Social Inclusion Unit
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Event Management Company required for dlr Fusion, Dún Laoghaire 28th & 29th July 2012
Closing Date: 21st March 12noon - Closed
The launch of the County of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown's Integration Strategy and Action Plan took place on Thursday, 19th January, at 11am, in County Hall.
Our guest speaker was Mr Fidèle Mutwarasibo, Integration Manager, Immigrant Council of Ireland and the Strategy and Action Plan was launched by An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. John Bailey.
An exhibition was set up in the Concourse. The exhibitors included: UNHCR, UNICEF, Margaret Browne (MFL photo) and Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders.
For more information about the exhibition please click here.
For more information about the dlr integration strategy, please visit www.dlrintegration.ie.
or to view the Strategy click below.
The Future is Ours Integration Strategy and Action Plan 2012-2015
The Future is Ours, Integration Strategy and Action Plan 2012-2015 - Actions
Is Linne an Todhchaí, Straitéis agus Plean Gníomhaíochta 2012-2015
THE FUTURE IS OURS:
The County of
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s Integration Strategy
and Action Plan 2012-2015
Background:
Funding was obtained in 2011, by the dlr Council’s Social Inclusion Office, from the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration to develop an Integration Strategy and Action Plan for the County of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
A Steering Committee and Working Group, drawn from statutory, voluntary/ NGO and community-based groups and organisations, was established to take the work forward and Dr. Wendy Cox compiled and edited the report.
This new Strategy builds upon the achievements of the DLR Anti-Racism and Diversity Plan 2007 – 2010. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the policies and practice of all service-providing organisations are as inclusive as possible.
The Launch:
THE FUTURE IS OURS: The County of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s Integration Strategy and Action Plan 2012-2015 will be launched on Thursday, 19th January, at 11am in the Concourse, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire.
An exhibition will be set up in the Concourse from the 15th January, the exhibitors including: UNHCR, UNICEF, Margaret Browne (MFL photo) and Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders. Some of the organisations involved in the development of the strategy (28 in total) will also have stands outside the concourse.
Information about the Exhibitors:
Margaret Brown’s exhibition -
We Are…
A key ingredient in the role of identity is the passport image. Photographic identities are a form of control, but they are also seen as a sign of belonging, acceptance and empowerment. For some, status can be fragile, with expiry dates constantly looming.
The use of simple words illustrates how language can constitute social reality and affect people’s lives. This work plays on the use of the passport image to inter-pellate the visible and invisible identities of people who were born abroad, but are now living in Ireland.
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF):
is a Nobel Prize-winning humanitarian aid agency. Working in more than 60 countries, MSF teams provide medical care to people caught up in crises around the world, irrespective of race, religion or politics.
MSF opened its office in Ireland in 2006 and to date, Irish volunteers - including doctors, nurses, logisticians, pharmacists, water and sanitation engineers, finance specialists - have departed on more than 100 missions, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
The photos included in this exhibition illustrate our emergency crisis interventions in Haiti, Libya, Kenya and Japan last year, as well as our ongoing programmes in India and Central African Republic.
To find out more about our work, and how you can help, visit www.msf.ie or call 01 660 3337
UNICEF Ireland:
UNICEF Ireland and Dublin City Council Integration Unit collaborated on a project called ‘Suitcase Stories’ for refugee children living in Ireland to tell their stories.
The concept for the Project was based on a similar exploration undertaken with a group of Refugee Children to South Africa. In Ireland, the project expanded beyond only children from refugee backgrounds to incorporate children from a diversity of migrant contexts.
In total, 16 children and their families took part in the Project, representing migrant backgrounds from 6 countries – Slovakia; Cameroon; Eritrea; South Africa; Somalia and Nigeria.
UNHCR: 60 Years – Stories of Survival and Safe Haven has been developed by The UN High Commissioner for Refugees - Office in Ireland.
