going to be able to outlined the extent of the policy do everything, but I hope ye see changes in recent years. - Rachel Doyle, CWI me as somebody who if you have Rachel Doyle (CWI), in her Rachel Doyle of Community Work Ireland, formerly the Community good ideas you want to share and contribution, reminding the audience incorporate into policy that we can of the critical role of community Workers Co-op, outlined what community development must be about. do that,” he said. work in addressing poverty, social While “sometimes, we disagree” exclusion and inequality, and building it was essential to have a forum, an participation of communities in open line of communications, to work decisions that affect their lives. together. She stressed that this work cannot “Communities have to be involved take place in the absence of in decision-making”, said the strong, autonomous community Minister, adding that people should development at local, national and get in touch with him directly if they international levels. feel they are being ignored by the process. Policy into practice: What happens next? development at local level.” Minister Coveney acknowledged there were some difficulties with the Framework and the forum event gave community representatives a chance to strengthen it from the ‘bottom-up’. The event included five workshops themed around the Framework Policy: 1. Engaging with Communities; 2. Working with Partners; 3. Planning for Local and Community Development; 4. Achieving with Partners; 5. Securing best outcomes for Communities. Since the Forum, the Department has been busy preparing a detailed Forum report to be published early in the new year. Also, a cross-sectoral group is being established, guided by advice received through the Forum, to assist and advise in the development of the implementation plan. Meanwhile, Community Work Ireland planned to meet with the Department to review the Forum event and hoped to also meet with Minister Coveney.

Minister Simon Coveney urged people to contact him if the process was not working.

Minister of State Catherine Byrne speaking. She is responsible for Communities Minister Simon Coveney speaking to local development and community development workers, council and the National Drug Strategy. officials, etc, at the 'Our Communities - National Forum' conference. Footer.... 2 lines... footer... 17 Changing Ireland OUR COMMUNITIES - National Forum Away from the main stage way from the main stage, the ‘Our put a lot of trust in the Department and now As was emphasised at the Forum, ACommunities’ forum event was hailed they expect action in the coming months. community involvement isn’t an add-on; by many as significant because it had been That echoed what Minister Coveney said it’s central to the whole thing. Community quite some years since the communities will happen, what civil servants said will development must be bottom-up and department had called a meeting of happen and what is expected. ideally the country should be led by bottom- community representatives to discuss future Meanwhile, there was an update from up influenced policies. possibilities. The relationship between the State and The last occasion for such a gathering “About a half-dozen people the Community and Voluntary Sector may heralding in amalgamations, closures, cuts remarked to me about the indeed be improving. and cohesion, leading to the ‘alignment’ food.” Food might not seem important but the of community development with local hot lunch with dessert for people grown government work. Junior Minister Catherine Byrne who spoke used to sandwiches and soup at best sent In Kilmainham, the interaction about a new SICAP being introduced in out a positive signal. About a half-dozen between people was high, the venue 2018 and promised investment in training people remarked to me about the quality of was spectacular, the food excellent, and capacity building for LCDCs to support the food. the atmosphere good and promises of the delivery of the Programme on the However, time will tell – depending on the change were made that impressed a ground. quality of the implementation plan for the mature audience normally given to healthy Her audience included people there who, ‘National Framework’ – if communities are skepticism. while unhappy about elements of their work, turning a new corner. One of the community rapporteurs obviously hold out hope for true bottom-up remarked on stage that people present had community development. - ALLEN MEAGHER

Who’re you pointing at kid! Brian Carty of the Marie Price Bolger of Trustus facilitated a lively workshop. Irish Local Development Network and Siobhan O’Brien of Wexford Local Development. Brian is moving on in January to become CEO of Carlow County Development Partnership.

Anna Lee, Dublin. She has worked in community development and anti-poverty work since 1986 Duncan Stewart, environmentalist and documentary-maker, chatting with Paul Lemass, and was the CEO of the South Dublin County asistant secretary, Community & Local Government Division of the Dept of HPCLG. Partnership.

The point of a civilised society is to respect difference, not abandon what we are in order to satisfy bigots. - Joe Brolly, 18 OUR COMMUNITIES - National Forum

Trust and respect Two key words came through today, trust and respect. We acknowledge it was a great day. But, there’s a trust that we’ve been listened to today and a respect that something will happen out of today. - Community Worker addressing the Forum

Hugh Frazer takes notes

No flies on this lad! Hugh Frazer takes notes. A Maynooth academic, he has worked for many years advising national government and the EU on social inclusion issues, especially child poverty. He began his career/vocation as a youth and community worker/activist in Belfast.

Roisin Heuston facilitates a group discussion. Roisin is responsibile for Media and Communications at the Dept of HPCLG.

Afternoon workshops took opinion from community workers, local authority staff, agency workers and community volunteers.

