National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI)

The National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) was established in 1998 and is an independent expert body, primarily funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, focusing on racism and interculturalism. This monthly e-bulletin is designed to provide relevant and up to date information in the areas of anti-racism and interculturalism. If you have information about events, campaigns, initiatives or publications etc related to racism and interculturalism in Ireland, we would like to hear from you. To send information or to subscribe/unsubscribe to this email bulletin, please send email to info@nccri.ie

1. Policy and Legislative Updates

Irish Developments

European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance - Third Report on Ireland
Court Decision in Favour of Travellers
Challenge to Decision on Parents of Irish Born Children
Housing Policy Update
Code of Practice for Protecting Persons Employed in other People’s Homes
Labour Relations Commission Update
CSO Quarterly National Household Survey

EU/International Developments

European Commission Promotes Mainstreaming
Europe's Social Reality: Public Consultation
ENAR Press Release on Integration
New Immigrants in UK Require Proof Sufficient Knowledge of English

2. Upcoming Funding Deadlines / Awards

Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust Funding for Ireland
St Stephen's Green Trust Grants Scheme
Civil Society Fund from Irish Aid
Development Education Grant Scheme
Artist in the Community Scheme 2007
The Bar Council's Voluntary Assistance Scheme
Vodafone Ireland Foundation Grant Funding Applications
Chambers Ireland President Awards for Corporate Social Responsibility
Community Foundation for Ireland: Philanthropist of the Year Awards

3. Events and Initiatives

NCCRI North-South Immigration Forum - Closing Frontiers? An overview of the recent immigration legislation in the UK and forthcoming legislation in the Republic of Ireland within an EU policy context
Latvian Society in Ireland 2nd Year Anniversary Concert
The European Slave Trade: Character, Causes, Challenges
World Refugee Day Awards 2007
Irish Council for International Students Annual Seminar
Rights and Righteousness: Religious Pluralism and Human Rights (call for papers)
Policy Coherence in Managing Integration: The Case of Irregular Migration and Employment
Media Moves: A Conference on Understanding, Shaping and Creating Media for Social Change
Comhlámh Nominations for Executive Elections 2007
International School for Peace Studies: Island of Ireland Peace Week
OECD Review of the Irish Public Service – Views and Comments
Irish Social Policy Association Call for Papers
OSCE High Level Conference on Combating Discrimination and Promoting Mutual Respect and Understanding and Civil Society Preparatory Meeting
Africa Celebration Day in Dublin

4. Job Opportunities/ Calls for Tender

DP9 EQUAL: Invitation to Tender for Project Evaluation
Comhlámh: Director
Trócaire: Education Officer
FLAC: Policy and Campaigns Officer
Barnardos: Project Workers
West Cork Community Partnership: Social Inclusion Development Officers
National Traveller MABS: Administrator
SPIRASI - Centre for Health Information and Promotion: FAS Administrative Assistant
Traveller Health Unit Cork: Invitation to Tender for the Development of Health Impact Assessment
Young Social Innovators: Education Officer
Longford EQUAL Development Partnership: invitation to Tender for Research on Entrepreneurship
DP9 EQUAL: Invitation to Tender for Training Delivery
ARCSS - Counselling and Support Services to Asylum Seekers: Invitation to Tender for Valuation & Development of a Strategic Plan
The Festival of World Cultures Seeks Ethnic Chefs from Ireland's Cultural Communities
Co-operation Fingal: Traveller Programme Co-ordinator
European Roma Rights Centre Vacancy Announcement: Legal Administrator
Show Racism the Red Card: Community Education Worker

5. Recent Publications and Resources

European Commission against Racism and Intolerance - Third Report on Ireland
Finding your Way Around the Budget
Active Citizenship in Ireland - Recommendations
Irish Parties, Immigration and Integration in 2007 Research Publication
ENAR Information Brochure
NESF Report: Improving the Delivery of Quality Public Services in Ireland
ENAR Fact Sheets: ENAR Fact Sheet 32
New Tool to Promote Romany Culture, Language in Europe
UCC Migration Law Clinic: Casebook on Subsidiary Protection

Policy and Legislative Updates

Irish Developments

European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance - Third Report on Ireland

The European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance has published its third report on Ireland following a visit here in 2006. It acknowledges progress but also makes a number of recommendations. The report is available at:

www.coe.int/t/e...LongLink...

Court Decision in Favour of Travellers

The High Court has ruled under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights that three severely disabled young Travellers be awarded damages for

breach of their rights under the Convention. In her judgment yesterday, Ms Justice Laffoy, stated the council had breached provisions of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights regarding the right to respect for a person's private and family life and their home. In Compliance with Article 8, she required the council to provide a wheelchair-accessible mobile home for use so that living for all involved could be brought to an acceptable level.
www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2007/0523/1179498645780.html.

Challenge to Decision on Parents of Irish Born Children

Senior Council for the Minister of Justice Equality and Law Reform opened an appeal by the Minister and the State against a High Court decision last November in which Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan found the Minister had unlawfully breached the rights of several Irish-born children in the way he refused their non-national parents' applications to remain. Senior Counsel for the Minister, has argued before the Supreme Court that when the Irish Born Child scheme (IBC05) was introduced in 2005, it was never intended to consider the entitlements of the child but rather to decide if their foreign parents were entitled to remain here, that the citizen child was ‘not central’ to the scheme and that the High Court was wrong to find they were. The appeal continues. For further reading go to:
www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2007/0523/1179498645782_pf.html

Housing Policy

The Department of Environment, Hertitage and Local Government’s Statement on Housing Policy: Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities commits to an evolution of housing policy to reflect diversity of communities (including for example the needs of new migrants and ethnic groups and people with a disability).

Available at: www.environ.ie/en/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,2091,en.pdf

Code of Practice for Protecting Persons Employed in other People’s Homes.

Minister for Labour Affairs Mr. Tony Killeen launched the Code of Practice for Protecting Persons Employed in other People’s Homes. The Code of Practice follows from agreement by the parties to the Framework Social Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, on the need for special measures to support the employment rights of those people who are employed in the homes of others. (This has been an area of concern for female migrant workers in particular).

See: www.entemp.ie/press/2007/20070518.htm

Labour Relations Commission

The Labour Relations Commission’s Annual Report 2006 states that an increasing proportion of claims received under the Payment of Wages Act 1991 and other legislation are brought by migrant workers. Available at:

www.lrc.ie/viewdoc.asp?m=u&fn=/documents/annualreports/2006/launch.htm

CSO Quarterly National Household Survey

‘Non-Irish national’ workers are tentatively estimated to have accounted for around 45,000 or almost 60% of the annual increase in the numbers in employment. The number of unemployed ‘foreign nationals’ increased by 1,200 over the year to 14,900 representing just under one sixth of the total number of unemployed persons in the first quarter. Available at:

www.cso.ie/releasespublications/documents/labour_market/current/qnhs.pdf

EU/International Developments

European Commission Promotes Mainstreaming

In its report “Non-discrimination mainstreaming– instruments, case studies and ways forward”, the Commission intends to support and further stimulate non-discrimination mainstreaming at both Member State and European level by proposing practical mainstreaming instruments that could be utilised to promote greater consideration of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity concerns in the formulation and implementation of policies, legislation and programmes.