The exhibition includes portraits of 11 refugees who came to Ireland over the past 60 years since the signing of the UN Convention relating to refugees in 1951. Stories of Survival and Safe Haven brings to life Ireland’s little known but proud tradition in past decades, of providing a safe haven to those in need of international protection from persecution, terror, fear and conflict and of providing a place where the forcibly displaced can live freely in safety and dignity as they re-establish their place in the world. Faced with an uncertain future, the people depicted in this exhibition, and their families, summoned enormous courage to survive and to rebuild their shattered lives. They are survivors, each one with a remarkable story that tells of resilience in the face of great loss.
- Integration Fund 2011
- New Programme to Promote Civic Participation of Third Country Nationals
- 2010: the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
- DLR ethnic minority integration forum, 2010
- Design & dissemination of An Garda Síochána’s Getwise Manual, 2010
- Discovery Gospel Choir at Social Inclusion Week
- Multi-Cultural Young People Awards
- 2010 Photograph Competition
- Website Translation Project 2010
- Festival of World Cultures Expressions of Compassion at the Faith Space
- World Refugee Day
- Moving Forward Together
- Social Inclusion Week 2009
- Voter Workshop for People with Intellectual Disability
- Voter Mobilisation Campaign
- Show Racism the Red Card
- Information Fair for people with Disabilities
- Aperture Photograph Competition
- Profile of Vulnerable Groups
Integration Fund 2011
The Office of the Minister for Integration has allocated funding to the Social Inclusion Unit of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council under the Integration Fund. This funding will be made available, by way of small grants, to groups to carry out activities and projects designed primarily to promote the participation and integration of legally resident immigrants into community life.
Integration Fund 2011 (pdf - 406kb)
New Programme to Promote Civic Participation of Third Country Nationals - 28 Jan 2011
New Communities Partnership launches new programme to promote civic participation of third county nationals. Dublin has become increasingly diverse and multicultural as new immigrants arrive and contribute to its growth a in variety of ways. As key actors in supporting immigrants to integrate into new societies, the four Dublin local authorities have come together to facilitate the local integration of new communities.
Led by New Communities Partnership & Dublin Employment Pact, the Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council will deliver a series of project actions and activities over the next three years aimed at supporting Third Country Nationals to become fully productive citizens of the society in which they live while charting the pathway towards upward progression for their families and future generations.
Specifically, the project will achieve the following elements
- Support Local Authorities in connecting, dialoguing and engaging with new communities in consultation, planning, design and implementation of their integration, anti-racism, diversity, equality and social cohesion strategies
- Promote greater understanding among new communities of the history, norms and values of the Irish society which in turn fosters a sense of belonging and shared citizenship
- Promote active engagement of new communities with all aspects of Irish social, political and cultural life thereby reducing the social exclusion experienced among new communities
- Develop mechanisms for third country national's (TCN) representation and participation in local authority policy and planning structures to enhance the understanding among TCN leaders of the policy making process.
- Develop models of mediation through the training of Intercultural Mediators to address minor conflicts and disagreements among local communities
- Deliver workplace opportunities through internship programmes to ensure increased productivity and a robust economy through an expanded base of workers, consumers, taxpayers and entrepreneurs.
For further information contact Project Co-ordinator Dominika Topolska email dominika@newcommunities.ie Tel 01 6713639
2010: the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
The 2010 Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, aims to make ‘a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty’. The European Union is one of the richest areas in the world, but still 17% of EU citizens have such limited resources that they cannot afford the basics.
Poverty is often associated with developing countries, where a lack of food and clean water can often be a daily challenge. Europe is also affected by poverty and social exclusion. It may not be as severe, but is nonetheless unacceptable. Poverty and exclusion of one individual amounts to the poverty of society as a whole. Europe can only be strong if each individual’s potential is realised.
There is no miracle solution to put an end to poverty and social exclusion. However, it is now time to renew our commitment to solidarity, social justice and greater inclusion.
DLR ethnic minority integration forum, 2010
The dlr Social Inclusion Unit, in partnership with The New Communities Partnership (NCP) and supported by Southside Partnership established an integration forum in the County.
NCP initiatives have primary focus of addressing inequalities and facilitating participation and integration of new communities living in the county.
This project brings together New Communities’ leaders and local authorities and other agencies and can be used a platform for discussions on social inclusion and involvement of all stakeholders in integration. It was launched on 19th October 2010 by Minister Mary White, TD.