Attendees at the ‘Our Communities’ national forum in Kilmainham. On the left is Bernie Reape, widely credited with doing the running Active participation in wood-panelled rooms. in organising the event and ensuring all ran smoothly. Accountability requirements are undermining and reducing the autonomy of community and voluntary organisations. - Anna Lee, writing in ‘The Changing Landscape of Local and 19 Community Development in Ireland’ (2015). Changing Ireland WINTER 2016/2017 WOMEN (NOT) IN POLITICS - THE 50/50 BY 2020 CAMPAIGN Gender still a glaring issue and women now campaigning locally and nationally he boards of national sports Torganisations were put under pressure in December to improve the gender balance. Punitive measures were talked about for organisations that failed to reach a 30% female quota, with some politicians in favour and others opposed to penalties. Despite women and girls playing soccer, rugby and Gaelic games, only one woman sits on the executive committees/boards of the FAI, IRFU and the GAA combined. Together, these three bodies shared €7.4m last year from the State for youth development alone and they oversee thousands of games annually involving women and girls. The sole female - on the FAI’s board - is Niamh O’Donoghue, Secretary General of the Department of Social Protection. These sports organisations are essentially not-for- profits, not unlike many of the groups operating in the Community and Voluntary Sector. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that quotas could also be sought - or imposed as a Hard-working men are conscious of not dominating, but sometimes despite the best of condition of future funding - for the boards of intentions, the impression fails. The official tape-cutting to open Crossroads Community community projects. Centre in Cong, Co. Mayo, in December. Photo via: @SeanKyneTD The tables below - and indeed the photograph community level. • Monitors the progress and implementation of on the right of well-meaning and hard-working men • endorses both male and female candidates the quota. (but so many of them!) - indicate how steep the who support special temporary measures to challenge appears. redress the over-representation of men. Here’s how the situation looks from Donegal. But sometimes you can crest a hill almost before Only three out of 37 councillors in Donegal are you know it. There is currently a campaign gaining women. Since 1918, only two TDs from Donegal momentum seeking more balanced representation 50/50 Nationally: Nationally, the campaign: have served in the Dáil since 1918 (namely Mary between the genders. Coughlan and Cecilia Keaveney). The 50/50 advococy group seeks equal • Raises awareness about candidate selection representation in Irish politics and encourages quotas, encourages more women to run, debate on the need for more women to engage in more people to campaign for women Donegal Women’s politics. candidates and more people to support Network Quite simply, they want fifty-fifty by 2020. women candidates. Donegal Women’s Network (DWN) is long Nationally: 50% of Ireland’s population is female, • Challenges political parties to effectively established and is typical of the groups that are yet there are only 35 women in Dáil Éireann out of implement the candidate selection quota. members of the 50/50 campaign. DWN works to 158 TD’s. That’s 22%. Ireland’s position globally: Ireland was ranked 76th out of 133 countries on a world classification list compiled by the Inter-Parlimentary Union last year. That marks an improvement - four years ago, Donegal Local Bodies Ireland was ranked 89th. women men vacant The 50/50 campaign group: • believes that the under-representation of women in Irish politics is an affront to the democratic ideals of justice and equality. • is a single issue national advocacy group. • is politically non-aligned. • has branches in Cork, Kerry, Dublin, Meath and the North West. • welcomes both men and women as members. • encourages the formation of affiliate groups at

Donegal County Donegal Peace III Donegal County Council Partnership Development Board

NCCWN: Ireland has a gender pay gap which sees women paid 14.4% less than their male counterparts. 20 Changing Ireland WINTER 2016/2017 WOMEN (NOT) IN POLITICS - THE 50/50 BY 2020 CAMPAIGN Gender still a glaring issue and women now campaigning locally and nationally

Pictured: Various activities as part of the 50/50 campaign. Btm right: TY students at St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal, took part in workshops to learn about gender stereotyping.

inspire community growth through: Currently, there are no women TDs representing • Providing a friendly local support network to Donegal, Leitrim or Sligo in the Dáil. women in Donegal. The North-West 50/50 group covers these three • Advocating & promoting equality and women’s counties and is supported by individual women, human rights. DWN, the North Leitrim Women’s Centre and The • Highlighting the reality of women’s lives in National Collective of Community Based Women’s Donegal. Networks (NCCWN). • Promoting and supporting women’s Nationally, the NCCWN supports 17 women’s empowerment in Donegal. projects that seek to empower and support • Bringing local issues to a national level to community-based women who experience influence policy-making. disadvantage and marginalisation as a result of barriers to participation and lack of opportunities. 50/50 North West The NCCWN is funded by the Department of Group Justice & Equality. Cross Border Bodies women men

Irish Central Centre for Co-operation International Co-operation North West Border Area Cross Border Ireland Centre for and Working Region Network Studies Local and together Cross Border Regional Groups Development

Over 50% of women earn under €20,000 per annum. They generally work in precarious, low-paid, part-time posts. Source: CSO ‘Women and Men in 21 Ireland’ report (2013) Changing Ireland RURAL NEGLECT V. POTENTIAL what supportS ARE there for rural unemployed men? BY CIAN MATTHEW KEARNS Long-term unemployment can lead to “a lack of motivation and borderline depression” cross rural Ireland, low quality jobs and Dublin and the Mid-East score 8% and 6% aimed at tackling youth unemployment in unemployment have forced thousands respectively. Clare, a county where three out of five people ofA people into poverty. Yet, their suffering is Furthermore, a 2014 Survey on Income and live rurally. rarely seen. Living Conditions found that almost one in five Casey explains that unemployment is a Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, people in rural areas were at risk of poverty, downward spiral. “When you’re out of work describes hidden poverty as, “the lack of compared to 15% living in urban settings. and have no routine your routine is all messed opportunity available to people. It’s the falling Although it might not be obvious, rural Ireland up. You’d be doing most of your living during off of services. It’s people who are getting is still hurting. the night-time and sleeping during the day. themselves into poverty, not being able to Boland says, “The solutions have to include People would have a certain level of lack of afford basics, which you don’t really see.” developing much more micro-enterprises in the motivation and a borderline bit of depression He highlights how the problem is rural regions.” He points out that, collectively, as well.” exasperated in rural areas: “You can travel small businesses are the largest employment Casey holds one-to-one meetings where she around…and there’s no great signs of poverty providers in rural Ireland. More growth in helps people identify career goals and prepare there, whereas in urban you tend to see enterprises means more local jobs and more development plans. The participants, aged 18 physical deterioration.” sustainable rural communities. to 24, come from a wide range of educational The figures back him up. Unemployment backgrounds, from early school leavers to rates in rural Ireland continue to hover around Emily Casey is a Youth Worker with Clare degree holders. the 10% mark. In contrast, Youth Service. She runs a programme under Casey says, “I don’t give advice. I give the Youth Employment support and I facilitate. That’s my role. It’s not Initiative (YEI) to advise and lead someone down a certain path.…They tell me what they want and I facilitate them in how to get there.” The programme is innovative in

