05/10/2010
Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.
‘Time for Action, Time For Change’
Press Release Issued: 5th October 2010
‘Time for Action, Time For Change’ Event organised by ACT (Active Citizenship Together) took place on Tuesday Evening 28th September in Louis Fitzgerald Hotel. The seminar was very well attended with over 120 participants;made up of local political representatives, representatives from a range of community and voluntary sector groups and organisations across South Dublin as well as the general public. David Farrell -Professor of Politics, UCD and Siobhan O’Donoghue, National Community Platform with particular expertise on the reform of the political system, were the guest speakers on the night. Both made presentations on models of good practice and took part in a roaming mike session. Small group discussions also took place on Active Citizenship and Participation.
This seminar was aimed to explore and successfully started a process that will look at:
- The nature of the engagement between citizens and politicians at local level within the current political system
- Barriers to the full and active engagement and participation of citizens, particularly the most marginalised and disadvantaged communities, within the political representative system
- Possible future models that will improve the quality of the dialogue between citizen and political representative and increase the engagement and participation of citizens, particularly the most marginalised
As a backdrop to the event, a display and presentation of “Box Stories” (an initiative of Tallaght Community Arts) from organisations based around the County took place. Twenty two very impressive boxes were on display on the night. The stories represented through the boxes presented alternative and creative narratives from local community groups reflecting who they are and what they want to say to local political representatives.
ACT is made up of representatives from a wide range of local Community and Voluntary groups in the South Dublin area working to a social inclusion / equality agenda who are committed to Active Citizenship.
If you would like more information please contact Mary Clare Wallace on 01 466 4280 or Niamh Carton 086 606 3682 or by email ncarton@sdublincoco.ie