Available at:

ec.europa.eu/employment_social/fundamental_rights/policy/aneval/stureps_en.htm#main

Europe's Social Reality: Public Consultation

The European Commission is launching a public consultation on the ‘social reality’ of Europe today. The consultation aims to generate debate on social realities across Europe. The Commission wants to 'listen', not test policy options. The role of European policies is therefore left entirely open. The consultation will seek views on current social trends and on what contributes to today’s ‘well being’. It will invite views on access to education and employment as well as on the implications of changing social relationships.

ec.europa.eu/citizens_agenda/social_reality_stocktaking/index_en.htm

ENAR Press Release on Integration

ENAR has called on the German and incoming Portuguese Presidencies to undertake a substantive impact assessment of the Common Basic Principles on Integration, and urges policy and decision makers to adopt a holistic and coherent approach to integration.

www.enar-eu.org/en/press/2007-05-11.pdf

New Immigrants in UK Require Proof of Sufficient Knowledge of English

As from the 2^nd of April it is necessary that all applicants wishing to apply for indefinite leave to remain will need to provide evidence that they have passed an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course or have passed the Life in the UK test. www.migpolgroup.com/topics/2054.html

2. Upcoming Funding/ Awards

Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund

The Simon Cumbers' Media Challenge fund supports media projects highlighting issues in the developing world. Print, photographic, radio and other journalists are encouraged to apply as are those considering a TV documentary on the themes suggested.

The Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund is a funding scheme aimed at assisting and promoting more and better quality media coverage of development issues within the Irish media. The fund is managed by Connect-World on behalf of Irish Aid.

Connect-World is an Irish organisation, created and supported by the development aid community in Ireland, with a mandate to seek to increase the quantity and the type of coverage of international development issues in the media. Connect-World is funded by its sponsors, which include the Irish government and a range of the most significant NGOs.

Upcoming Deadlines:

Standard Grant Round II - Monday 1 October 2007
TV Seed Grant Monday 3 March 2008
Standard Grant Round I - Wednesday 30 April 2008
Standard Grant Round II - Tuesday 30 September 2008

All information about the administration of the Fund is available at www.connect-world.net/Links/Simon_Cumbers_Fund/Simon_Cumbers_Media_Fund.html

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust funding for Ireland

We support work in Northern Ireland and the Republic that fosters a culture of equality and human rights:
- Promoting dialogue
- Encouraging co-operation across religious, racial and political divides
- Addressing poverty and social exclusion.

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) aims to fund work which will contribute to the ongoing development of a just and peaceful society in the island of Ireland.

JRCT takes no position on the constitutional arrangements within the island, but recognises the strong historical, cultural and practical links between Britain, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.

What we will fund
The Trust is interested in funding work which:

Addresses the root causes of violence and injustice, rather than alleviating symptoms
Cannot be funded from other sources
Likely to make a long-term, strategic difference.

The Trust will consider applications in the following areas:

Work based on international human rights standards that deals effectively and constructively with past injustice arising out of the Northern Ireland conflict;
Work that facilitates the demilitarisation of paramilitary groups, and the ending of paramilitary influence in communities;
Work that enables meaningful dialogue across religious, cultural or political divides in order to address common problems;
Work that effectively challenges sectarianism, or discrimination arising from racism or xenophobia
Work which promotes the development of a tolerant, pluralist and multi-ethnic society
Work that promotes rational and humane migration and integration policies benefiting both migrant and settled communities
Work that encourages accountability, openness and responsiveness in all levels of government, statutory agencies and the civil service
Work that protects and enhances civil liberties and human rights;
Work that promotes non-violence and creative ways to handle conflict, within specific communities or traditions, or at a national or international level
Work which strengthens civil society in order to play an appropriate role in addressing the issues listed above.

The Trust is interested in supporting work in either jurisdiction, or on a cross-border basis, or at an all-Ireland level. Local work will be supported only where it is likely to have a wider impact, for example if it is testing a model which can then be replicated, or is addressing a local issue that has wider social or political implications.

What we will not fund
In addition to the Trust's general exclusions, the following types of work will not be funded:

The delivery of basic services to people in need, including welfare advice, women's refuges, basic skills training etc.
Work with or for children and young people
Work related to health or disability
Any form of personal healing or therapeutic work, including counselling;
Community relations work that does not include a clear strategy for lasting change;
Historical research, documentation or archival work;
The core costs of community centres, local women's groups, local voluntary sector infrastructure organisations or similar community level groups.

For more details and application forms check www.jrct.org.uk/text.asp?section=000100020005

Closing dates in 2007: 20 August.

It is extremely helpful if applications arrive well before the deadline whenever possible. The period immediately after the deadline is our busiest time, so we cannot normally consider applications that arrive late until the following funding round.

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
The Garden House, Water End, York, YO30 6WQ

tel +44 (0)1904 627810

St Stephen's Green Trust Grants Scheme

St Stephen's Green Trust has relaunched its grants scheme.

It now has 4 Grant Focus areas:

Specific areas of disability (Autistic Spectrum Disorder; Hearing Impairment);
Development and Integration (Older people in isolation; New Communities; Travellers);
Breaking the Link (Homelessness; Offenders);
Christian Values and Social Change.

Who is eligible to apply?

SSGT will accept applications from voluntary or community organisations, with a CHY or XR number. If the number is pending or if there is no charitable status, the Trust will require copies of the instrument under which the organisation is set up, such as Constitution or Memo and Articles of Association. If your group is does not fit into one of these categories, please check with us before completing an application form.
New Communities: The Trust is interested in local or county-based projects increasing the integration of new communities into Irish society. We view integration as a two-way process and therefore welcome multi-sector involvement, including locally-based trade unions, churches, schools, community groups, immigrant and ethnic minority organisations. We look to the EU Basic Principles of Integration to inform our approach and therefore welcome projects focusing on: integration as a two-way process; employment as key to participation; increasing knowledge of host society’s language, history and institutions; efforts in education; equal access to institutions, goods and services; frequent interactions between immigrants and citizens and participation in the democratic process. We will seek to partner with local / county organisations to develop policy and practice in the area of integration of new communities.
Travellers: The Trust recognises the multiple layers of disadvantage and racism experienced by Travellers in Irish society. We have a particular interest in locally-based projects seeking to increase the participation of male Travellers in the development of their own community. Initiatives breaking new ground in the area of family support, culturally-appropriate employment initiatives and personal development are especially welcome. We will also support projects seeking to disseminate best practice in these areas.

Ineligible activities
The Trust cannot consider applications for building costs; general appeals; retrospective funding and individuals.

Application Process

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis and are assessed 4 times a year. Deadlines for each period are below.
We encourage applicants to contact us before completing the application form to ensure the project meets the Trust's criteria.
Applications are considered by the Trustees, usually within six weeks of the deadlines. Applicants are informed of their decision within a week of that meeting.
Occasionally an application will be deferred pending receipt of further information.
Organisations in receipt of a grant will be required to provide information relating to the grant e.g. reports, updates and newsletters. The Trust also requires mention of the grant in annual reports and accounts and any other appropriate publication.

For guidelines on the new areas and other criteria, please contact Orla O'Neill
Grants & Development Director
email info@ssgt.ie, tel 045 480 666.

Deadlines for 2007
- 17th August
- 26th October

St Stephen's Green Trust
PO Box 950, Naas, Co Kildare
Website: www.ssgt.ie

Civil Society Fund from Irish Aid

Irish Aid, the Government's official development assistance programme, invites applications under the Civil Society Fund (CSF) from Irish civil society organisations. The CSF supports non-governmental organisations and other civil society organisations to respond to the development needs of poor communities overseas.

