Latest e-LINK newsletter

Thank you to all of you who attended Comhlámh’s Development Forum in Kilkenny on Saturday September 6th. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. It was fantastic to have so many engaged and enthusiastic members take part and share their opinions and expertise with us.
The Forum began with a talk from Vicky Cann, Campaigns Policy Officer with the World Development Movement in the UK. She introduced us to the EU's new ‘Global Europe' trade strategy, one that has been driven by the demands of corporate lobbyists in Brussels and is aimed at securing a number of regional trade deals designed to ratchet open markets in the developing world. She also told us about the World Development Movement’s new campaign to ask the EU to rethink this destructive and harmful trade strategy. This is an issue that Comhlámh will be actively campaigning on in the future, so watch this space!
Following this half those present took part in a workshop facilitated Comhlámh staff, which took off from Vicky’s presentation and looked at Comhlámh’s draft campaign plan on the Global Europe issue, and invited the perspectives and inputs of members to make it better and stronger. The other half of the attendees took part in a workshop facilitated by Steve Thornhill of Ethical Development Action, Cork. It looked at ‘How Agri-Food and Fuel Policies in the Developed World Affect Developing Countries’ and included a viewing of the documentary ‘Guyana: A Rough Deal’. After lunch Gavin Harte, a sustainable development consultant and key activist in the Stop Climate Chaos campaign, gave an eye-opening presentation on climate change, energy and how these issues relate to human development. This was followed by an open space session, and of course a meal and some socializing in the evening!
For those interested in reading more about the event we will have a report up on our website in the next few weeks.

Thanks again for your continued support and engagement and we look forward to seeing you at future Comhlámh events.

Deirdre Murray,
Director, Comhlámh

Climate Wrongs and Human Rights
Putting people at the heart of climate-change policy

Oxfam argues that in failing to tackle climate change with urgency, rich countries are effectively violating the human rights of millions of the world's poorest people. Continued excessive greenhouse-gas emissions primarily from industrialized nations are - with scientific certainty - creating floods, droughts, hurricanes, sea-level rise, and seasonal unpredictability. The result is failed harvests, disappearing islands, destroyed homes, water scarcity, and deepening health crises, which are undermining millions of peoples' rights to life, security, food, water, health, shelter, and culture. Such rights violations could never truly be remedied in courts of law. Human-rights principles must be put at the heart of international climate-change policy making now, in order to stop this irreversible damage to humanity's future.

Please find the paper 'Climate Wrongs and Human Rights' here

Building a Global Justice Movement in Ireland

On 7-8 November Comhlámh, in alliance with the Africa Centre, Debt and Development Coalition and Latin America Solidarity Centre, host a conference on movement building and global solidarity. We will have a series of exciting events taking place over the weekend including workshops, panel discussions with activist speakers from the Global South and Ireland, music and much more! Mark the date down in your diary now!

For more information click here

 

Comhlámh on Facebook 

An increasing number of people in the sector are finding it convenient to stay in contact with friends and contacts - here and overseas - as well as making new ones, via the social networking platform, Facebook. Comhlamh now has a presence (and a growing list of Friends) on this platform. If you wish to connect with us online at Facebook, please sign yourself up - it's free.

Ireland Can't Afford Cutbacks in Equality and Rights

The Government is proposing a merger of the five equality and human rights agencies (the Irish Human Rights Commission, the Equality Tribunal, the Data Protection Commissioner, the Equality Authority and the National Disability Authority) in an attempt to save costs in the sector. By merging these bodies into one, equality and human rights are being undermined as each body already operates under very different statutory mandates, each discharging distinctive powers and functions. In times of cutbacks, the most vulnerable in society should be protected and the commitment to equality in our society should continue.
Five into one won't go!
To learn more and to get involved, please visit the Equality and Rights Alliance campaign site here

Remember the brave monks of Burma

A silent vigil in memory of the "Saffron Revolution" led by Buddhist Monks in Burma last autumn, and its savage repression by the military dictatorship will be held by Burma Action Ireland from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday 26 September at the junction of Grafton Street and St. Stephen's Green, Dublin. All sympathisers are urged to take part. Please try to wear a red shirt or other red garment in solidarity.
Contact info: www.burmaactionireland.org
E-mail: info@burmaactionireland.org

 

