Defending and Affirming Equality, Civil Society and the Public Sphere

Over the past decade,  since austerity and particularly over the last years many in civil society are experiencing a pressured civil space in their  work for equality and social cohesion.  Post the 2024 referendum and local and European elections Maynooth University are working with civil society to provide a  facilitated space to discuss current realities in and  pressures or tensions to civil society.

Maynooth University recognises experiences are different for different groups / organisations/ communities – and that there are internal as well as external tensions in peoples work, and  different experiences and analysis that frames different expectations.  People also work in local, national and international contexts. However there is common ground in the realities people are experiencing and in how  people could benefit from the opportunity to analyse the situation, to explore the challenges,  hear from each other about resilient actions on the ground,  reflect on experiences and discuss responses and strategies.

Internal pressures include fragmentation or working in silos.  Some of the external pressures  or experiences include working with new forms of social media, issues of state regulation and power from above, new forms of organising,  delegitimating and weaponisation of civil society,  targeting of   LGBTQI +,   race and  women’s equality,  and a more violent society.

On Sept 11 2024 10am-4.30pm a deliberative event will be take place in Maynooth University and offer space will enable exploration and sharing   of  actions, analysis and strategies with a view to defending and affirming equality, democracy and civil society.

Venue TSI 2.10, Maynooth North Campus, free car parking , disability access.

• 11 Sept     Coffee and Registration 9.30am:  Conference 10am - 4.35pm
• Facilitated by Burren Art College
• ISL interpretation will be provided
• A contribution to travel and care cost can be provided on request, please email mussi@mu.ie
• A light vegetarian/vegan lunch and teas/coffees are provided.
• Wifi.
• Please note the  registration system is not  ‘first come first served’ but seeks to ensure delegates are representative across  groups. We will use positive action to enable wide representation across different groups in a context where numbers are limited.
• Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and creating a safe and welcoming environment is an organisational priority for this conference and underpins the planning and co-ordination of the event.

Registration is free here.