Final Steps Organising for the Future

1. Final StepsOrganising for the Future

2. Why Are We Here?! • Might seem like a strange question, but if we know why we are here then it will be much easier to plan where we want to be in the future!

3. We are here because….(some suggestions)… • We see imbalances of power. • We see power being held by a minority to the detriment of the majority. • We see services being provided on a shoe-string budget (which are a life-line to those who use them). • We see long-term sustainable work being carried out and we know that this work is never acknowledged or given the credence it deserves, because it is “unquantifiable”. • In this “evidence-based” and “outcomes” driven world, we see that the work that has the most positive impact on people’s lives, the building of and sustaining of relationships and communities, is being slashed, cut and trampled on in favour of short-term, reactive, short-sighted “outcome-based”, “quantifiable” services. • We see budgets being prioritised over people. • We see people being treated as numbers, not people. • We see fear; in communities, in workers, in being “the next to go”. • We see oppression. • We see managerialism. • We see bureaucracy. • We see an increasing void between “social work” and service users. We see a “social work” that is being used as a scapegoat. • We see a “social work” that cannot currently do “social work”.

4. So, Where to From Here? • The development of regional groups around the country. • The development of an All-Ireland steering committee (drawing on representatives from every regional group in the country). • The development of a Social Work Action Network Ireland manifesto for Social Justice.

5. Aims and Objectives for 2013-2014 • Some suggestions: • Discussion and debate of manifesto in all local/regional groups with view to debate and voting at next year’s conference. • Development of strong local/regional groups who meet regularly. • Regular discussion between local groups and all-Ireland steering committee. • Support for local/regional groups given as needed form other local/regional groups. • Discussion and debate of “why we are here”. • Discussion and debate of “guiding principles”.

6. Guiding Principles • Some suggestions: • A commitment to ensuring that all groups and meetings are truly democratic and equal – everyone has a voice, everyone has a valid contribution. • A commitment to social justice • A commitment to challenging oppression, racism, discrimination, sexism, ableism, etc. • A commitment to fight for positive change and to understand that this can manifest itself in different forms – e.g. through unions, professional organisations, universities, advocacy groups, individual actions, informal groups, online and through direct action. • An understanding that all of the above forms are valid and that people can choose to engage in all of theses forms or just some of these forms, according to their own unique circumstances. • A commitment to inclusivity (as opposed to creating an “us” and “them” situation). This commitment will help to ensure that a strong commitment to solidarity is built upon. • Courage, strength, anger , hope and defiance

7. Open Discussion WHAT DO YOU THINK?