Sharing experiences of healthcare in developing countries - 29 September

Skillshare International Ireland is hosting a meeting on sharing experiences of healthcare in developing countries. Professor Egbert Kessi (Provost, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tanzania) will explore the main challenges for healthcare and healthcare professionals in Tanzania. The meeting takes place on 29 September, 6.00 pm-8.00 pm. in the Irish Aid Volunteering & Information Centre, 27-31 Upr O'Connell St, Dublin 1. All welcome - for further information, see www.skillshare.ie, E: irelandinfo@skillshare.org

Diversity through the Arts Workshops

Learn to explore diversity and intercultural issues through the use of a variety of art forms, such as music, drama, storytelling, and visual art. Skilled trainers will guide participants through how to use these methods, and will introduce participants to the theoretical knowledge needed to feel confident to deal with issues that may arise while carrying out these activities with a group. These workshops focus on the primary school curriculum and in particular the intercultural guidelines.

Read more on the workshop here

Comhlámh is now on Ammado!

'Ammado connects nonprofits, socially responsible corporates and engaged individuals in an interactive and unique environment. We harness the power of the internet to accelerate communication, awareness and fundraising. The ammado community will generate inspirational stories and create real heroes.'

 

Development and Accountability – New Opportunities for Civil Society

Transparency International Ireland will host a seminar, Development and Accountability – New Opportunities for Civil Society on Monday, 29 September 2008, 9.30 to 1pm in Seminar Room 3.19, School of Business, Trinity College Dublin. The purpose of the workshop is to take stock of where Civil Society has come in promoting accountability in development and aid over the past year and to discuss how Irish Civil Society build on these achievements. It will also introduce participants to new strategies aimed at advancing citizen participation in decision-making and the prevention of corruption.
To book a place, please contact TI Ireland at info@transparency.ie or call 086 173 5040

Comhlamh Volunteering Information Evening: 2nd October 2008

As part of its Volunteering Options Programme, Comhlámh is holding an information evening for people who are thinking about volunteering overseas in developing countries. This short, informal event offers the opportunity to hear more about the issues you need to consider before making a decision about volunteering. It also provides an opportunity to hear first-hand about the experiences of a person who volunteered abroad and to ask any questions you might have about your options.

Date: Thursday, 2nd October
Time: 18.00 - 19:30
Venue: Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre, O'Connell Street

There is no charge for this event, but places are limited - please register your interest by emailing Siobhán at siobhan@comhlamh.org or calling 01-478 3490.

International Aid and Development Studies course

Ballsbridge College of Further Education is currently accepting enrolments for its International Aid and Development Studies course. This one-year FETAC Level 5 approved course offers learners the opportunity to understand the many global influences that govern international aid and development. Modules include Aid and Economic Development, Politics and Fundraising and Publicity Skills. Work placement in an relevant organisation is a key aspect of the course.

Click here to read more

 

New issue of INDEX newsletter available in October

In the lead up to World AIDS Day on December 1st INDEX looks at the education and awareness raising work happening in relation to HIV and AIDS. It contains development education news and resources, courses and events to put in your diary, international days and ways to celebrate them, and a cartoon.

Contact index@comhlamh.org for a free copy or visit www.comhlamh.org to download it from the website

 

 

 

Irish Forum for Global Health Biennial Conference: October

Title: 'Global Health Challenges: Environment, Hunger and Diseases of Poverty'. Aims: To bring together people from diverse backgrounds to debate global health challenges and to identify ways in which Ireland can respond both globally and locally; to connect people involved in relevant education/research/policy with individuals and organisations who can help them work more effectively; to raise awareness of global health issues in Ireland.

When: Friday/Saturday, 17/18 October 2008
Where: University College Cork

Click here to read more





Comhlámh's Options and Issues in Global Development Course

Comhlámh is organising an 'Options and Issues in Global Development' course, a one-day workshop for people interested in volunteering overseas in a developing country.

The workshop provides a chance for those thinking of working for global development to meet with others and consider the options available. The session will cover subjects such as: What is Development? What are my motivations for wanting to volunteer? What types of agencies and projects offer volunteer opportunities?

Date: Saturday 11th October 2008, 10am to 4:30pm
Venue: City Centre (TBC)

Cost: 25 euro (Comhlamh members) / 40 euro (non-members), 20 euro (students and unwaged), including lunch Booking: For a copy of the booking form, or for more information, please contact Siobhan at 01-478 3490 or email siobhan@comhlamh.org. Places are limited, so please book as early as possible.

