Last opportunity to apply for American trip

Saturday 16 September 2006

Saturday 23 September 2006

various

Richmond- Virginia

Free

Event

Northern Ireland has seen more peace, stability and progress than was ever imaginable 10 years ago. Getting this far has involved many painful decisions. However, there is still a lot more work to be done and over the coming years crucial decisions will have to be taken on the economy, health, schools, and local government. Any decisions taken must be on the basis of fairness, equality and mutual respect for the both main traditions that live here. If Northern Ireland is to genuinely heal from its past and move forward socially and economically then moves towards a more de-segregated and inclusive society across all sectors must be encouraged by those in leadership positions.

Concordia, the social partnership body for NI, is organising and funding a study tour to the United States to examine best practice in the area of ‘reconciliation.’ The destination is Richmond, Virginia, which is a city coming to terms with its history of deep rooted racial, ethnic and religious divisions.

In particular, the study-tour will examine how Richmond has addressed its inner city challenges in terms of educational and housing provision and environmental practices. It will also include participation in a weekly review of Richmond’s policing performance, and a session with Dr Donald Shiver - the renowned author and ethicist.

We are now inviting applications from individuals whose paid or voluntary work relates to the work of reconciliation and the Shared Future agenda. Concordia will provide full funding for successful applicants from within its four composite sectors (Agriculture, Community and Voluntary, Business and Trade Union). However Concordia also welcomes applications from statutory sector representatives who are in a position to meet their own costs. Successful applicants must be prepared to disseminate widely the results of their learning from this tour in line with the ethos and objectives of the ‘Partnership for Progress’ initiative.

We welcome, in particular, applications from those holding senior positions in relevant organisations, and individuals at an earlier stage in their career with the potential to hold such positions in the future. However, eligibility is not restricted to such individuals. Above all, we want to select a group which will ensure collectively that this tour is of real long-term value in taking the work of reconciliation and the Shared Future agenda forward in Northern Ireland.

The dates for the week-long study tour are 16 to 23 September 2006 inclusive.

Download the full Programme and Application Form

The deadline is very tight, so please email your completed application to john.currie@countrysideservices.com by Friday 18 August 2006