All organisations funded through the CSF will be subject to monitoring and evaluation by Irish Aid. The Civil Society Fund Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines, available at www.irishaid.gov.ie/grants_civil.asp - are designed to assist CSF partner organisations in monitoring and reporting to Irish Aid on grants received.

The closing date for receipt of applications for the third round of funding for 2007 is 5.00 p.m. Friday 3rd August 2007. It is anticipated that the meeting of the Approvals Committee for this round will take place on 2 and 3 October 2007.

Please submit applications and queries electronically to: csfund@dfa.ie

Development Education Grant Scheme

Development education has a crucial role to play in increasing public understanding in Ireland of development issues, especially as they relate to developing countries. It seeks to challenge attitudes which perpetuate poverty and injustice and through education to empower people to act to bring about more equal development.

Irish Aid, the Government's official development assistance programme, invites applications from voluntary organisations and educational bodies for grants for development education projects, which are designed to increase awareness and understanding of development issues.

Closing date for receipt of applications for Round Two of funding is 5 p.m. Friday 29th June 2007

Enquiries: 01 4082096
Email: developmenteducation@dfa.ie

Relevant documentation for prospective applicants includes:

Development Education Grant Scheme Guidelines for 2007 (pdf)
Research Application Form (doc)
Research Explanatory Notes (doc)
Project Application Form (doc)
Project Explanatory Notes (doc)

and is available for download at www.irishaid.gov.ie/grants_education.asp

Irish Aid is offering the following information workshops on the Development Education Grants Scheme:

Cork: 25 May 2007 - Clarion Hotel, 5 p.m.
Dublin: 25 May 2007 - Irish Aid, Bishop’s Square, 10.30 am
Galway: 29 May 2007 - SAS Radisson Hotel, 5 p.m.

Please register your attendance using the contact details below.

Development Education Grants Scheme
Irish Aid
Department of Foreign Affairs
Bishop's Square
Redmond's Hill
Dublin 2

Tel: 01 4082096
E-Mail: developmenteducation@dfa.ie

Artist in the Community Scheme 2007

Twice yearly, The Arts Council offers grants to enable artists and communities of place or interest to work together on projects. The scheme covers all art forms. The Artist in the Community Scheme is managed by Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts.

The aim of the scheme is to encourage intense collaboration between communities of place and/or interest and artists, culminating in an artwork or a project in which the members of the community group and the artists work together. It is essential that meaningful consultation take place between the artist and the community group, so that both parties are involved in deciding on the nature of the project. Group ownership of the art should be maintained at every stage.

There are two phases to the scheme:

Phase One, Research & Development, is open to artists who wish to research and develop a project in a community context. Maximum time frame is 3 months. The maximum amount awarded in Phase One is euro 1,000.

Phase Two, Project Realisation, is open to communities of interest or place (or their representative organisations), planning a project of between 6 weeks and 5 months with a maximum award of euro 5000, and those who agree planning a project of between 6 months and 9 months with a maximum award of euro 10,000.

Next deadline for 2007: 5pm Friday 29 June 2007.

For further information, application forms or to book an advisory session, contact
Katherine Atkinson, Project Support & Professional Development,
tel 01 - 473 66 00 / email support@create-ireland.ie

3. Events and Initiatives

NCCRI North-South Immigration Forum - Closing Frontiers?

An overview of the recent immigration legislation in the UK and forthcoming legislation in the Republic of Ireland within an EU policy context

For further reading please contact: joe@nccri.ie or Tel. 042- 935 2730

Date for your diary: 21st June 2007
Time: 9.30am to 3.15pm
Venue: Fairways Hotel, Dublin Road, Dundalk

Latvian Society in Ireland 2 year’s Anniversary concert

A Reception will be held in Saint Ann’s Church Hall, Saturday 2 June 2007 from 15:00 till 19:00 to celebrate 2 years of Latvian Society in Ireland

World Refugee Day Awards 2007

World Refugee Day is June 20th, designated by a special UN General Assembly Resolution. On this day, countries around the world are encouraged to undertake activities to call attention to the situation of refugees and to highlight initiatives supporting them.

To celebrate World Refugee Day 2007, these significant national awards are being organised for the fifth successive year. The awards highlight the positive contribution that asylum seekers / refugees and the local communities have made in the integration process.

The World Refugee Day Awards are a way of reflecting the positive interaction between people across Ireland. Much of the great work undertaken at a local level rarely makes the headlines, but merits recognition. We invite you to join this initiative to help mark this day.

Award Ceremony

The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday 20th June in the Atrium, Civic Offices, Dublin City Council, Wood Quay, Dublin.

The World Refugee Day Awards are organized by the Africa Centre in partnership with Dublin City Council, Integrating Ireland, the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), SPIRASI, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Sports Against Racism in Ireland (SARI).

For further details please contact the Africa Centre, 9c Methodist Church Building, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, T: 01 8656951, E: mubarak@africacentre.ie, or visit W: www.africacentre.ie.

The European Slave Trade: Character, Causes, Challenges

2007 is the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery

The Abolition of Slavery Act 1807 was the start of a successful process that outlawed the African slave trade worldwide. After centuries of suffering, millions of African slaves were eventually freed and millions of lives saved. Those who worked so hard in the 18th and 19th century to abolish slavery would be shocked to find that there was still so much work to be done 200 years later.

On this 200th anniversary slavery has changed but it has not been eradicated. Slavery can still be found in every corner of the world. In Europe today, slavery manifests itself in many different forms, including;

the trafficking of women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation;
the holding of migrant women in domestic servitude;
the exploitation of bonded labourers in the agricultural sector and the trafficking of children for the purposes of begging.

This international conference seeks to contribute to the exploration, analysis and combating of these and other forms of slavery in contemporary Europe. In order to further the effectiveness of such discussions, the conference will bring together participants from the world of academia, law, policy and anti-slavery activism.

For further information, please contact:
Gillian Wylie
Irish School of Ecumenics
Trinity College Dublin
Milltown Park, Dublin 6

Email: info@europeanslavery.com
Tel: +353(0)1.218.0539
website www.europeanslavery.com

Irish Council for International Students Annual Seminar

Making Cultural Diversity work on Campus
How to facilitate greater engagement between Irish and International students and maximise the benefits for all

Time & Date: Friday 15 June, 2007, (11.30am -1.00pm)
Venue: Wynn's Hotel, Lr Abbey St, Dublin 1

Ciarán Dunne, currently completing a PhD on this subject at Dublin City University, will provide insights from his research among Irish students and also discuss studies on the experiences of International students. Irish Aid Fellowship students will provide a further International student perspective.

The seminar is open to both ICOS members and non-members and is free of charge.

For futher details/registration, please contact Sheila Power
e spower@icosirl.ie
tel. (01) 660 52 33

Conference: Education of Minority Ethnic Groups and/or Students and Families that Speak Minority Languages in Ireland

A conference is taking place on June 21st, 2007 in St. Patrick's College, which hopes to provide a national forum to address some of these issues in the context of immigration over recent years in particular. One of the aspirational outcomes of this event would be the foundation of a National Assocation/Network which would have a research-based advocacy function, building on and connecting with the important work that has already been done in relation to minority groups in Irish education and internationally.

Please click on the link to our burgeoning website for details on the conference, to which all are welcome:

www.spd.dcu.ie/memlconference2007/

Rights and Righteousness: Religious Pluralism and Human Rights (call for papers)

This two-day conference, jointly sponsored by the Irish School of Ecumenics (ISE) and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), aims to stimulate productive and new discussions about the relationship between faith and rights.