 

United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: 17 October

The day will be commemorated in Dublin at the Famine Memorial, Custom House Quay at 11 am.  The event will be marked by the unveiling of a commemorative stone inscribed in English, Irish and French with the words “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated.  To come together to ensure that these rights are respected is our solemn duty.”  

For further information, a copy of the campaign leaflet and other support material, please contact: 17th October Group, c/o ATD Fourth World, 31 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1, T: 01 8558191, E: 17october@eircom.net,
W: http://www.oct17.org/

Sign the Call to Action here

Demand Trade Justice! Action is Just a Click Away!

Take action by sending an email to the Minister direct from here.

 

Suas ‘Global Issues’ Seminar Series

The Suas Global Issues seminar series is an interactive course designed to give participants an overview of a range of global development issues as well as the opportunity to engage with field experts from Irish and international NGOs. Courses run for approximately 7 weeks starting from the 7th October and the cost is €20. Topics covered include Education, Trade, the Environment, Gender, Human Rights, Debt, Conflict, Aid, Equality and Effecting Change.

For further information on the courses, please contact Ciara O’ Malley, Events and Campaigns Assistant at events@suas.ie or 087 9772807.

Sign-up for the seminar here     

Lobby Day on Debt! Tuesday October 21st 2008

Debt and Development Coalition Ireland (DDCI) invites you to join us for a Parliamentary lobby Day on Debt on Tuesday 21st October 2008 at Buswells Hotel, Molesworth St, Dublin from 11.30am till 7.30pm. The purpose of the day is to demand that our parliamentarians take action against illegitimate debts. We are inviting you to make appointments with your TDs at any time between those hours to come and talk with you at Buswells Hotel about the problem of debt. The purpose of the event is to engage TDs on the issue of debt and to increase parliamentary endorsements of 2 important declarations on debt - an international and a national declaration that call for an end to the injustice of illegitimate debt repayments from the Global South.

Please contact Nessa Ní Chasaide for more infromation: nessa@debtireland.org; 01 6174835

Re-launch of Volunteering Options website

The Volunteering Options Website was recently re-launched to make it even easier to find up-to-date and relevant information about volunteering overseas. It is now possible to quickly search for current opportunities with Irish volunteer sending organisations, which are among over 100 organisations listed on our database. The website is a vital resource for anyone interested in responsible international volunteering. We hope you find the new site easy to navigate and that the information provided will help you in making an informed decision on becoming an international volunteer. Please send any feedback or comments you may have on the new website to info@volunteeringoptions.org

Click here to visit a new Volunteering Options website

 

Human Rights Action of Amnesty International Irish Section

Click here to access Amnesty International Irish Section Campaigning E-Bulletin. The bulletin gives you regular updates on Amnesty International current campaigns as well as actions to take to stop human rights abuses around the world.

 
Watch Some of Comhlamh's Videos Online!

Just a click does the trick!

 

Cluster Munition Coalition: Actions

The Cluster Munition Coalition, in collaboration with Mines Action Canada and Handicap International, launched the People's Treaty on 30 May - the final day of the Dublin Diplomatic Conference. The People's Treaty is a petition that people across the world will be asked to sign to make sure that as many states as possible sign the new treaty in Oslo from 2-3 December 2008. To support the People's Treaty, place a link on your organisation's website to the People's Treaty directing people to sign up online here.

The Global Week of Action will run from Monday 27 October until Sunday 2 November 2008, approximately one month before the December signing ceremony. The overall purpose of the Week of Action (WOA) will be to raise public and media awareness of the upcoming signing ceremony in Oslo. It will be an opportunity to call on the Irish government to sign AND ratify the treaty in December, but also to emphasize the need for all countries to sign the Convention in Oslo.

 

Volunteer in Kenya in 2009

Friends of Londiani had been working in Kenya since 2002 and throughout the emergency situation they supported the people of Londiani.   Now FOL is looking to the future and is launching its 2009 summer projects for volunteers.  

Friends of Londiani is seeking 80 volunteers to work for 3 week periods in Kenya next July and August. FOL calls on people over 18 years from all walks of life to consider becoming a volunteer. FOL has run three successful summer projects to date and its volunteers are the key to its successful work. One of last years volunteers described the experience as “the best thing I ever did”.  FOL volunteers work side by side with Kenyans on joint projects.
For more information contact info@friendsoflondiani.com or call 021-4662730       

 

Volunteering Ireland Autumn Training Calendar

For this autumn season VI provides a good variety of learning events that aim to help volunteer involving organisations to better run their volunteer programmes.
Click here and find a learning event that suits your needs.