Design & dissemination of An Garda Síochána’s Getwise Manual, 2010
In December 2009 the Office of the Minister for Integration gave approval for three projects to be undertaken by the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Social Inclusion Unit. One of these projects was the development of An Garda Síochána’s Getwise Training Manual.
The development of An Garda Síochána’s Getwise Training Manual is an action within the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Board’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Plan (2007-2010). The Social Inclusion Unit is named as a support partner for this action.
The Getwise programme is a local outreach initiative that aims to improve relationships between An Garda Síochána and the local community.
This project will be launched in January 2011
Discovery Gospel Choir at Social Inclusion Week
Social Inclusion Week 2010 took place between 16th - 23rd October 2010. Social Inclusion Week is a celebration of the County in which we live. It is an opportunity for groups and organisations to showcase the excellent work undertaken and how quality of life for all residents of the County is improved.
Please visit www.dlrcdb.ie/siu_week_2010.htm - a dedicated page to the 2010 SI Week
Social Inclusion Week will take place from 8th - 14th October 2011
Multi-Cultural Young People Awards (MYPA)
Closing Date: 1 October 2010
Aim of MYPA award
To recognise the hard work of young people whose dedication is making strides in integration and cultural awareness initiatives. This initiatives benefits both newer and more established communities in Irish society via active participation, planning, implementation, evaluation, & continuation etc
For more information , visit: Multicultural Young People Awards Entry Form or
Contact : Yemi Ojo or Beauty: 086-4023953 or 085-7782857;
Email: iaciyouth@gmail.com
Supported by the dlr Social Inclusion Unit
2010 Photograph Competition
The Social Inclusion Unit and DLR Volunteer Centre ran a photo competition to celebrate the European Year of the Volunteer (2011). The photographs were displayed during Social Inclusion Week 2010 and the winning photos will appear in the 2011 Social Inclusion Calendar..
Visit: DLR Photograph Competition (PDF - 97.18kb) for more information.
Website Translation Project 2010
In an innovative project aimed at helping newly arrived people from overseas settle in the County, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Social Inclusion Unit, funded by the Minister for Integration, has launched an initiative where local service providers and small businesses can apply for a grant which will contribute 75% of the cost of translating their websites into the 5 most frequently used foreign languages in the County. The languages shall include French, Spanish and Polish, as well as Russian and Chinese.
For the 18,000 foreign nationals living in the County, this project will make it easier for them to access a wide range of public services and products which are a feature of everyday life.
The project is part of a wide-ranging anti-racism and diversity strategy (www.dlrard.ie), which is currently being implemented by the Council’s Social Inclusion Unit and its partners in an effort to promote integration.
The translation service will be delivered and made available through the DLR County Enterprise Board and interested organizations’ and small businesses should contact them at info@dlrceb.ie or 4948400 for detailed information.
Festival of World Cultures Expressions of Compassion at the Faith Space - 23-25 July 2010
Over the weekend Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th July 2010, the dlr Festival of World Cultures hosted an open FAITH SPACE for people and groups to communicate and share their practices and creative expressions about the value of 'Compassion'. This project is part-funded by the dlr Social Inclusion Unit.
This year's Festival marks its 10th anniversary, and in honour of this important celebratory event the Festival sought to deepen its ethos of building communities through nurturing respect for diversity. The Festival values the accumulated wisdom that communities of all faiths hold. As well as contributing to the global effort of respect, peace and unity, such wisdom, when shared, support people to participate more fully in contemporary life in Ireland.
This year's theme was FAITH and the Festival is proud for its 10th anniversary to affirm the international CHARTER FOR COMPASSION www.charterforcompassion.org
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day 2010 was celebrated on 21 June,
The evening was filled with music, dancing and song by the DúnLaoghaire Refugee Project and the Congolese Anti-Poverty Network and also saw the launch of ‘Opened Doors: Transition to the Future’. This report, launched by Barry Andrews, TD, documents the challenges and difficulties faced by former separated children seeking asylum and those who turned 18 who have been granted refugee or leave to remain status in Ireland.