The conference will be held in Belfast, 1-2 November 2007

The conference will be of interest to educators, clergy, academics, students and human rights practitioners. Questions which we hope to explore at the conference will include:

Are rights everywhere and everywhere the same?
What role do cultural and religious traditions have in the articulation of rights?
Are human rights necessarily secular as some advocates would argue?
Or perhaps, as others argue, is a religious commitment necessary to believe that human beings have an inherent dignity that should be respected?
By what means should we hope to achieve consensus when we differ?
Can we agree on practical outcomes even if we do not share an underlying philosophical basis?

The call for short papers is open with a closing date of 15 June 2007.

For details, contact Louise Furber, NIHRC;
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9024 3987,
Textphone: +44 (0) 28 9024 9066,
Email: rebecca.dudley@nihrc.org

or visit either: www.tcd.ie/ise/news/events.php#rights or www.nihrc.org

Media Moves - A Conference on Understanding, Shaping and Creating Media for Social Change

Friday June 8th, 2007 at the Menlo Park Hotel, Galway.

ORGANISERS: Galway One World Centre, SpunOut.ie and MediaForum

MORE INFO: www.mediaconference.ie
please contact david@mediaforum.ie or 086 3825123.

CONFERENCE AIMS
The conference intends to facilitate discussion on media representation of marginalised issues for the purposes of;
- raising levels of critical understanding of how the media works,
- and increase capacities for access to the media.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Groups or individuals interested in social change, particularly those with a concern for marginalised groups and issues will be interested in this conference.

The conference will also offer a space for media practitioners to reflect on their role and practice.

Comhlámh Nominations for Executive Elections 2007

Comhlámh is seeking applications from old and new members to join the Executive Committee. The Executive committee is the governing body of Comhlámh and the official board of directors of the organisation. The effectiveness of Comhlámh depends to a large degree on the leadership of the Executive Committee. Being a member of the Executive committee is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in the organisation, where you have the shared responsibility to contribute to the development of the organisation.

The Executive should ideally reflect the diversity of the membership of the organisation and as a governing body is involved in determining policy and strategy, and for providing accountability to the organisation. 2008 will be particularly significant for Comhlámh as we will begin the process of developing our next Strategic Plan which will guide the organisation for the next 3-5 years.

In particular, if you have experience that you are willing to share with us in any one of the following areas:
- International development/human rights/volunteering
- Management, organisational development
- Media
- Strategic planning
- Human resources
- Fundraising
- commitment to the values and mission of the organisation then you should consider bringing these skills to the organisation as an Executive Committee member.

We would encourage old and new members to consider standing for election, or to approach people who would be suitable candidates to ask them to stand.

Commitment required: 5/6 Saturday meetings through the year, plus 1 training day. Maximum term of office is three years.

For information and nomination forms please email recruitment@comhlamh.org
closing date: June 6th, 2007

website www.comhlamh.org

International School for Peace Studies: Island of Ireland Peace Week

This years Island of Ireland Peace Week will be held from June 4th to June 10th 2007 in Mesen / Messines Belgium. This year’s event is specifically significant as it celebrates the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Messines on June 7th 1917.

There will be a full week long programme of events which will include Site Visits to Battlefields, Monuments and Cemeteries at the Somme and Flanders, a Commemorative Parade to the Island of Ireland Peace Park, an Inter-Denominational Religious Service, International Peace Conference and various Social events which will include a day trip to the beautiful City of Brugge.

The Battle of Messines represents the first occasion during the Great War when the Nationalist 16th Irish Division and Unionist 36th Ulster Division fought side by side. While traditional enemies back home, the Battle of Messines reveals to us many acts of Reconciliation and Brotherhood between Unionists and Nationalists which are explored in depth during this week long programme.

For a Full Programme, Details of Cost or Other Information about the Island of Ireland Peace Week or the work of the ISPS please contact the International School for Peace Studies
N. Ireland 028 71 311005
Republic of Ireland 048 71 311005

or email us at info@schoolforpeace.com

The OECD Review of the Irish Public Service

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-Operation & Development) is currently undertaking a major review of the Irish Public Service to benchmark the Public Service in Ireland against other comparable countries and to make recommendations as to future directions for Public Service reform.

As part of this review, your views and comments on various aspects of the Public Service are now being sought.

If you would like to be a part of this process, or for further information, check www.bettergov.ie/index.asp?locID=222&;docID=-1

The closing date for receipt of submissions is 1st June 2007.

Irish Social Policy Association- call for papers

The Irish Social Policy Association (ISPA) will host its annual postgraduate conference at the University College Dublin on Friday July 20th 2007. The conference is intended to provide a forum for postgraduate researchers in social policy and related academic fields.

We invite submissions of papers for presentation at this conference. Potential participants should submit a title and/or brief description (max. 100 words) of their topic by e-mail. These applications should be sent to the association’s postgraduate officer Rebekah Fozzard - postgrad@ispa.ie - before Monday 28th May 2007.

What type of paper should I submit?
Papers to be presented at this conference should deal with a social policy issue in Ireland or the EU. These papers may evolve from research you are currently undertaking, work in progress, or from another social policy topic you are interested in. The conference is happy to facilitate postgraduate researchers at different stages of their research – from those who are in the early stages of a topic to those who are close to completion. Funding to cover travel costs is available.

The ISPA will cover receipted travel expenses of up to e40 for any presenter travelling to the conference from a third-level college outside Dublin. The organisers will be in contact with presenters to arrange this funding.

Conference fee
There is no conference fee.

What is the ISPA?
The Irish Social Policy Association was founded in 1997. The association was established to provide a forum for the analysis, discussion and development of social policy in Ireland, North and South. The Association endeavors to broaden the debate on social policy by providing a forum for discussion that embraces the views and opinion of a wide range of relevant actors. ISPA brings together professionals and non-professionals with an interest in social policy, academics, policy makers, officials in the civil service and public service bodies, employer and trade union organisations as well as organisations and groups in the not-for-profit sector.

Through the Association, discussions and debates have been stimulated on a variety of contemporary social policy issues. For more see: www.ispa.ie

OSCE High Level Conference on Combating Discrimination and Promoting Mutual Respect and Understanding and Civil Society

On 7-8 June 2007 the Spanish Chairmanship of the OSCE will hold a High Level Conference on Combating Discrimination and Promoting Mutual Respect and Understanding in Bucharest.

As a follow-up to the 2005 Cordoba Conference on Anti-Semitism and other forms of Intolerance, the Conference will highlight areas where implementation of existing OSCE commitments in the field of tolerance and non-discrimination has taken place and identify areas where further implementation is needed.
The conference will also highlight best practices of participating States and areas where OSCE Institutions have supported participating States and civil society in their efforts to combat intolerance and discrimination.

This conference will be preceded by a civil society preparatory meeting on 6 June, aimed at providing civil society with the opportunity to prepare recommendations to be presented at the opening session of the Conference, and also:

- To discuss current issues and priorities related to discrimination and the promotion of mutual respect and understanding. Topics will include trends regarding hate-motivated crimes and related forms of intolerance as well as the responses provided by States and civil society;
- To exchange information on best practices;
- To discuss civil society¹s engagement with OSCE institutions including the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights;
- To facilitate and enhance coalition-building across diverse cultural and religious communities and civil society groups throughout the OSCE region;
- For general information of the conference please go the OSCE website:

www.osce.org/item/23554.html

Africa Celebration Day in Dublin

Africa Centre invites you to celebrate together the 44th AFRICA DAY

Featuring:
- African drumming, by Tura Arutura, from Belfast
- The Dea Beasd Rappers, from Waterford
- African Traditional Dance, from Uganda
- Table Quiz, to test your knowledge of Africa
- African Music by DJ SPAQZ

When: Friday 25th May 2007 at 8pm till Late
Where: Morrison Hotel, Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
Admission: e7 (e5 concession)

For further information please contact John Moyo
9c Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1
Phone: 01-8656951
E-mail: Jmoyo@africacentre.ie

About AFRICA DAY: Driven by a common aspiration towards decolonization and unity, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), an inter-African organisation of independent states was founded in May 1963. Africa Day marks the establishment of the OAU (now African Union).

