A vital new resource and campaign designed to equip individuals and communities to identify, challenge and respond to racism was launched on Friday last at the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC) in County Kerry.
The Integration, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Resource is designed to support communities, organisations and individuals across the region with practical, actionable guidance to promote inclusion and positively challenge racism in all its forms. The launch is part of a campaign ‘Championing Inclusion: Building a Stronger Ireland Together’. The aim is to show that Ireland’s true strength lies in empowering communities to value inclusivity, unity, and diversity.
This important new campaign and resource supports anti-racism efforts in communities by clearly defining key concepts relating to racism – such as anti-racism, microaggressions, and safe spaces, using simple language and illustrative examples. Through scenario-based guidance and a traffic light system to indicate the level of risk, this resource helps users navigate safely through sensitive experiences. Going forward, communities, organisations and individuals can feel better equipped to respond effectively to racism in everyday situations.
The resource was developed collaboratively by the Children and Young People Services Committees (CYPSC) of both Cork and Kerry, in partnership with Kerry Community Integration Forum, Cork and Kerry Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT), Cork Migrant Centre, the Cork Migrant Centre Youth Initiative, Nano Nagle Place, Cork City and County LAITs, and Tusla, funded through the Department of Children, Disability and Equality under the National Action Plan Against Racism, known to many of us as NAPAR.
BEING ‘VALUED, UNDERSTOOD AND SUPPORTED’
Welcoming the resource, Claire O’Toole, Coordinator, Kerry Children and Young People Services Committee, said we all have a role to play ‘in shaping an inclusive future’.
“This initiative reflects the collective efforts of many of our organisations across Cork and Kerry together with those with lived experience of racism, as well as youth and practitioner focus groups to create inclusive and safe shared spaces for everyone. Through knowledge and collective action, we all have a role in shaping an inclusive future where all feel valued, understood, and supported. This resource and campaign will help guide that change.”