WESTERN DEV’T IRISH RURAL THE CEDRA COMMISSION LINK REPORT The Western Development Commission (WDC) Irish Rural Link, formed in 1991, is a national he Commission for the promotes social and economic development in network representing rural communities. TEconomic Development of Rural seven counties in the West of Ireland - Donegal, It directly represents nearly 500 community Areas (CEDRA) was established Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and groups in the Republic and has a combined in September 2012, with Mr. Pat Clare. membership of 25,000. Spillane as its chairman. Finding ways to boost employment in these It seeks to “represent the interests of Its 2014 report on the future counties is critical to the WDC’s work. It operates community groups in disadvantaged and economic potential of rural Ireland. a Community Loan Fund as well as funds for marginalised rural areas by highlighting It was coordinated by Teagasc small and medium-sized enterprises. problems, advocating for appropriate policies in conjunction with the Western Three of the current projects spearheaded by and sharing experiences and examples of Development Commission, the the WDC include: good practice.” Department of the Environment, www.lookwest.ie To give but one example of its work, IRL led Community and Local Government www.biopad.eu in establishing a national network for the many and the Department of Agriculture, www.rokwood.eu groups providing Meals On Wheels. Food and the Marine.

More info: wdc.ie W: irishrurallink.ie Read the report at: http://bit.ly/2iz5Yqt

SEAI: There is €30 million in grant supports available in 2017 for community energy projects in the Republic of Ireland. 22 RURAL LIVING IT COSTS €10k P.A. what supportS ARE there for rural unemployed men? TO RUN A CAR STATS AND FACTS Long-term unemployment can lead to “a lack of motivation and borderline depression” 16% of the population are at risk of that Casey travels to the participants, they’re stuck….It’s something poverty. However, in rural areas the rather than they to her. This allows we’ll be reporting back.” figure rises to 19%, versus 14% in urban people in rural areas with few transport Perhaps, under-employment, centres. options to take part. However, in such as well as unemployment, locations, training opportunities and jobs needs more attention in the • Those most at risk include people living are limited. Casey says, “There is a need future. in rented accommodation belowmarket recognised to have more accessible value (36%) and those who are unemployed training in these areas.” ABOUT THE YOUTH (40%). One problem with enterprise EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE: • We know, nationally, unemployment The YEI is one of the main EU promotion and YEI style programmes is has dropped. However, the gains are financial resources to support that they often only target those already poorly spread. Over 62% of the increase unemployed. People trapped in low the implementation of Youth in employment last year came in counties paying, part-time or poor quality jobs are Guarantee schemes. It excluded. provides support to Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. young people living in • Western Counties saw a decline of the regions where youth Casey admits this: “There are lots of 8.6% in the number of registered active people in casual work unemployment was higher than enterprises between 2008 and 2014. The who are finding it very rest of the state only dropped 1%. difficult. They want to 25% in move on, they feel 2012. • Over 114,800 people are employed in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors. • A third of farms were economically vulnerable in 2015, according to Teagasc. Brexit is forecast to heap additional pressures on farming families. • The estimated costs of running a car for a year is €10,850. Public transport is patchy in many rural areas and non-existent in others. Sources of Information: cso.ie, socialjustice.ie, wdc.ie, rte.ie, theaa.ie. support/training EU-wide social enterprise GROUP 1st meeting held in LIT In November, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) hosted the first meeting of a new European group called ‘Social Enterprise Development, Education and Training Tools’ (Sedett) which is focused on supporting social enterprise in Europe. The Department of Applied Social Studies at LIT is a member of the group. Backed by €274,000 in funding, SEDETT aims to increase “awareness and knowledge” about social enter-prises by examining their nature, purpose, governance, leadership, management and impact assessment practices. The group aims to produce an online self-assessment tool for social enterprises so they can learn how to best assess their development needs. The group will organise a “blended e-learning course” for people interested in or working in social enterprises. Case study research will be central to the learning. On the first day of the transnational group’s meeting at the LIT, the participants visited BEHIND THE LENS St. Munchin’s Community Centre, a social Thanks to Tony Grehan for the photograph of depopulation in Manister, a County Limerick enterprise operating on the northside of village, not far from Limerick city. W: https://www.facebook.com/tony.grehan.3 Limerick City. For more information, email Cathy Jones at LIT: [email protected] WDC: There were 40,797 enterprises in the Western Region in 2014. 23 REPORT BY A. MEAGHER Changing Ireland GOVERNANCE FOCUS ON ‘QUALITY’ TO ENSURE GREATER EQUALITY Laura Ward of Clare Accessible Transport.

Jan O’Sullivan, TD, and Dermot O’Donnell of the Disability Federation of Ireland.