4. Job Vacancies/Calls for Tender

DP9 EQUAL: Invitation to Tender for Project Evaluation

The aim of DP9 EQUAL is "to design and implement an occupational guidance strategy with the Department of Social and Family Affairs, our target groups, and other agencies, in the Midlands Region".

The organisations involved include:
- Westmeath Employment Pact
- Dept of Social Community and Family Affairs
- National Counseling Institute of Ireland
- Westmeath Community Development

EQUAL is a Community Initiatives co-funded through the European Social Fund (ESF). EQUAL seeks to identify and address fundamental forms of discrimination and inequality in the labour market through the development of new and innovative policies and practices.

To address inequalities in the labour market EQUAL DP9 with its partner The National Counselling Institute of Ireland set out to design and deliver a degree accredited by HETAC. The degree is in modularized format to lead to an overall award in Adult Guidance Counseling and Psychometrics Testing Level 7.

We now wish to evaluate the work to date. The formative evaluation is two fold:-

Module evaluation: We wish to assess the delivery of the modules piloted as part of the degree development process
Project Evaluation: The evaluation will outline the project aims and objectives, the approaches taken, achievements over 2005-2007, and the impact the project has had. The principle focus will be on evidence-based outcomes, project learning, and recommendations to inform our mainstreaming strategy. It is expected that the evaluator will speak to appropriate stakeholder groups in compiling the report.

Closing date for submissions is Friday 08th June 2007.

Full particulars can be sourced by e-mailing equaldp9@eircom.net
or telephoning 044 - 934 22 49.

Comhlámh: Director

Comhlámh is a dynamic independent membership organisation committed to critical engagement on worldwide development. Our mission is to challenge our society on the root causes of global poverty and inequality, and to empower people to demand equity in global relations.

We wish to recruit a Director.
This is an exciting career opportunity for a person with management experience and a keen interest in global justice issues to lead the organisation at a period of significant change.

The Role: Reporting to the Board, the Director will be responsible for the strategic, operational and financial management of Comhlámh, will provide leadership and support to its staff and members, and will drive the organisation's mission under its strategic plan.

The Person: An enthusiastic and experienced manager with a track record of achievement, who has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, sound financial and strategic abilities, the leadership skills to inspire a highly motivated team, and a commitment to the core values of the organisation.

To apply, send CV and cover letter to recruitment@comhlamh.org no later than 4 pm on 8 June, 2007.

A full job description is available on request by calling 01 4783490 or by emailing recruitment@comhlamh.org.

For more information about Comhlámh: www.comhlamh.org

Trócaire: Education Officer

Trócaire is seeking to appoint an Education Officer (Job Ref No: 06/CD/002/M) to join their Education and Campaigns Unit in Maynooth.

The scope of this role is to promote a global and justice perspective within the formal and non-formal education sectors, particularly in the primary sector. You will be responsible for developing a comprehensive approach to working within the Primary sector in order to maximise the impact of our education work, which will include developing and piloting education materials, supporting the delivery of Trocaire's wider education agenda and maintaining and developing materials for Trocaire's education website.

To fulfill this role it is essential that you meet the following criteria:
- Relevant third level qualification.
- Significant teaching experience at Primary level.
- Keen knowledge of the Primary Curriculum.
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
- A flexible approach.
- Interest, understanding and knowledge of development education and related issues.
- Excellent organisational and team working skills.
- Full driving licence.

Desirable:
- Experience in training delivery.
- Web/ICT skills.

This post is offered on a Two Year Fixed Term Contract basis. Salary will be on the Grade D Salary Scale.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 8th June 2007.

Please visit our website www.trocaire.org for details of full Job Description.

Please note: This is a re-advertisement.

To apply please forward your CV and Cover Letter (quoting the Reference No. above) to: Eileen Ryan, Head of HR and Support Services
Trócaire, Maynooth, Co Kildare
Email: hr@trocaire.ie
Fax: 353-1-6290664

Trócaire is an equal opportunity employer.

FLAC: Policy and Campaigns Officer

FLAC is an independent human rights organisation dedicated to the realisation of equal access to justice for all and it campaigns through advocacy, strategic litigation and authoritative analysis for the eradication of social and economic exclusion.

FLAC is seeking a Policy and Campaigns Officer to undertake research and implement campaigns in its core programme areas.

Prospective candidates should have:

A law degree or similar qualification
A commitment to human rights and social justice issues
A particular interest in addressing policy issues around social and economic exclusion from a legal perspective
Campaign experience

Salary range: 30,000 to 45,000 euro commensurate with experience.

For a job description and an information pack please Contact FLAC
tel 8745690 / e-mail info@flac.ie

CVs and letters of application should be sent to
Noeline Blackwell,
FLAC, 13 Lower Dorset Street, Dublin 1

Deadline: on or before Tuesday 5 June 2007.

Barnardos: Project Workers

Barnardos - Ireland's leading children's charity is inviting applications for:

Project Worker - Acorn Parent Coaching Service
Fixed Term to September 2009, part time - 24 hours per week.
Description: Developing a new service to support parents to strenghten their parenting skills using home-based individual work and group work approaches.

Salary: euro 21,949 - 31,588 (LSI) for 24 hours
Location: Tallaght, Dublin 24
Contact Details: tel 01 4032080 / E-mail: info@clondalkin.barnardos.ie
Closing Date: 5 June 2007.

Project Worker - Acorn Parent Coaching Service
Fixed Term to September 2009, part time - 25.5 hours per week.
Description: Developing a new service to support parents to strenghten their parenting skills using home-based individual work and group work approaches.

Salary: euro 23,321 - 33,563 (LSI) for 25.5 hours
Location: Tallaght, Dublin 24
Contact Details: tel 01 4032080 / E-mail: info@clondalkin.barnardos.ie
Closing Date: 5 June 2007

To apply forward completed Application Form and Garda check available at www.barnardos.ie/jobs.htm to:
Barnardos,
10 Newlands Business Park,
Clondalkin, Dublin 22

West Cork Community Partnership: Social Inclusion Development Officers

West Cork Community Partnership & West Cork LEADER Co-Operative
are seeking to recruit:

Social Inclusion Development Officers
for the following districts:
- Kinsale
- Bandon
- Dunmanway
- Skibbereen / Clonakilty
- Macroom
- Mizen & Beara Peninsulas

The positions will involve undertaking consultation, research, capacity building and pre-development work for the purpose of preparing the area for future social inclusion services. The work will result in a comprehensive area based plan for social inclusion.

Experience and qualifications in community development, social inclusion work, research, area based development, or similar area of work will be required.

The positions will involve a six month contract until December 2007, based on the Pobal Development Officer Salary scale: from e30,030 to e58,052.

The position will be primarily full-time, although applications for part-time positions will be considered.

Contact Fergal Conlon (027) 52266 at West Cork Community Partnership for a Job-Description and Personal Specification.

