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26 June 2006

The Community Relations Council wishes to invite grant aid applications for research that is focused on promoting innovative peace-building practice and learning trans-nationally. Research projects funded under Measure 2.1 will present a number of policy recommendations and/or guidelines which may address aspects of community relations practice and policy requiring further development.

Community Relations Council

“TOWARDS A SOCIETY FREE FROM SECTARIANISM”

Peace II Extension Programme

Measure 2.1 – Reconciliation for Sustainable Peace

(Research Funding)

The Community Relations Council wishes to invite grant aid applications for research that is focused on promoting innovative peace-building practice and learning trans-nationally.  Research projects funded under Measure 2.1 will present a number of policy recommendations and/or guidelines which may address aspects of community relations practice and policy requiring further development. 

Specifically we are interested in an examination of:

• The Impact and Role of Sectarianism in Everyday Life; the Dynamics and Structure of Segregation: Sectarianism and segregation are well-worn descriptive terms for divisions along ethno-political and religious lines in Northern Ireland.  At the same time, pinpointing sectarianism in practice remains elusive and controversial.  CRC invites proposals which would examine the phenomenon of sectarianism in ethnographic terms, identifying in detail the extent to which division governs everyday behaviour, choices about friends and residence and critical life choices.  In particular, CRC is interested in identifying how many small, often mundane choices add up to a pattern of polarization and even enmity.   The research could also pinpoint possible avenues for reducing tension and generating confidence in the possibility of a shared future. 
• Rules, Rights and Codes of Conduct for a Diverse Society – Protecting Minority Participation: Northern Ireland is emerging from division to diversity.  Diversity requires that each person and many cultures are able to participate in public life and to make their own unique contribution.  A failure to identify and clarify the principles through which this takes place can lead to serious inter-communal breakdown and a series of struggles which escalate into violence.  This has a serious impact on the whole society and, in particular on those in minorities.  CRC invites proposals which take the key concepts of modern western life – such as civic equality, tolerance, human rights – and examines their application in a society which has long experience of inter-communal rivalry and is now becoming increasingly diverse so as to ensure the protection of minorities, safety for all and freedom of expression.
• Practically Implementing A Shared Future:  As Northern Ireland moves towards peace, CRC invites proposals which examine the dilemmas of segregation and the implications for public policy of trying to promote freedom of movement, safety and security, shared space/opening space/safe space.  The A Shared Future (ASF) policy presents opportunities for wide-ranging changes across NI society.  In light of other structural changes such as the Review of Public Administration, what policies can be developed to promote the practical implementation of ASF principles – particularly in local government, housing, education and planning?
• Giving Voice to New Voices – Minority Ethnic Representation in Northern Ireland: As diversity increases, more and more people of different ethnic and national backgrounds are arriving in Ireland.  In a political system which depends on majority votes and a party structure which reflects older and larger divisions, people from  minority ethnic groups run the risk of being ignored or failing to get their voice heard.  CRC invites proposals which address the issue of the experience and representation of ethnic minorities in public life in all of its dimensions:   public policy and participation, inclusion and capacity building; service provision; “mainstreaming” diversity; advocacy; political representation.

Applicants to this Measure will have to clearly demonstrate how the proposed research would:

• Address the legacy of the conflict (i.e. help to create a normal and peaceful society by addressing specific problems caused by 'The Troubles'); and/or
• Take opportunities arising from peace (i.e. focus on opportunities which are now possible as a result of peace).

Application forms and guidance notes will be available from Monday, 26 June 2006 and the Measure will remain open until 12:00 noon on Friday, 4 August 2006.  The application and guidance notes will be available from Monday, 26 June 2006.  The application requires the completion of an online Part A which is available at www.eugrants.org.  The Part B and Guidance Notes will be available in hard copy by contacting Eileen Deacon on 028 90 227500 or at edeacon@nicrc.org.uk.  Alternatively you can write to the European Programme, Community Relations Council, Glendinning House, 6 Murray Street, Belfast, BT1 6DN.

Or to access the information in the European Section - click here

All applications will be assessed on merit against standard criteria.

All applicants should note that given the limited budget available, CRC may not be able to fund all or part of applications received.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.