Senator John Dolan paid tribute to activists who passed away recently, highlighting their legacy.

he private sector is breathing down the of the Disability Federation of Ireland reviewed neck of projects operating in the community research on “using ‘Lean Principals’ to Tsector and disability activists from around the enhance transport services for persons with a country expressed strong views at Sola’s disability”. national symposium held at the University of Examining how quality systems can help Limerick, in December, REPORTS ALLEN protect the people’s rights, Deirdre Nally MEAGHER. gave a presentation on “the potential of May Hourican, Valerie Moran, manager of The symposium asked how organisations quality systems to protect a persons’ rights as Longford’s Centre for Independent Living, and individuals can move “from providing a enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights and Claire Gallery, Sola. service to being of service” and the event was of Persons’ with a Disability.” targetted at disability organisation managers, Meanwhile, Stuart Lawlor of the National volunteers and frontline staff, funders of Council for the Blind talked about the disability services and professionals with practical steps needed to implement a quality expertise in the field of quality. management system in a community-based While the event was focused on “improving organisation. services”, attendees were wary of service- The symposium also heard about a new orientated” language. system called PQASSO (pronounced ‘Picaso’) Opening the event, former education which promotes eleven “core competencies”, minister, Jan O’Sullivan, TD, emphasised “the the majority of which put the person using an importance of the voice of those for whom a organisation’s services at the centre of those service is being provided and ensuring the services. service is of use.” Meanwhile, regarding “service-delivery”, “The late Martin Naughton fought for so long there was some concern expressed about to change that culture of expecting people to ‘language-creep’ whereby the lingo from the SOLA’s founders: Gerry Graney, Dr. Ann take whatever is provided rather than to have top down is adopted by those “on the frontline”. Ledwith and Dermot O’Donnell. control over their own lives and being able to decide what is right for them,” she said. She congratulated Sola’s partners for their WHAT IS SOLA? collaboration and co-operation. Based in UL, Sola aims to empower She hoped she was “correct in interpreting individuals and organisations in the community, what this symposium is about - that it’s about voluntary and disability sector by engaging in research, education and training to implement ensuring the person is at the centre of the proven governance and sustainable quality service.” systems Reflecting Sola’s triple-backing from a Sola is a collaboration between the Disability national community organisation, a third-level Federation of Ireland, the University of Limer- institution and a private company, activists, ick, and Johnson & Johnson. academics and industrialists discussed what For more info, contact Claire Gallery. “quality” meant to them. T: 061-202960. In looking at how ‘Lean Principals’, widely E: [email protected] used in business, can be adopted by the Note: Claire is chairperson of Changing Ireland Pat Begley and DFI’s Toni Gleeson, both Community and Voluntary Sector, Billy Stack Community Media. from Limerick.

Limerick Regeneration has spent €257m since 2008, much of it on the demolition of homes, the re-housing of families and community initiatives. 24 TECHNOLOGY People-friendly solutions SOFTWARE FOR SOCIAL for Canal communities INCLUSION he Canal Communities he not-for-profit tech company ‘Enclude’ has carved a niche for itself finding solutions for groups working in TTraining Programme, aka Tthe Community and Voluntary Sector. TURAS, is a rehabilitative The organisation is now ten years old and wrote to us following our Autumn edition. To back up their points, education and training programme we also took testimony from two groups they worked with for stabilised drug users. Trevor in recent years: Keogh, manager, said Enclude’s EAMON STACK WRITES* ‘eCASS’ system helped them support their people to engage We in ‘Enclude’ were struck by the cartoon in the last more effectively with their care edition of ‘Changing Ireland’ which showed a community plans and with getting into, or back worker toiling endlessly in front of a computer screen to to, work. address the reporting needs of funders. It doesn’t have to “This has really supported be so! client engagement. For example, ‘Enclude’ is currently working with partnership because of eCASS, clients can now companies in Dublin to design an information management move between addiction services system that will remove some of the drudgery they are with much greater ease, and experiencing at present. The system will: staff changes in our own service • Manage their interactions with people they serve generate much less disruption than through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation they did previously,” said Trevor. Programme (SICAP); There are benefits for staff too • Assist with reporting to IRIS (a system used by who have less paperwork to do community workers nationwide involved in SICAP); Senator Joan Freeman, Eamon Stack of Enclude than before. • Track interventions made that are not currently and Dr. Suzi Lyons, Health Research Board. recognised by SICAP categories. TURAS operates as a In the past we’ve done similar work in the addiction The new system also helped to improve the quality of Community Employment Scheme services area, working with the HSE and projects to data available to manage interactions with clients as well as develop custom-made client care and staff management the data available to meet funders’ reporting requirements. funded and supported by The Dept. system. Lisa Gavillet, Development Worker with the North of Social Protection, the HSE, the A recent evaluation conducted with the addiction Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force told us that: “Our local Education & Training Board services shows that the system is helping them to generate eCASS system has given us a way to record and report on and the Canal Communities Local savings in staff and management time – by cutting out actual contact time, outcomes and progression of clients Drugs Task Force. duplication and reducing time spent on administration – from a service perspective. This then feeds into a larger worth almost €50,000 per year on average (or 285 working statistical gathering exercise providing timely and relevant days per year). Addiction services reported that they also information to funders and policy makers.” saved 89 working days of managers’ and administrators’ * Eamon Stack is CEO of ‘Enclude’. working time each year. There was also an annual saving of €18,000 on software licences. More info: www.enclude.ie No ‘Darkness into light’ without good systems hen an NGO grows, it needs has helped ensure high attendance to have systems in place to rates at appointments. Whandle growth. Witness Pieta House’s The CRM also enables the various ‘Darkness into Light’ walks which branches of Pieta to share availability now see up to 120,000 people taking of therapists for emergency part annually. assessments. As a result, clinical Pieta House has grown support staff in any centre can see significantly since it was set up in all available therapists in a shared 2006. It is a non-profit organisation calendar and book an appointment providing a specialised treatment directly from the calendar. This programme for people who have means that, for example, if a suicidal ideation or who participate in distressed client attends at one self- harming. centre where there might be no Enclude has been involved with therapists available, staff can look at Pieta House since 2009 and has nearby centres and book an urgent NGO success: The first 5k ‘Darkness Into Light’ walk in 2009 helped it to cope successfully with appointment. brought out 200 people for the main run in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. the growth. Last year, events were held in locations as diverse as London, As demand for services grew, Reykjavik, Perth, San Francisco and Abu Dhabi. Enclude developed a client Mining Data for relationship management (CRM) years on suicide, suicide ideation and clients coming to our centres across system so the NGO could easily Policy & Campaigns self-harm have been sourced from country were men. At first, we In 2012, Pieta House recruited produce up-to-date information on this unique database. thought ‘Wow, so we are one of the a new in-house researcher to the use of their services and keep a Pieta House founder, Senator Joan few organisations in the country that interrogate the data from its centres record of client bookings. Freeman, explains how the data men come to’. But our IT system let and to identify the key issues In addition, Enclude set up a mined from its systems helped shape us see deeper than that, and on closer emerging. Enclude worked with Pieta system whereby Pieta House and one of its campaigns. analysis we realized most of the House over a three-month period to vulnerable clients could contact appointments were made by women. upgrade its systems so that they could each other via text message. This This key insight prompted us to produce that quality data. Many of women call for men also meant Pieta House could text launch our ‘Mind your Men’ mental the national news stories over recent “We saw from data that 48% of reminders directly to clients and this health campaign.”