Applications by Cover Letter & CV to:

Development Officer Positions
C/o West Cork Community Partnership
Unit 13, Enterprise Centre
Rope Walk
Bantry
Co.Cork

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 5th June at 5pm.

West Cork Community Partnership & West Cork LEADER Co-Op are Equal Opportunity Employers.

National Traveller MABS: Administrator

National Traveller MABS is part of the national network of money advice and budgeting services around the country that address the problem of money lending and over indebtedness.

National Traveller MABS was established in January 2005 to support MABS services nationally on issues relating to the Traveller community. It also supports the Traveller community nationally in relation to MABS and money matters.

We at National Traveller MABS have a part time position for an administrator (20 hours per week to work two mornings and three afternoon).

Job Description:
Petty cash, checking post and email , filing and general day to day up keep of the office.

For more information contact Nancy Power
National Traveller MABS
Unit 2,
North Park. North Road
Finglas, Dublin 11

Phone 01-8648510
Email: nationaltraveller@mabs.ie
website: www.nattravellermabs.org

SPIRASI - Centre for Health Information and Promotion: FAS Administrative Assistant

The Centre for Health Information and Promotion is committed to strengthening the capacity of ethnic minorities, especially asylum seekers and refugees, to access health services by providing them with appropriate health and welfare information.

The general role of the FAS administrative assistant will be to support the Centre for Health Information and Promotion to achieve its aims and objectives through the provision of administrative support. The administrative assistant will report to the Manager of the Centre for Health Information and Promotion.

The Administrative Assistant's duties will include:

Entering data into the database and producing graphs and charts using Microsoft Excel
Minute taking at meetings
Word-processing of reports and correspondence
Photocopying
Filing and file maintenance
Responding to general enquiries, both internally and externally
Ordering and receiving stationery orders
Representing the Centre in internal meetings when requested
Supporting team members in delivery of services where requested
General administrative duties as required.

Experience and Abilities:

Demonstrated competence in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and Powerpoint Presentations
Good telephone and communications skills
Well organized and methodical in working
Ability to use initiative and work as part of a team
Demonstrated interest and/or experience in intercultural and human-rights issues preferred.

The closing date for receiving applications will be 4th June 2007.
Interviews will take place on 12 June 2007 at SPIRASI offices.

Candidates will be asked to demonstrate use of Microsoft Excel as part of the interview.

Please send up to date CV and cover letter to:
Sharon McGuigan
Manager
Centre for Health Information and Promotion
SPIRASI
213 North Circular Road, Dublin 7
Telephone 018823533
email chipmanager@spirasi.ie

Traveller Health Unit Cork: Invitation to Tender for the Development of Health Impact Assessment

In response to an initiative from the Department of the Taoiseach two interagency structures to support Traveller services have been established in Cork City and County. Each Steering group has developed an action plan based on gaps in service provision identified by the key stakeholders (Plans available on request).

In each area it has been agreed to carry out a Health Impact Assessment on Traveller halting sites in Cork city and county. An interagency sub group (Health and Accommodation sub group) will oversee and support this process. Membership includes: HSE, Cork City Council, Cork County Council and representatives from the Traveller organisations in Cork city and County.

Outline of the work
To carry out Health Impact Assessment/s on halting sites in Cork City and County. To work as a part of a team with the interagency sub group on Health and Accommodation and the Traveller Community health workers employed in the area.

To train and support the Traveller Community Health Workers to take an active part in the process. This aspect of the process may be undertaken separately, depending on the experience of the successful applicant

Furthermore, each HIA may be tendered for separately, be divided by city and county or as an overall piece of work.

Desired outcomes:

A Completed HIA with the involvement of all stakeholders with focused recommendation to agencies, organisations, etc;
Traveller Community Health Workers will have received training on HIA.

Please reply with an outline of the methodology to be employed, a comprehensive costing for this process and details of your relevant skills, experience and knowledge.

Closing date has now been extended to Friday June 1st 2007.

Further information on this initiative is available from:
Deirdre O'Reilly, Traveller Health Coordinator, HSE, South
tel: 022 31809, email DeirdreMary.Oreilly@mailp.hse.ie

Traveller Health Unit,
c/o North Cork Community Services, Hospital Grounds, Mallow County Cork.

Person specification

Proven track record in carrying out Health Impact Assessment in a community setting. (documents, references....)
Previous experience of working in an interagency setting and an understanding of promoting a partnership approach to this.
Work from an anti racist perspective

Desirable: Experience of training /support within a team context.

Young Social Innovators: Education Officer

The Young Social Innovators (YSI) programme is Ireland’s largest social awareness education and action programme. YSI fires young people’s passion to change the world for good through a well developed education programme, undertaken so far by some 20,000 young people (15-18 yrs olds).

The Position
The objective of this position is to continue to develop and support the educational and professional development aspects of the Young Social Innovators programme so that it becomes an integral social awareness programme within second level schools and other youth education programmes.

This will include the following:

designing and delivering information and professional development workshops
providing support to Guides (teachers/educators) participating in the YSI programme
developing a suite of educational resource materials in support of YSI Programme
supporting and organising the YSI Education and Support Team
promoting YSI to target educational audiences
assisting in the development of new channels for YSI in Ireland including identifying ways to build capacity locally to support the programme
on-going evaluation and monitoring of the educational value of YSI

Ideally applicants should have:

H.Dip.Ed or other teaching qualification and experience of teaching at second level
a thorough knowledge of the post-primary school curriculum
experience of curriculum development and experience of designing and delivering in-service
excellent communication and facilitation skills
good ICT, organisational and teamwork skills
commitment to social justice and social awareness education.

The successful applicant will be employed for an initial period of one year, subject to satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period. Secondment will be considered.

Further information, including job description is available on www.youngsocialinnovators.ie

Candidates are invited to send a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae in strict confidence by e-mail to Geraldine@socialinnovations.ie
or by post to: Geraldine Hegarty, Company Secretary,
YSI, 2 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2

Closing date for receipt of applications is 31st May 2007.
Applicants should note that short-listing may apply.

Longford EQUAL Development Partnership: Invitation to Tender for Research on Entrepreneurship

Longford EQUAL Development Partnership is seeking tenders for a research project on Entrepreneurial Ladders out of Social Exclusion.

The aim of the research is to investigate, document and assess current supports to assist people experiencing social exclusion to become self-employed or establish businesses and to develop the sustainability of their enterprises.

Interested parties can obtain the terms of reference for the research by post or e-mail from:

Tess Murphy
Longford Equal Development Partnership
Willow House
Ardnacassa Avenue
Longford

Phone 043-41511
Email: tessmurphy@longfordwomenslink.org

Tenders must be received on or before 5.00pm on Friday 1st June 2007.

DP9 EQUAL: Invitation to Tender for Training Delivery

The aim of DP9 EQUAL is "to design and implement an occupational guidance strategy with the Department of Social and Family Affairs, our target groups, and other agencies, in the Midlands Region"

The organisations involved include:
-Westmeath Employment Pact
-Dept of Social Community and Family Affairs
-National Counseling Institute of Ireland
-Westmeath Community Development

As part of this process we are seeking tenders from suitably qualified organisation to carry out training with 26 key agency personnel and other identified people in the relevant psychometric test packages that can be used with marginalized clients.

The successful organisation or individual will:

Identify the packages most suitable for delivery with this client group
Deliver training to identified personnel and other key people in the packages identified
Link the programmes to current operation in adult guidance
Provide backup support through adult guidance provision as required

Closing date for submissions is Friday 08th June 2007.

