Join a range of civil society, non-government organisations and community groups to reflect on current threats to democracy and equality and discuss strategies to move on.
On Sept 11 2024 10am-4.30pm a deliberative event will be take place in Maynooth University and offer space to enable exploration and sharing of actions, analysis and strategies with a view to affirming solidarity, equality, democracy and civil society. It takes place in the new Technology Society and Innovation building (2.10), in Maynooth’s North Campus, there is free car parking , disability access, ISL and a range of refreshments throughout the day. Join a range of civil society, non-government organisations and community groups to reflect on current pressures in civil society, democracy and equality and discuss strategies to move on.
Over the past decade, since austerity and particularly over the last years many in civil society are experiencing a pressured civil space in their work for equality and social cohesion. Post the 2024 referendum and local and European elections Maynooth University are working with civil society to provide a facilitated space to discuss current realities in and pressures or tensions to civil society, the challenges people are experiencing and the strategies that can enable civil society most effectively.
We recognise experiences are different for different groups / organisations/ communities – there are internal as well as external tensions in peoples work, and different experiences and analysis frames different expectations. People also work in local, national and international contexts. However there is common ground in the realities people are experiencing and in how people could benefit from the opportunity to analyse the situation, to explore the challenges, hear from each other about resilient actions on the ground, reflect on experiences and discuss responses and strategies.
Internal pressures include frantic busyness, low morale, fragmentation and working in silos. Some of the external pressures or experiences include working with new forms of social media, issues of state regulation and power from above, new forms of organising, delegitimating and weaponisation of civil society, targeting of LGBTQI +, race and women’s equality, and a more violent society.
Venue TSI 2.10, Maynooth North Campus, free car parking , disability access.
- Coffee and Registration 9.30am: Conference 10am – 4.35pm
- Facilitated by Burren Art College
- ISL interpretation will be provided
- A contribution to travel and care cost can be provided on request, please email mussi@mu.ie
- A light vegetarian/vegan lunch and teas/coffees are provided.
- Free Wifi.
- Please note the registration system is not ‘first come first served’ but seeks to ensure delegates are representative across groups. We will use positive action to enable wide representation across different groups in a context where numbers are limited.
- Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and creating a safe and welcoming environment is an organisational priority for this conference and underpins the planning and co-ordination of the event.
Registration is free here.
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