Ruairi MCKiernan speaking about Enclude: Ten years of tech for social change, led by Eamon Stack, a former priest, a visionary, an activist. Enclude now has 22 staff, in 22 countries, 25 working with 1,600 charities. Changing Irelan SURFING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Surfing for a living in sierra leone BY CIAN MATTHEW KEARNS

ustainability is key in community pristine wildlife sanctuaries, tourism is certain Typical Sierra Leone style housing. Sdevelopment. Projects that last are to play a key role in its future. ones with strong local foundations. Bureh 40 km south of the capital, Freetown, a Beach Surf Club in Sierra Leone is a great long crescent beach hugs the coast, framed example of a community-led initiative using by lush jungle spilling off the hills above. A its resources to their best advantage. Here river flows into the bay, sculpting the sandbar a determined local effort, along with a little that produces one of the best waves in Sierra international support, made a big difference Leone: a long, mellow, left hand point-break. to a small, coastal community. And it was This is Bureh Beach. founded by an Irishman. Sitting outside the surf club, with waves Sierra Leone has had a torrid time. In 2014, lapping up almost to his feet, Galway man the country was thrust into the international Shane O’Connor explains his role in founding limelight for all the wrong reasons. Images of the club. “Basically I wanted to help my friends death and disease swamped the global media. and make sure they got the benefits of the Yet Sierra Leone is a land full of potential. And natural resources: the waves here in Bureh.” He with its golden, palm-fringed beaches and focused on fostering ownership amongst the A surfer at Bureh Beach.

IN SOLIDARITY: surf & see FOR YOURSELF! ian Kearns travelled with support from the Simon Cumbers Media Fund, after becoming Cfascinated with Sierra Leone, as he explains here: Sierra Leone is a country that defies your expectations. Perched on the coast of West Africa, it’s a place on the very edge of global consciousness, where the romantic dream of Africa meets the hot, sweaty reality. On Freetown’s streets a thousand dramas are played out daily. Along palm-fringed One of the local surfers, Charles, at Bureh shores, white sand beaches stretch out as if plucked from a dreamer’s imagination and Beach. in the interior, red, earthen roads pierce dense jungles, revealing their mysteries to the All photos by Cian Kearns. intrepid. Sierra Leone is a place of adventure.

Many migrants send money, known as remittances, home: €342 billion annually is sent home in remittances by emigrants from “developing countries” alone, which is triple the amoung of money 26 spent globally on “development aid”. Source: OECD. WINTER 2016/2017 SURFING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT locals. Rather than manage, he prompted and Bureh Beach quickly bounced back. A phone number is by far and away advised. Gradually, he has stepped back. Now, Today tourism to the beach has increased. the best method of getting in touch with more often than not, he is just another punter Small restaurants and guest houses have people in Sierra Leone. renting a board when the waves are good. sprung up to accommodate new visitors. For more detailed information on Cian’s Charles, one of the young surfing talents of These provide employment in an area people visit, see: http://bit.ly/SierraCian Sierra Leone, says: “The community thinks previously left to find work. Jabez, the club that surfing is the best thing in Bureh.” He manager, summed up the community’s Or email: [email protected] explains that along with being enormous fun feelings: “Now everybody’s in love with itself, surf lessons provide a source of much surfing, everybody wants to get in the needed income for local surfers. All the club water!” members have a role to play. Some give surf More INFORMATION lessons to tourists, mostly expats working Generally, information on Sierra Leone at NGOs, who frequent Bureh Beach on the can be difficult to find online. However, just weekends. Others cook food for visitors or because there’s no website doesn’t mean manage the rental equipment. that there isn’t a thriving business – they’re As a community-based organisation, all just offline. revenue from lessons, gear rentals and selling food is reinvested locally, with 25% set aside Bureh Beach Surf Club is on Facebook: for community-based projects. The surf http://bit.ly/BurehFB club members decide what they want to do Also, the following website (set up by with these funds including supporting new film-makers) is excellent: http://www. businesses and promoting events such as the surfingsalone.com/bbsc/ country’s first surfing competition. The club has been a great success. Even To contact the Surf Club directly, when things were difficult during the Ebola including to make bookings, call/sms/ outbreak the club did not disintegrate; it whatsapp on 00232-88-644273 or 00232-88- hibernated. When the epidemic ended, the 808654. skills, equipment and experience remained.

