Grass Roots Gathering in Cork

cork | anti-capitalism | news report Saturday October 11, 2008 17:02 by Elinor

The next Grass Roots Gathering will take place in Cork on the weekend of the 14th, 15th and 16th of November.

This Gathering will have the twin themes of Inclusion and Community Building - Surviving the ' Recession' . During the early planning stages we spent some time thinking about who comes to these gatherings and how we could encourage and enable more diverse participation, especially for people who have found it difficult to attend previous gatherings. To facilitate this we are holding the event in city center venues with full accessibility, making it child, parent, teenager and elder friendly and asking as many groups and communities as possible what we need to do to make them feel welcome ( Basically trying to let go of thinking that we have all the answers and doing a bit more listening ! ) If you are planning on attending we hope you will try stepping outside your comfort zone and invite or enable a friend you may not have approached due to shyness or stereotyping to join you.

Workshops, activities and events being planned so far include : The present legal situation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans gender people, Travelers and settled people working together, Telling stories, sharing experience looking at exclusion. Housing coops, food security, tackeling racism in times of unemployment, reproductive rights, women's right to choose, conflict resolution, social centers, recent experience, L.E.T.S. , reclaiming our natural resources, energy security,

+ Film showings, crimes of the built environment, swap shop, creative corner, activist well being, art activism, welcoming area for people dropping by and the shy among us, and displays by various community groups and campaigns. Also expect some surprises we want to keep people awake at this gathering !

On Saturday night there will be a traditional Cork cabaret. We are inviting some classic local acts but leaving plenty of time free to show case your talents so come prepared ! music , dance , poetry , interventions , comedy ,readings , circus or whatever you fancy all welcome.

Emails to follow shortly, more details, venues and directions will be posted as confirmed. See you there.