Development Reader: Now On Sale

New 'Development Reader: An Introduction to International Development Issues' is out now and available for ordering from the Centre for Global Education in Belfast.

To order this resource, please contact info@centreforglobaleducation.com.

For more info click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Club Sandino is back!

The monthly appointment with Latin American music is back! The club's music policy is based on the links between musical languages and styles around the world. Salsa meets Reggae -soukous might be followed by R&B - bhangra beats gives way to highlife and so on.
 
So! If you are into James Brown, Papa Wemba, Joe Arroyo, Khaled, Muddy Waters and an eclectic music mix this is where you'll get it...
 
 
For further info click here

Film and Human Rights: Screening Realities

IFI Evening Course Autumn 2008

The theme of the year-long campaign marking the 60th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights informs our six-week evening course this term. With a range of titles covering aspects of human rights, the Anniversary is an ideal opportunity for us to engage with filmmakers and human rights practitioners on the significance of this genre of filmmaking.

The course will feature six documentaries, previously unscreened in Ireland. Each evening, a special guest from the world of film or human rights will speak on the film and their own work. The course will be of interest to IFI members and friends, film enthusiasts, human rights workers and all who are interested in challenging and provocative cinema.

For more information click here

Sustainability Issues in the Tea Sector

The new SOMO report analyses the conditions in six of the most important tea producing countries: India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya and Malawi. It shows that, as a result of oversupply leading to low market prices, for example, and high production costs, working conditions for tea pickers are under pressure.

Click here to read more 

Climate Change Lecture with EPA
 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in response to the large number of requests for more lectures following the earlier series, will host another Climate Change lecture, on Tuesday, 21st October 2008, at the Mansion House, Dublin at 7.00 pm. The speaker, Dr Wilfried Haeberli, Director of the UNEP World Glacier Monitoring Service will outline the findings from the recently published UNEP report on Global Glacier Changes: Facts and Figures.

To book your (free) place, please email your contact details (name, organisation, phone number, email address) to Clara Clark, Clara Clark Event Management Ltd at info@claraclark.ie with Climate Change 21 Oct in the subject line. 
 

Creating Intercultural Communities - AONTAS Conference 21 October 2008

 

The Conference will provide a rich mix of analysis, dialogue and practice drawing on a diverse range of activities currently taking place within the adult and community education sector. It will provide participants with opportunities to learn from one another, to showcase their work, meet new people and seed new ideas and thinking which will feed into their future work. All are welcome to this exciting event on Tuesday October 21st in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin.

To read more click here 

To watch a video about the conference featuring AONTAS Director Berni Brady, click here

 

Cost Saving and Effective: CPA should merge with NESDO

At its most recent board meeting (11 September) EAPN Ireland has called for the government to amalgamate the Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) with the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO).  EAPN Ireland believes that in the interests of efficiency and effectiveness the Agency should be brought under the NESDO umbrella.

Click here to access EAPN Ireland press release

 

NCCRI Racist Incidents Reporting Procedure

NCCRI are currently developing a campaign to promote the importance of reporting and recording incidents relating to racism and are interested in hearing from individuals and organisations who would like to share their experiences. In May 2001 the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) established a system for recording incidents related to racism in Ireland.1 Incidents can be forwarded by non-governmental organisations on behalf of the victims, including key organisations working with Travellers, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Other incidents have been reported directly to the NCCRI by victims. It is important to emphasise that this procedure is confidential and an individual does not need to give their personal details.

Click here to read more

Global Call to Action against Poverty

The Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), which was the driving force behind the Make Poverty History campaign, continues to campaign across the globe. The Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) is a growing alliance of trade unions, community groups, faith groups, women and youth organisations, NGOs and other campaigners working together across more than 100 national platforms. GCAP is calling for action from the world’s leaders to meet their promises to end poverty and inequality. In particular, it demands solutions that address the issues of:
- Public accountability, just governance and the fulfillment of human rights
- Trade justice
- A major increase in the quantity and quality of aid and financing for development
- Debt cancellation
- Gender equality must also be at the heart of eradicating poverty.