BY NAME SURNAME

IN SOLIDARITY: surf & see FOR YOURSELF! My urge to visit the country arrived subtly but grew irresistibly, nourished by whispered rumours of an unmatched vibrancy there. My ears pricked whenever I heard Sierra Leone mentioned. Then, scanning the internet, I stumbled upon a peculiar fact: Sierra Leone had just opened its first ever surf club – and the founder was a Galwayman! Intrigued, I made my decision. I sent an email to the unlikely founder, booked my flights and packed my bags. Traveling in Sierra Leone is a challenging but rewarding experience. Tourism, although growing, is still rare. It’s a tough country to travel in. It’s safe – I never felt threatened in any way – but it’s a country unused to visitors. Sierra Leone is a country that dances to its own rhythms. Let its pulses draw you in and you’ll find yourself coming home dancing. (More info: See above).

Quiz-time: Name the Co. Mayo surfer settled in Co. Clare who featured in ‘Changing Ireland’ after he gave up professional surfing to become a community organic gardener. 27 Hint - First name Fergal. (Ref: Autumn 2014 edition). Changing Ireland OPINION Lynn ruane deliverED Lynn & Padraig tasc’s annual lecture:- Pearse’s her subject, education ‘Murder Machine’ ynn Ruane didn’t like school. She found Lthat just like Padraig Pearse it was fundamentally flawed. She understood what he meant when she read his book, ‘The Murder Machine’, his last and most extensive work on education, in which Pearse wrote that the education system in Ireland was education in name only; “education” aimed at repressing and weakening Irish people. Pearse wrote, “The education system here was designed by our masters in order to make us willing or at least manageable slaves”. He said out that even our educational language was that of the factory. Many decades later, as a child, Lynn witnessed the death of a friend – in a road accident - and the school system was unable to cope with or help her. “At the time, I got up and got on with it. But I felt I had to squeeze all my life into a very short space of time because (I thought) I might not live long enough to do the things I wanted to do,” she told a ‘Late Late Show’ Senator Ruane also looked at differences n early school leaver and single mother audience earlier this year. of two from Killinarden, independent between the rich areas and places such SenatorA Lynn Ruane gained access to as Killinarden and the impact that has over Trinity in 2011 through the Trinity Access generations, why it exists and what we can do Programme as a mature student. Prior to to fix it. her return to education, she worked for “Poverty is not your identity. Not going to fifteen years as an addiction counsellor and college is not somehow part of your culture. community worker in west Dublin. It’s not that we need to recognise that we’re a Lynn believes in the transformative power of non-college going culture and a social-welfare education and she delivered the 2016 TASC dependent. Annual Lecture in Dublin on 24th November in “Recognition of someone’s culture means the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. you give them freedom. If you recognise us as The title of her lecture was: ‘Education and having a culture of poverty, that doesn’t free us Inequality: Financial Capital, Social Capital from anything. and the Education Access Gap’. “We may progress when people from a “In looking at educational inequality, I always middle class background learn that it’s not get led back to looking at equality as a whole,” by choice and it’s not something we can just she told ‘Changing Ireland’, summarising her decide to change. 20 minute speech for our readers: “I didn’t choose my oppressions growing “Looking at equality only through the lens of up. Other people didn’t choose their privileges, education means we’re trying to look at it in but the thing is they can share their privileges too insular a way to make any progress,” she to better our situation. Nobody wants to share It led her down the wrong road. By the said. my oppression,” she said. age of 13, she had tried cocaine, ecstasy “We also tend to look at educational Understanding inequality was “about and cannabis. equality as a financial barrier. From my own understanding that balance of power that “I was doing anything that would take me exists between the classes,” she said. lived experience – looking at the barriers that out of the pain. It was short term escapism,” existed - in many cases, the financial barrier Senator Ruane finished by quoting from she recalled. was not as much of an issue compared to a slam poet from England who talks about The school system didn’t really know how profound it was for me in terms of social remoulding the second-level education capital. system to embrace how working class people how to deal with it. In working class areas, “There is also a lack of cultural capital and learn, “instead of shoe-horning into them into where there’s so much trauma and pain, the an information deficit in working class areas, an exam setting that doesn’t suit them.” school system is not actually equipped to even when it comes to knowing what colleges Her talk also featured a video of TCD deal with that and the social context they’re do what, where to go, who to ask questions. students being led on a Privilege Walk’ - well working in. “Sometimes parents want nothing more worth watching: http://bit.ly/2iE9jXZ “That was one of the reasons that than for their child to go to third level, but when drove me to run – is to try and change the the child goes to a parent and asks, let’s say TASC is “an independent progressive education system to be more Community about veterinary, they get a blank face from the think-tank” whose core focus is economic development focused and have supports parent. They don’t know what you have to do equality and democratic accountability. W: within schools for children like me who to achieve that goal,” she said. www.tasc.ie experienced trauma so young,” she said.