Full particulars can be sourced by e-mailing equaldp9@eircom.net
or telephoning 044-9342249

ARCSS - Counselling and Support Services to Asylum Seekers: Invitation to Tender for Valuation & Development of a Strategic Plan

Independent Evaluation & Development of a Strategic Plan for ARCSS - Counseling and Support Services to Asylum Seekers in the North Eastern Region.

The overall aim of the ARCSS project is to provide a dedicated counseling and support service to asylum seekers and refugees in the HSE North Eastern Area. The service was developed specifically to address the impact of trauma experienced by clients in their country of origin. More recently the remit of the service has extended to include adults who are experiencing stress and trauma as a result of their current living situation.

ARCSS is a HSE funded project providing counseling and psychological support to Asylum Seekers and Refugees. ARCSS is monitored by a project steering group which meets 6-8 times per year.

The project comprises two elements, a dedicated counseling service for adults and a support service. The support service is provided by the ARCSS Project Worker based at Mosney Accommodation Centre who is employed by SPIRASI in line with a service agreement with the HSE to provide the service. Mosney is the largest accommodation centre in the country catering for asylum seekers, with a capacity of 800 people.

Counseling is provided by qualified counselor/therapists employed on a contract basis under the management and supervision of Rian Counseling Service (HSE). At present there are 3 counselors providing counseling to the project from the counseling office in Drogheda.

Essentials skills & requirements of the Successful Applicant
The successful applicant should:

Provide evidence that the person(s) who will be carrying out the project has previous relevant experience of carrying out similar research/evaluation
Provide evidence of familiarity of working with similar client groups
Include details of qualifications and experience of those who will be carrying out the project (Up to date CVs should be provided for all those who will be involved in carrying out the evaluation together with a list of publications)
Demonstrate experience of working with community and voluntary agencies and experience of working with the statutory sector
Have a proven track record in conducting work of a similar nature
Evidence excellent report writing skills and ability to analyse, collate and distil qualitative and quantitative information collected from a variety of sources
Have a knowledge and understanding of the issues regarding Asylum Seekers and Refugees.

Proposals should include a list of previous relevant projects undertaken by the organisation/agency as well as a list of any relevant publications.

Details of personnel to be involved in the project should be submitted including their CV.

Details of Referees. References in relation to previous work undertaken will be sought

Timeframes
Tenders to be received before close of business on Friday 25th May 2007

Short listing may apply and Interviews will be held.

Time frame: The evaluation should be completed within 4 months of the commissioning date. Evidence of availability and capacity to conduct the project within this time frame should be provided in the application.

Confirmation of the general conditions of tender and any other relevant information in support of the proposal should also be included.

For a full list of the terms of reference please email june.mcgivney@maile.hse.ie
or contact Audrey Crawford
ARCSS Project
Mosney Centre, Co. Meath
Tel: 041 9829780

The Festival of World Cultures is Seeking Ethnic Chefs from Ireland's Cultural Communities

The Festival of World Cultures is seeking Ethnic Chefs from Ireland's Cultural Communities to participate in our Cooking Demonstration series held in Cooks Academy, Dun Laoghaire www.cooksacademy.com over the Festival weekend. Our aim is to offer festival attendees an educational experience that demonstrates the preparation of authentic ethnic cuisine worldwide. This is a great opportunity for individuals who have a passion for cooking and who have an interest in creating awareness in regards to their culture and community. Applicants are not required to be 'Professional Chefs', but should have vast cooking experience with the ability to produce a range of recipes reflecting their ethnic cuisine, good English and the ability to speak with comfort and ease in front of a small crowd. Applicants should also have a working knowledge of their ethnic cuisine and the ability to speak about the cooking techniques and ingredients used as well as the agricultural, cultural, historical and regional influences.

This is an exciting opportunity to become a part of a cultural exchange that offers an exciting fusion of the world's cuisine in a relaxed learning environment. If you are interested in becoming a Guest Chef as part of the Festival of World Cultures 'Global Cuisine Classes' and would like more information, please contact Jessica McCannon @ 01.271.9511/271.9555, fwc@dlrcoco.ie. If you are unfamiliar with the Festival of World Cultures, please find more information below.

Co-operation Fingal: Traveller Programme Co-ordinator

Co-operation Fingal invites applications for the position of full-time Programme Co-ordinator to the North Fingal Primary Health Care Programme.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the development, co-ordination and day-to-day organisation of the North Fingal Primary Health Care Programme.

The successful applicant will have:

Experience of working in community development, in particular work with Travellers.
Knowledge of issues relevant to Travellers in areas including health, education/training and accommodation.
Excellent communication & organisational skills.
Good report writing & computer skills.
Experience of developing/implementing training programmes.
Experience of training delivery in IT Skills desirable.

The post will be offered on a full-time temporary contract, commencing immediately with the candidate based in Matt Lane Resource Centre, St Macullins Park, Matt Lane, Balbriggan.
Salary in the region of euro 520 per week.

For full job description contact
Co-operation Fingal - tel 01 8020484 / e-mail info@co-operationfingal.ie

To apply for this post, please forward a copy of your CV along with an A4 page highlighting the particular skills, personal qualities and experience you would bring to the post, including an outline of your reasons for applying for the post.

Applications must be submitted to the Manager, Co-operation Fingal,
BEaT Centre,
Stephenstown Industrial Estate,
Balbriggan, Co Dublin
or via email to info@co-operationfingal.ie

Deadline: 4pm on Monday 28th May 2007.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 5th June 2007.
All applications are treated in confidence.
Co-operation Fingal is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) Vacancy Announcement: Legal Administrator

ERRC wishes to announce the vacancy of the post of ERRC Legal Administrator.

Please follow the link (www.errc.org/cikk.php?cikk=2765) to access the ERRC application documents. You can search our website for information about the work of ERRC at www.errc.org.

The criteria we use for short-listing is set out in the person specification and follow on from the job description tasks. Please take time to read the guidance notes on how to fill out your application. It is important that your application shows how you meet ALL points mentioned in the person specification. If you do not meet all of the criteria or do not have experience on some of the points listed, please state how you would aim to accomplish the work.

Closing date for applications: 18 June (8.00 am Budapest time)
Interview date: Provisionally planned for 9 July 2007 in Budapest

You are kindly asked to send your application (letter of interest, application form and the equal opportunities form; the latter is not obligatory) preferably by e-mail to dora.eke@errc.org. Applications in other formats than outlined in the guidance notes will not be considered. Please ensure your e-mail has been received by requesting confirmation.

ERRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package based on experience which is subject to negotiations.

We kindly ask you not to call for information before you are invited for an interview.

European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC)

The European Roma Rights Centre is an international public interest law organisation which monitors the human rights situation of Roma and provides legal defence in cases of human rights abuse. For more information about the European Roma Rights Centre, visit the ERRC on the web at www.errc.org

Show Racism the Red Card Job Advert: Community Education Worker

Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racist charity, which harnesses the high profile of professional footballers to combat racism in society

We are seeking to recruit a Community Education Worker to join our highly successful Community Education team, which operates across North-East England.The post will involve the delivery of anti-racist workshops to young people across the region, event organisation and administration.

35 hours/week
Salary £18,450 - £20,235 (NJC pay scale 5 Points 20-22)
6% pension

Applicant must have

Good oral and written communication skills
Knowledge of racism and anti-racism
Ability to use contemporary ICT
Ability to deliver workshops and presentations
Experience of working with young people

The post will be based in our North Tyneside offices.

