Good Relations

As an organisation devoted to the improvement of the quality of life of women in socially disadvantaged communities, the WRDA has a proven track record in reaching deep into the hearts of working class communities across Northern Ireland. These areas not only suffer multiple deprivations but they also took the full brunt of the Troubles; often they continue to experience a legacy of hardened attitudes and raw memories. These are the estates and townlands where there remains a pervasive distrust and suspicion of ‘the other side’ and where resistance to peace building is inevitable, even understandable.

Against this reality, our organisation has adopted the strategic – and pragmatic – position that peacebuilding does not have to be a stated objective, though in all our work its desirability is fully acknowledged. The WRDA believes that peace building and improved community relations are best achieved not by focusing directly on peace building per se, but rather by enabling traditionally hostile communities to understand, in a non judgemental way, what they share rather than what divides them. Essentially, it’s an approach that acknowledges the need for peace, but sees its realisation arising from communities acquiring a growing awareness of their shared values, their shared problems and the need for political solutions to these problems. Trust, which is the foundation stone of peace, will hopefully follow.

To this end, we have compiled three training courses for participants from socially disadvantaged areas/communities. The courses are supported by detailed resource packs. They can be delivered as a Good Relations Programme consisting of all three courses or each course can be used on a ‘stand alone’ basis. All the courses have been carefully designed to attract cross community involvement.

Course One: Good Relations

Through interesting and stimulating activities, exercises and discussions, participants learn about certain aspects of Northern Ireland society. Issues relating to negative stereotyping, sectarianism and racism are explored. Participants can reflect on the origins and consequences of the deep-seated mistrust between the different groups in Northern Ireland. Myths and fears generated by the arrival in Northern Ireland of migrant workers are challenged and contextualised.(3 sessions)

Course Two: Common Experiences: Shared Solutions

During this course participants are invited to examine ideas about personal and national identity (Britishness and Irishness) and how these identities are formed. An attempt is made to examine the intensity of feelings around identity for which Northern Ireland is famous – or infamous! The focus is then moved away from the old tribal animosities on to the topic of social class. What is social class? How does it affect people’s lives? Finally, participant’s attention is drawn to the many social and economic problems that confront working class communities today. The potential for cross community co-operation to tackle some of these issues/concerns is then explored. (3 sessions)

Course Three: Grassroots Lobbying - A Cross Community Approach

This resource pack explores the social and economic benefits that could be achieved by using democratic and political institutions at a community and cross community level. Awareness is raised with participants of some of the workings of Northern Ireland politics including the Assembly at Stormont and the roles of public representatives like MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) There are exercises and group work activities on how to contact political representatives, how to draw up petitions, how to organise public meetings and even how to contact and use the press. The training stresses the power and effectiveness of group or community lobbying in achieving results. There is also an opportunity for the group to plan and manage a simulated lobbying campaign. (3 sessions).