For more information, contact Dóchas - the association of Irish Non-Governmental Development Organisations - email anna@dochas.ie or log onto www.whiteband.org

Common Ground: Working Together in a Developing World


Bóthar will host the third Common Ground exhibition, workshop and public lecture series on 15, 16 and 17 October 2008 (afternoon only on 15 and morning only on 17), in the Silver Springs Conference Centre, Silver Springs Hotel, Tivoli, Cork. Common Ground aims to bring together a wide variety of organisations to provide a strong stimulus to members of the public, the youth sector and second-level school-goers to engage with global issues.

Click here to read more

Advanced Course in Human Rights Based Approaches

Amnesty International will hold from 14 to 15 October an advanced training course on Human Rights Based Approaches. The course is directed at individuals working in the public, private and voluntary sector who have engaged in implementing a human rights based approach (HRBA) in Ireland and have demonstrated knowledge of HRBA and the human rights framework.

Click here to read more

 

Show MAMA What You Can Do!

The call for entries for the 2008 Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural (MAMA) Awards is now underway. The Awards, which are sponsored by Iris O’Brien Foundation and the National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR), recognise the people, groups, companies, institutions and media platforms that embrace and celebrate diversity and interculturalism in Ireland. In total, there are 11 Awards presented in two categories: Multicultural and Media. In addition, there are two overall awards: The National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) Award and the Judges’ Special Award. Foras na Gaeilge also presents an award to an individual or organisation which promotes the Irish language and culture amongst migrants. Closing date for entries is Friday 17 October 2008 with the Awards ceremony taking place in Dublin in late November.

To enter, simply fill out the entry form available to download at: www.mamaawards.com

 

Coming Home Weekend for Returned Development Workers

Next Coming Home Weekend takes place from 7 to 9th November in Dublin! The weekend offers an opportunity for returned volunteers, development workers and missionaries to meet with other like minded individuals from a variety of agencies and countries, relax and have some fun, share experiences and tips on return and look at how to put to good use the experiences gained overseas.

The cost of the weekend is free to people who have been overseas in a development capacity (short or long term) for longer than three months. More right here or from Marie Therese at: marietherese@comhlamh.org.

 

Local Elections 2009 - register before 25th November

As you may well know local elections are taking place in 2009. The requirements in order to vote are that you are over 18 and have been living in Ireland over 6 months. You can access voter's registration form for the local elections on www.dublincity.ie. This form needs to be filled out and sent into The Franchise Section, Dublin City Council, 16-19 Wellington Quay, Dublin 8. People have to register by November 25th.

Global Dimensions Seminar Series organised by the DICE Project

The Global Dimensions seminar series is an opportunity to come together bimonthly after work to hear about and discuss contemporary global and intercultural issues that affect us all. Each session is aimed at creating a relaxed and comfortable space after your work day where you can engage with those issues of today that you don't normally get a chance to engage with. Experienced speakers will be invited to facilitate informal but meaningful discussions about a range of current themes. The DICE seminar series is aimed at anyone interested in integrating a global dimension to their work day. They will be of special interest to those using development education and intercultural education to raise awareness on issues of global poverty and interculturalism. The seminars will be particularly useful to lecturers, student teachers, educators and facilitators working with issues of global and social justice.

Wednesday, 26 November 2008
The issue of Gender and Power in Development Education and Intercultural Education
Speakers: Nessa Ní Chasaide

To register send an email to info@diceproject.org

 

Other Courses

Dtalk courses - Development Training & Learning @ Kimmage.

Learning Point - This website from The Wheel is for all your training searches, enquiries and needs! Just input the topic in which you wish to train and it will search the database for courses nationwide! More:

Community Exchange (Activelink) - Community Exchange provides a communication channel for groups and individuals involved or interested in the work of community and voluntary organisations in Ireland.

The Citizens Information Board (formerly Comhairle)

Suas - Suas is a youth and education focused organisation, which facilitates young people to address educational disadvantage at home and overseas. Suas is secular and is a registered charity.

The Carmichael Centre - The Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups is a centre for small national voluntary organisations working at the cutting edge in areas such as disability, illness, education, the arts, the environment and social care. Founded in 1988, it provides a total package of supports in an environment that promotes active citizenship and mutual support.

The Wheel - The Wheel is a support and representative body connecting Community and Voluntary organisations across Ireland.

International Providers:

INTRAC is a non-profit organisation working in the international development and relief sector.

The Directory of Social Change aims to be an internationally recognised independent source of information and support to voluntary and community sectors worldwide.