International Alert is co-hosting a series of workshops to identify and share good practice on how to create good relations within and between communities in England.
We are organising the events in partnership with Talk For a Change [7] and local host organisations, with funding from Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and Oxfam.
"In the discussions, we want to explore the often complex factors that impact on good relations and the solutions that government and local decision-makers could deploy," says Barry Navarro, UK Senior Programme Officer at International Alert.
"The learning from these discussions will be strengthened and developed via online discussion forums and will culminate in a national event, where we hope to reach consensus for how the lessons of the project can influence practice and policy and to explore the most suitable vehicle for doing so."
With cuts to local services, fewer resources for supporting local communities and rising unemployment, especially among the young, many people fear tensions among communities will get worse in England. It is therefore important that those of us who promote good relations among communities tell local and national decision-makers what works in reducing these tensions.
These events will explore the idea of setting up a national coalition of good relations organisations which could improve the voice, practice and visibility of good relations work in England. At the events, you will have the chance to discuss the good relations work you are doing in your local communities.
Do you do good relations work? If so, please come along to one of our regional meetings:
- Warrington, 2 July
Peace Centre, Warrington. Co-hosted by Foundation 4 Peace. For details, please contact terry.o’hara@foundation4peace.org [8] - Newcastle, 15 July
Newcastle Quaker Meeting House. Co-hosted by NCRN and ARCH. For details, please contact pauline.bittlestone@hotmail.com [9] - Leeds, 11 September
Co-hosted by WIYN, T4P Leeds, PPC Bradford and Centre for Good Relations. For details, please contact nicola.sugden@talkforachange.co.uk [10]
Events are still being planned for these areas:
- South West England
- East England
- East Midlands
- West Midlands
- West London
- East London
If you are interested in co-hosting an event (we can cover the costs and provide a small fee), please download more information here [11]. For more details, contact:
Barry Navarro, International Alert: bnavarro@international-alert.org [12]
or Jo Broadwood, Talk for a Change: jo.broadwood@talkforachange.co.uk [13]