National - Event Notice
Thursday January 01 1970

Activist Fleadh

national | miscellaneous | event notice

Saturday July 17, 2010 00:11

by Laurence Cox

Summer school for radicals in all ages in Kilbarrack

Kilbarrack CDP is hosting a summer school for radicals of all ages on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th August.

Summer school flyer front

Activist Fleadh:
Kilbarrack CDP is hosting a summer school for radicals of all ages
August 14th and 15th, 2010

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!" – WH Murray

Introduction

In recent months there has been much discussion about alternative options to deal with the current economic crisis. This is because we are being drip-fed a story which tells us all to accept the "reality" of the situation we face. This is ironically "inclusive" and suggests that it is possible to manage the crisis, but only if we work together. What many now realise is that the current government is prepared to put Irish society itself into crisis to "fix" an economic one of its own making.

So what can we do?

It is not about getting further expert advice. It's about learning to re-engage with the society we live in on all sorts of levels. It's about expressing our anger in constructive and obstructive ways to affect change and act in solidarity with the struggles of people in our communities and around the world – to put the values of social justice and equality back on the agenda.

So what do we do?

We are organising an Activist Fleadh this summer to bring together activists and non-activists who want to learn how to find new ways to challenge the crisis we are facing. We talk, we listen, we learn, we respect, we support, we create – we "speak out" and we ACT. We begin, not only for ourselves but with and for others.

though we live in a world that dreams of ending
that always seems about to give in
something that will not acknowledge conclusion
insists that we forever begin.
- Brendan Kennelly

When and where?

The Activist Fleadh is on the weekend of the 14th – 15th of August in Kilbarrack Community Development Project. It is cost-free as everyone is volunteering – their time, their expertise, their ideas and experiences. The venue is fully accessible with childcare and materials provided. All you need to do is get in contact and fill out a registration form!

How are we going to do it?

We will set the scene with a small number of inspirational talks and these will be followed by work-camps on the themes outlined below which will link a variety of issues. These will be guided by motivators using creative and participative methods giving all of us the opportunity to explore and express our views. The second round of work-camps will offer opportunities to use creative methods and media to develop statements; plan actions; write plays and short sketches; tell and record stories; use radio, film, video and photography; create art, installations and banners; perform music and write new lyrics to old songs; support each other through home-cooked food; create a beautiful and inspiring space and a community for a weekend.

There will also be open spaces to be used for all sorts of activities such as "open mike", watching videos, playing or listening to music, using the on-site internet café.

The themes of the Fleadh

- Social inequality, inclusion and justice
- Fighting the cutbacks
- Sustainability and global justice
- Radical change and transformation
- Supporting the warrior leader in ourselves and others

What do we hope to achieve? A call to action!

- find new ways to resist and protest that are inspiring and supportive; that channel anger to create rather than destroy; that are fun rather than filled with despair; that build communities and solidarity.
- reclaim our capacities (politically, socially, culturally and economically) to influence the society we live in so that it is truly democratic and socially just.
- show respect for our different experiences.
- re-learn how to support ourselves and each other.
- create new leaders in all of us.
- explore our own alternative options. There is not just one way!

Come join us!

We have lots of different kinds of spaces, and are particularly keen to encourage a very wide range of groups, social activists and those who want to fight back across all age groups and experiences to participate. All are welcome: young and old, community activists and educators, people with ideas and people searching for ideas, artists and performers, social movement organisers and political activists.

For further details (including a more detailed programme) and a registration form please contact Cathleen O'Neill or Kim Cromwell at Kilbarrack Community Development Project by telephone (01 848 3619) or email cathleen@kilbarrackcdp.com

Fleadh venue: Kilbarrack Community Development Project, c/o St Benedict's Resource Centre, Swan's Nest Road, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5.
Just a one minute walk from Kilbarrack DART station or just past Kilbarrack Shopping Centre on the 29a bus.