For an application pack please write to

Show Racism the Red Card,

PO Box 141,
Whitley Bay,
Tyne and Wear,
NE26 2YH.
Or email info@theredcard.org
For an informal discussion about the role please call Sarah Soyei: 01912910160

Deadline for receipt of application forms is Friday 25th May. Interviews will be held on Thursday 14^th June

5. Recent Publications and Resources

European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance- Third Report on Ireland

For further information: www.coe.int/t/E/human_rights/ecri/

Finding your Way Around the Budget

A new publication Finding your Way around the Budget, published by Combat Poverty, Comhairle and NICVA and written by Hilary Curley will also be launched. Contact: www.cri.com

Active Citizenship in Ireland

The Taskforce on Active Citizenship in Ireland was established to advise the Government on the steps that can be taken to ensure that the wealth of civic spirit and active participation already present in Ireland continues to grow and develop.

Through a consultation process undertaken last Autumn (2006), the Taskforce compiled a set of recommendations to enhance the work already being done to develop a strong, independent and inclusive, civil society.

The main recommendations relate to increasing participation in the democratic process; improving the interaction between the citizen and state institutions at local and national level, measures to promote a greater sense of community and community engagement; further education on the issues around active citizenship; and measures that provide increased opportunities for the inclusion of ethnic and cultural minorities in an increasingly diverse society.

The main Taskforce recommendations to Government include:

an independent electoral commission to encourage everyone who is eligible to register and vote in elections, to support voter education programmes and to provide data, research and analysis on political engagement and awareness.
National Presidential Citizen Awards to recognize outstanding contributions to civic and community life.
a formal Citizenship Ceremony to mark admission to Irish citizenship and to engage and welcome newcomers. This could apply to all Irish citizens when they reach the age of eighteen.
a National Active Citizenship theme each year to stimulate local initiatives and events. This initiative would culminate in an Active Citizenship Week.
the group insurance scheme currently open to members of Local Community and Voluntary Fora to be promoted widely amongst relevant organisations and groups. This measure would counter prohibitive insurance costs for many community initiatives.
an initiative to help community and voluntary organisations to meet compliance costs and ensuring these costs are proportionate.
a programme in the public service to promote community engagement and participation, for example, by providing some time off for voluntary effort and through pre-retirement courses.
the priority provision by Local Authorities of community and recreational facilities as a part of the planning process.
an audit of existing community facilities to be undertaken by Local Authorities through the County/City Development Boards.
better use to be made of schools at evening and weekend time, to act a community hubs.
the expansion of education for citizenship in the school system and in the youth and adult education sectors.
a certificate/award which would be earned through completing at least three months volunteering or community involvement activity (in Ireland or overseas)
an initiative to promote, support and link together initiatives across the Higher Education sector.
a National Observatory to act as a focal point for research on civic engagement.

The Taskforce has also set "a number of ambitious but realisable targets":

to increase the pool of people active in their community by 60,000 each year for the next three years.
to increase the number of adults engaged in at least one form of 'civic activity' by 60,000 each year for the next three years.
to reach, by the end of the current decade, a level of at least 60% voter turnout amongst the 18-24 year olds (it has been under 50% in recent elections.
to increase the level of voter participation from the CSO estimate of 75.5% in the General Election of 2002 to at least 80% in all future General Elections, with targeting of areas of exceptionally low turnout.
to increase the proportion of adults saying that they agree with the statement that they ‘can influence decisions affecting your local area from 54% in 2006 to 65% in 2010.

A copy of the Reports can be obtained from the Taskforce website www.activecitizen.ie, or by contacting the Secretariat to the Taskforce at 2-4 Merrion Row, Dublin 2 or on 01-6194330.

Research Publication- Irish Parties, Immigration and Integration in 2007

Research on behalf of the Migration and Citizenship Initiative, University College Dublin by: Dr Bryan Fanning, School of Applied Social Science, University College Dublin, Professor Jo Shaw, School of Law, University of Edinburgh
Jane-Ann O’Connell and Marie Williams, Migration and Citizenship Initiative, UCD.

This research, undertaken between November 2006 and March 2007, examined the responses of the six main political parties – Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour Party, Progressive Democrats, Green Party and Sinn Fein – to immigrants and immigration in the run up to the 2007 general election.

Recommendations
A strong commitment to integrating immigrants and ethnic minorities into Irish politics is needed: Integration requires political leadership. An Integration Protocol for Political Parties should be introduced. One model might be to extend the existing Anti-Racism Protocol for Political Parties to include

commitments by political parties to promote the recruitment of immigrant and ethnic minority members
to introduce the necessary data collection and monitoring systems
to develop mentoring schemes aimed at developing candidates from immigrant and ethnic minority communities.

Download full report (pdf file) from www.ucd.ie/mcri/

For further information please contact:
Dr Bryan Fanning
tel: 01 716 8578
email: bryan.fanning@ucd.ie

ENAR Information Brochure

ENAR's information brochure is now available on the website and provides an insight into ENAR's vision and mission, structure, activities and policies. Follow the link to download the brochure. To obtain a hard copy, contact <mail> info@enar-eu.org.

NESF Report - Improving the Delivery of Quality Public Services in Ireland

A major report published today by the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) recommends radical reforms in the way public services are delivered. Download main Finding and Recommendations (pdf file)
www.activelink.ie/downl/NESF-report34-summary.pdf
The full report can be read on the NESF website www.nesf.ie

The Economic Contribution of Immigrants in Ireland

Barrett, Alan and Adele Bergin, (2007). In Bryan Fanning (ed.), Immigration and Social Change in the Republic of Ireland. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

ENAR Fact Sheets: ENAR Fact Sheet 32

This Fact Sheet aims to provide an overview of the key issues and challenges in securing effective political participation of Roma, Sinti and Traveller communities, drawing out broader issues of political participation of ethnic and religious minorities.

Non-discrimination Mainstreaming - Instruments, Case Studies and Ways Forward’

The Centre for Strategy and Evaluation Services, on behalf of the European Commission, has produced a new study.

The report defines ‘non-discrimination mainstreaming’ as putting equality concerns into all public policies, legislation and programmes. This means equality must be considered at all stages of decision-making.

The publication reviews the case for equality mainstreaming and the factors critical to its success. It also highlights a wide range of approaches and case studies at both European and national levels. Email: helpdesk@nondiscrimination-eu.inf>o

New Tool to Promote Romany Culture, Language in Europe

British academics on Wednesday launched a new resource for schools across Europe, which they hope will foster greater awareness, understanding and tolerance of the Romany culture and language. The free resource, "Romani: an interactive journey", is a DVD-Rom devoted to the Romany language, which is now the largest minority language in the European Union since Romania and Bulgaria joined the bloc in January this year. The content, which is available in 18 European languages, uses research by the Romani Project at Manchester University, north-west England, with support from the British government-funded Economic and Social ResearchCouncil.

UCC Migration Law Clinic: Casebook on Subsidiary Protection

The Migration law clinic at the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights at U.C.C. recently completed a short casebook for use in Subsidiary Protection claims. It sets out, in summary form, key decisions and judgements of the E.C of Human Rights and the UN Committee Against Torture, which can be used to support claims for subsidiary protection. The project was undertaken in cooperation with the RLS Cork. It is available for download at:www.ucc.ie/en/ccjhr/migrationlawclinic/

E-Bulletin May 2007

Contents

Policy and Legislative Updates

Irish Developments

EU/International Developments

2. Upcoming Funding/ Awards

3. Events and Initiatives

4. Job Vacancies/Calls for Tender

5. Recent Publications and Resources