Dec 2, 2015 - and their impact on people, mobilises mass movements and develops tools for participation. ... Email: comm
Conference Action for Social Change: Learning from grassroots experience Wednesday 2 Dec., 10am -1:40pm F2 Centre, Rialto
Be inspired and provoked by studies of grass-roots activism, share experiences with activists for equality and social inclusion from all over the country and discuss how to strengthen our voices for change… …but be sure to register now! 10.00
Registration
10.30
Introduction: Robin Hanan, Community Platform Key Note Speaker: Emma Aviles, 15M/Indignados social movement, Spain
10.40
Emma will present the learning from this mass democratic networked and decentralised movement in fighting for social change in Spain. In particular, she will discuss learning from: The Spanish Citizen Debt Audit Platform (PACD) which critically analyses debt policies and their impact on people, mobilises mass movements and develops tools for participation. Xnet: activist collective which has facilitated the leaking of major corruption cases which are shaking Spanish politics today She will discuss communication and narrative, active participation and technopolitics, using digital tools for organisation, communication and collective action for empowerment, justice and social transformation).
11.30
Followed by Questions and Answers with participants Break
11.50
Workshops Facilitated discussion on grass-roots advocacy today, learning from case studies and from our own experiences
(register now to reserve your first preference!) 1. Rialto Rights in Action Campaign (CAN) 2. Justice for the Undocumented (MRCI) 3. March for Marriage (LGBT Noise) 4. Fighting Fracking (Love Leitrim) 5. March for the Homeless (t.b.c.)
11.50
Break
1.00
Interactive Feedback
1.20
Closing Speaker: Siobhan O’Donoghue - Uplift
1.40
Close and Lunch
Action for Social Change is organised by the Community Platform as a legacy action from the Advocacy Initiative Community Platform c/o EAPN Ireland, Equity House, 16 Upper Upper Quay, Dublin 7 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.communityplatform.ie
Community Platform – Action for Social Change Case Studies in the workshops CASE STUDY 1 Rialto Rights in Action Campaign (Presented by the Community Action Network) Dolphin House in Dublin is the largest flats complex in Ireland following the demolitions at Ballymun. Home to some 900 people, it was built in the 1950s to accommodate people after the demise of the tenements. It remains to this day a strong community with strong intergenerational ties. But for generations the community has been subject to deplorable living conditions. Unable to cope with modern living, the flats became cold, damp and mouldy to the point of impacting seriously on peoples’ health. Flats were often overcrowded. After years of campaigning regeneration was promised in 2008, but the collapse of the property market put paid to that plan. At the suggestion of Community Action Network, residents responded to developing a Rights Based approach to their plight. They formed Rialto Rights in Action and used knowledge of their human rights under international treaties to look for change. Over a two year campaign, Dolphin House moved significantly closer to addressing the terrible housing conditions. The residents’ work led to a refurbishment programme of the worst affected flats, and Regeneration is now underway.
CASE STUDY 2 Justice for the Undocumented campaign - Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) In 2010 a number of undocumented migrants came together with the support of the MRCI and set up the Justice for the Undocumented campaign (JFU) to campaign for the introduction of a regularisation scheme in Ireland. A community work approach lies at the heart of JFU’s collective efforts to bring about change. Key to this is; Building relationships with and active participation of undocumented migrants in campaign efforts (currently 1400 members) Creation of a credible evidence base informed by action research and costed solution Building a growing coalition of endorsers from across the business sector and civil society Political engagement strategy with clear demand and targets Moving the Irish media to build political and public support Organisation of high profile public actions and events (banner drops, use of film, photo calls) Supporting young people to get active through recent establishment of Young Paperless and Powerful (YPP) youth empowerment group
CASE STUDY 3 March for Marriage (LGBT Noise) Grass roots activist organisation, LGBT Noise, was founded in 2007 in response to the Government inaction on relationship recognition for LGBT people. At the time the Government stated that LGBT people didn't want marriage equality. A small group of activists felt that equal civil rights for LGBT people were overdue and decided that the LGBT community should to take to the streets to demand relationship recognition in the form of marriage equality. LGBT Noise decided that the community itself had to start campaign for their rights. But first it meant convincing LGBT people that they were deserving of equality. LGBT Noise led the grassroots activist campaign which laid the ground work for the referendum campaign which was to come.
CASE STUDY 4 Fighting Fracking (Love Leitrim) – to follow
Action for Social Change: Learning from grassroots experience Wednesday 2nd December – 10:00-1:40 (followed by lunch) Registration Form Name:
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Organisation (If any): Address: Tel:
__________________________________
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__________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________ Any Special Requirements (Specify)
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Workshops Selection In order to ensure we people can attend the workshop closest to their interest could you please indicate your case study preference here. We want to try to ensure balanced participation across the workshops so people may be asked to attend their second or third choice. Please register now to have a better chance of getting your first preference. Case Studies Preference 1-5 (1 being first choice) Rialto Rights in Action Campaign – Presented Community Action Network (CAN)) Undocumented migrants – Presented by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) March for Married – Presented by LGBT Noise Fighting Fracking – Presented by Love Leitrim March of the Homeless (t.b.c.)
Return Registration form to
[email protected] or to Community Platform c/o EAPN Ireland, Equity House, 16 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7