“God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages.” — Jacques Deval 28 WINTER 2016/2017 NEWS PILOTS & POLICY DRIVING CHANGE IS going NATIONAL A project we covered previously (Issue 49, Spring 2015) time. picked up a trio of awards last year. They have also received a Social The Pro-Social Drivers Programme which began as a pilot Entrepreneurs Impact award, as project in Donegal in 2012 has been impressing district court well as an Aontas award. judges nationwide. If they can have the course run in their This official recognition highlights the importance to areas, they have the final say over whether an offender goes rural communities of this type of to prison or might benefit more from doing the course. restorative justice. The programme is the brainchild of Gary Doggett and is “If you get banned from the based on best practice and proven solutions in other coun- road in rural Ireland your life is tries. over,” said Gary, “There is little public transport, young people BY BEN PANTER with no license are almost forced to leave.” I caught Gary at just the right and Monaghan’s own pro-social According to socialentreprenu- moment. The man who is bringing course graduated. Done and ers.ie the current national average down traffic re-conviction rates in dusted. Aware that jail sentences often re-offending rate among drivers is rural Donegal (is there any urban Feedback from those involved fail to curb dangerous driving, one-in-three, but for graduates of was positive. up there?) has begun sharing Gary Doggett (above) came up the pro-social driving course that the know-how with neighbouring One participant, John, was with a community-based alterna- figure is cut to an almost unbeliev- counties Cavan and Monaghan. clear about the benefits of the tive to prison and driving bans. able 1-in-100. “We are spreading like a virus,” course to his driving, “I stopped Expansion to other counties is thinking about the worst case joked the genial Yorkshireman. He the Light-of-Hope Award from the in the pipeline, as Gary continues scenario when I was stuck behind was in relaxed mood throughout Irish Road Victims Association. It to talk to judges. someone.” our interview. was recognition for a programme Most people are nervous when Not the most patient person Then again, why wouldn’t he that cuts offenders ban and jail meeting judges but not Gary. be: myself, I thought about signing up “We’ve just finished our first for the programme. Consequences programme in Monaghan,” he Could the course have been Social responsiblity said. delivered more effectively I asked Emotional control “How did it go?” I asked. one young lady who wished to “A few years down the line we’ll remain anonymous? see,” he replied. An emphatic “No” was the Results to date from his Pro- response. Social Driving Programme have “I thought it was brilliant and been terrific. have already stopped my bad “We’ve had very few re-appear habits in the car,” she said. before the courts,” says Gary. Another participant said: “I’ve changed. I take time to think about Last February, he made my decisions and the effects they a presentation to the Bar could have on myself and others.” The Pro-Social Drivers Programme takes a person-centred Associations of Cavan/Monaghan in front of District Judge Denis Expansion of the Pro-Social approach and covers four modules: (1) social responsibility, McLoughlin. It was a winning Driving Programme builds on the (2) emotional control, (3) driving under the influence, and (4) argument. Three months later recognition it has received. In the the consequences of anti-social driving (which includes an and the first graduates of Cavan dark of November, 2015, it won element of restorative justice). New Community Education ‘Campus’ opens in Limerick

t Leila’s Age Friendly Community Education Campus in Kileely, LImerick, opened in October. It aims to promote a positive approach Sto age-friendly education and hopes to expand into education for early school leavers, merging youth and elderly educational ser- vices. Among those pictured here at the official opening are Jan O’Sullivan, TD, Clodagh McDonnell from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Cllr Michael Hourigan, Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Limerick, and Linda Ledger and Brenda Gardiner from St Munchin’s Community Centre. International human-rights organisation ATD Fourth 29 World is 40 years old this year. W: atdireland.ie Changing Ireland TOP TIPS BRANDING TIPS oF RELEVANCE TO COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS & SOCIAL ENTERPRISES COMMUNITY BRANDS CASHEL AIMS TO BE 1st Sweden’s recycling is so effective that the country has to import rubbish from abroad to keep its recycling plants going. In time, we may look back and recognise Cashel for setting the example in Ireland. The Tipperary town is soon to become this country’s first ‘Towards Zero Waste’ community, with interviews planned for this January to choose a project manager to lead the community in an 18-month pilot. In Cashel, they’ve already begun to recycle bicycles, clothes and children are learning to turn ‘waste’ into art. The project is being supported by Voice Ireland which is working with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Southern Region Waste Management Office to ensure the pilot is successful. he pressure is on community groups responsibility to let them understand what For more about the Tto engage more and more in branding, your brand is. So, you have to understand thinking behind zero marketing and generally raising awareness what your brand is. If you don’t understand waste, see page 13. about their existence and interacting with it, how do your staff know either. So, it’s their target community, especially online. back again to having clarity about your The following branding tips were given brand. by Gillian Horan to a hall full of community workers and small business entrepreneurs: 10. And they’re your brand advocates – your customers, suppliers, partners, the guy who delivers something to your office, everyone 1.Look at your reputation, your values you interact with. Marketing and branding is CAPTION WINNER and who you are and what you’re about. no longer about just the customers. It’s about 2. If you build a brand – your brand is all the relationships you have. your reputation. A logo can be developed overnight, but a brand is built over time. Gillian HORAN’S story Gillian is a self-proclaimed “brand fanatic”, 3. Without a doubt, have a very clear a brand consultant with over 12 years’ understanding of your business and what experience and a lecturer, trainer and author makes you different from your competitors. on the subject. Having a good name and a nice design is Ten years ago, she came up with a framework important, but having clarity is the biggest for building brands for small companies. thing. Oddly enough, she was stuck for a name for her own company. Eventually, she came up 4. Instead of being bland and blending in, with a name that everyone thought was iffy: make sure you’re standing out. The Pudding Brand. Everyone gets it once she asks them where 5. Do market research… get out there, not the proof is. just when you’re starting your business, “It’s too easy to blend in... Sometimes we but regularly. You need to make decisions have our own vision, but it’s only when you about new products and new target put it together that it makes sense to everyone audiences. Everything keeps changing and else,” she said. Information is power. It’s very important to As the force behind a business now constantly do market research. employing six people full-time, with offices in Dublin and Limerick, and national and 6. Digital marketing is very trendy and it’s international clients, she recalled help she got really important you’re online. along the way. Gillian credited all three local development 7. But don’t forget offline. People like to companies in the region with lending her speak to people. They pick up phones, call invaluable support when she started up her to your premises, they meet you in person. new business two years ago. “I never excelled at school, but I was Congratulations to Phil O’Rourke from Wicklow 8. Watch because sometimes you can creative,” she added. tweet and you can be online … .but there’s who won the caption competition. It was a close run affair. In second place was Bernie one personality online and another one that Gillian Horan was the guest speaker at people see in real life. You need to have a an enterprise awards event organised Kiely-Prendergast from Dungarvan. For their consistent brand and don’t forget the human by local development companies in the cheekiness, both will receive prizes. side. Mid-West last year. We believe the two Ministers have a good sense 9.If you’re starting to hire people, it’s your of humour! - Ed.

