Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - News

04 February 2010

The Northern Ireland Community Relations Council would like to invite a representative(s) from your organisation to attend a workshop – “Paramilitaries: Where are they now?”

Thursday 25^th February 2010 at the Community Relations Council, 8 The Linen Green Centre, Moygashel, Co.Tyrone, BT71 7BH from 10.00am – 1.00pm
Facilitator: Derek Poole (Director of LINC – Local Initiative for Needy Communities)
Light Refreshments will be provided

Since the Good Friday agreement Northern Ireland has been struggling to address the hurt of the past while building a peaceful future. This has been an enormous task for both political and community leadership yet we are still a long way from the aspiration of a shared and inclusive society.

Beneath the radar of the big political picture another struggle has been taking place in communities who were once central to our conflict. Communities, broadly defined as Loyalist and Republican, are now seeking to relocate themselves in a new social and political dispensation. In many of these communities the sense of place and purpose that was self-evident during the “troubles” has now been eroded by a crisis in identity and the ideological certainties of “war” have been diluted by the pragmatism of political expediency.

So what now? What is the future for Loyalist and Republican grassroots communities? How do these communities deal with the past, contribute to the present, integrate into Civic society and maintain a sense of identity and belonging?

Derek Poole is experienced in working in conflict transformation and capacity-building initiatives in North Belfast, throughout Ireland and internationally.

Please confirm your attendance by returning the attached booking form and return it to Roisin Montague at the above address on or before Tuesday 23^rd February 2010. Alternatively email rmontague@nicrc.org.uk