This celebration was underpinned by an exhibition of both an informational and artistic nature including displays of indigenous crafts and artwork, and projects undertaken by young asylum seekers and local groups working to support them.
See a copy of the report at:
Opened Doors Report - June 2010 (PDF - 1.02MB)
Moving Forward Together: An Anti-Racism and Diversity (ARD) Plan for the County of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown 2007 – 2010
This action was included in the County Development Board’s “Strategic Action Implementation Plan 2006 – 2008”, with County Council’s Community & Enterprise Department being the lead agency.
Following a service mapping exercise and consultation with minority ethnic groups the plan was launched in August 2007. The purpose of the local ARD Plan is to promote a more inclusive and inter-cultural society by improving access to services and developing and enhancing participation by ethnic minorities in the social, economic, cultural, and community life in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, and further afield.
Visit: www.dlrard.ie for more information
Social Inclusion Week 2009
Social Inclusion Week 2009 was a tremendous success. There were over 60 different organisations and community groups highlighting the great work that they are doing to eliminate disadvantage and improve the quality of life for all residents of the county
Voter Workshop for People with Intellectual Disability, May 2009
The Social Inclusion Unit, in partnership with Carmona Services, St John of God's, ran a Voter Participation Session on Friday 8th May. This workshop, held in County Hall, worked with people with intellectual disability encouraging them to participate in the Local Elections in June 2009.
Voter Mobilisation Campaign, March 2009
Funded by Office of Minister for Integration
Register of Electors Information
The purpose of this campaign was to mobilise migrant voters to register and vote in the Local and European (where eligible) elections in June 2009.
This campaign had three strands: Production of Educational Booklet; Advertising Campaign and Voter Participation Mock Sessions.
This campaign was underpinned by the local ARD plan and succeeded in enhancing participation by legally resident non-Irish and non-English people living in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown.
This campaign was also an educational tool for the traditional residents of the County. Residents were informed through the wide distribution of information that non-Irish and non-English residents were entitled to participate in society through Local Elections and should be encouraged to do so.
Show Racism the Red Card - March 2009
Funded by Office of Minister for Integration
The purpose of this campaign was to promote the integration of ethnic minorities into the community by developing programmes and promoting anti-racism education. This was through education packs, outreach to schools and outreach to youth services.
Information Fair for people with Disabilities - February 2009
An Information fair for people with disabilities, their families, guardians, carers and friends was organised by The Social Inclusion unit and Southside Partnership and supported by the Community & Voluntary Forum, RAPID, The Sports Partnership, DLRCC and the Community Platform.
This event was organised as part of the County Development Board Action 'Promote training and support for communities, groups and agencies in disability awareness’.
The Council's new Accessibility Implementation Plan was launched in February 2009. Prepared by the Disability Consultation Group (of which the Social Inclusion Officer is Secretary) the plan was launch by An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Tom Joyce. This plan sets out Council objectives to improve services and the build environment, to better meet the needs of those with a disability in the County.
Aperture Photograph Competition - 2008
The Social Inclusion Unit, with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s Library Service, coordinated the Aperture Photograph Competition. This competition asked people to take photographs in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, of anything that represent social inclusion and diversity.
This could mean capturing people going about their daily business - images of the 'every day' which, demonstrates how social inclusion is alive and well within the local community. Or this could mean challenging the notion of inclusion, and using a photograph to question how inclusive a society we really are.
As 2008 was the EU Year for Intercultural Dialogue, a special prize was on offer for the photograph which best captures a good example of 'intercultural dialogue'.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dlrlibraries/sets/72157609257690184/
Profile of Vulnerable Groups - 2006
A profile of Vulnerable Groups was commissioned by the Social Inclusion Unit to improve the understanding of groups experiencing or at risk of social exclusion in the County.
This was done using a hybrid of Census data; administrative data and spatial data.
This profile was of significant value to the local authority, and other service providers, by enhancing their understanding of their customer base and helping them deliver a quality customer service to members of vulnerable groups.
Enlisting Assistance regarding Census of Population
General Information
Find Out More about Census 2011 - Assistance in filling in Census Form
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