You can live without oil, you can live without money, but you can’t live without water” - Standing Rock Chairman, David Archambault II. His people are 30 protecting water supplies from oil companies in the US. WINTER 2016/2017 Supporting National Organisations 70 groups share €16m over 3 years

ast year, Simon Coveney, Minister for Housing, Planning, National Network of Women’s Refuges & Support Services Community and Local Government, announced funding €266,528 Lof €16.409m over 2017-2019 for 70 national community and Arthritis Ireland €184,502 voluntary organisations. Simon Communities of Ireland €269,602 The overall aim of SSNO is to provide multi-annual funding Mental Health Reform €269,085 towards the core costs of national organisations in the community Irish Deaf Society/The National Association of the Deaf €269,700 and voluntary sector to assist them to operate and fund core staff Inclusion Ireland / Nat. Assoc. For People With an Intellectual Disability €270,000 positions. The following are the allocations under the Scheme to Active Retirement Network Ireland €262,951 Support National Organisations: G.L.E.N. €265,788 Focus Ireland €174,358 Nat. Assoc. for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus €204,806 Disability Federation of Ireland €232,338 Special Olympics Ireland €270,000 Irish Foster Care Association €166,213 Down Syndrome Ireland €260,124 Immigrant Council of Ireland €250,358 The Neurological Alliance of Ireland €269,402 Volunteering Ireland €210,354 Women’s Aid Ireland €239,584 Social Analysis and Action for Justice Ireland €269,870 Breaking Through €214,440 Dyslexia Association of Ireland €204,970 Family Carers Ireland €270,000 Barnardos - Republic of Ireland €261,818 Chronic Pain Ireland €110,635 Community Action Network €266,224 Asthma Society of Ireland €208,028 Anam Cara Parental and Sibling Bereavement Support €269,920 Amen is receiving €181,000 throughtthe SSNO programme. The Irish Senior Citizens National Parliament €265,066 project supports male victims of domestic violence and it won top New Communities Partnership €194,186 prize in the Community Group section at the ‘People of the Year Irish Association for Palliative Care €150,428 Awards’ run by Rehab, last year. Belong To Youth Services €269,990

Organisation Allocation over 3 year period CAPTION WINNER National Youth Council of Ireland €253,122 Children’s Rights Alliance €269,844 Children In Hospital Ireland €269,952 Care Alliance Ireland €253,036 Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed €268,500 National Women’s Council of Ireland €270,000 Migrant Information Centre €267,926 Age Action Ireland €216,265 Free Legal Advice Centres €270,000 Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups €266,126 Irish Penal Reform Trust €268,874 Rotha Teoranta €269,768 Cherish Limited €270,000 Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency €270,000 Community Workers €269,648 Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) €269,960 Parents Plus €179,609 Irish Rural Link Co-Operative Society €267,058 Photo courtesy of the European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland which Irish Refugee Council €268,752 receives €260,503. European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland €260,503 The Men’s Development Network €264,784 M.O.V.E. Ireland €236,500 European Network Against Racism Ireland €225,780 Grow in Ireland €153,576 Irish Council For Social Housing €84,445 Amen Support Services €181,707 Migraine Association of Ireland €102,996 Medical Research Charities €242,344 Autism Spectrum Information Advice And Meeting Point €200,707 Educate Together Ag Foghlaim le Cheile €268,994 Community Creations €172,500 The Irish Hospice Foundation €265,926 Co-operative Housing Ireland Society €219,426 The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland €270,000 Spinal Injuries Ireland €265,800 Irish Athletic Boxing Association €172,514 Irish Environmental Conservation Organisation for Youth-Unesco Clubs €210,894 Irish Stammering Association €118,010 The Irish Local Development Network €262,000

“The Holocaust did not begin with killings: it began with words.” - The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. 31 THE DURTY

WORDS Un Days: Feb- Conference MARCH 2017 Last year marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Thursday, May 11th, 2017, in L.I.T. It is responsible among many other things for establishing the Universal Declaration of Come to the Mid-West and participate in a day with others seeking social Human Rights over 50 years ago. change and enjoy fresh insights, expert views on how language both The following are UN Days coming up: impoverishes and enriches us, tips on how to look differently at your work, lively side-workshops & food. FEBRUARY Speakers from home and abroad. Deadly serious about social inclusion. 4 - World Cancer Day Special guests. Music. Stalls & Stands. More than just another conference. 6 - International Day of Zero Tolerance to Lunch provided. Female Genital Mutilation Venue: Millennium Theatre, Limerick Institute of Technology. 11 - International Day of Women and Girls Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm. Full details to follow on social media. in Science 13 - World Radio Day Early Bird Price: €15 pp. 20 - World Day of Social Justice Reserve your place now by emailing: [email protected] 21 - International Mother Language Day

MARCH 1ST NATIONAL CONFERENCE 1 - Zero Discrimination Day 3 - World Wildlife Day organised by CHANGING IRELAND 8 - International Women’s Day 20 - International Day of Happiness COMMUNITY MEDIA 21 - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the 21 - World Poetry Day people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are 21 - International Day of Nowruz doing the oppressing.” - Malcolm X 21 - World Down Syndrome Day 21 - International Day of Forests 22 - World Water Day 23 - World Meteorological Day 24 - World Tuberculosis Day 24 - International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 25 - International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 25 - International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

International Weeks These are the international weeks currently observed by the United Nations. 1–7 February - World Interfaith Harmony Week 21–27 March - Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination

International Year “Changing Ireland’, c/o Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick. W: www.changingireland.ie 2017 is the International Year of Sustainable T: 061-458011. E: [email protected] Find us on: Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Linkedin & Youtube Tourism for Development.