Is Feidir Linn
The NWCI, Pavee Point, the Community Workers Co-operative, One Parent Exchange Network (OPEN), The Irish Refugee Council and The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland joined forces in 2008 to commission a piece of research on the current context regarding funding for the community sector in Ireland. The Paper 'Community Sector Funding' was prepared by Brian Harvey and provided a historical perspective with regard to funding for community activity in Ireland. It presented a description of the policy background relating funding to the prevailing context and sets out current funding strategies and trends. It made recommendations to create a funding context that allows an equal relationship between the community sector and funders, creating a more favourable régime to promote equality and social inclusion.
The paper was launched at the 'Funding and the Strings Attached' national conference where strong calls were made for independent community sector spaces for reflection and debate on the relationship between the state and the community sector. Arising from these calls, a new group of interested individuals and organisations including the NWCI was established. 'Is Feidir Linn' is an ad hoc grouping of individuals with a commitment to or involvement in community development, social inclusion, anti-poverty and equality issues. Is Feidir Linn seeks to be part of a sustained movement committed to bringing about a better society. Is Feidir Linn believes that there is an urgent need for an alternative political, economic and social model of development with a capacity to create a more equal Ireland and that in more equal societies everybody does better. 'Is Feidir Linn' has begun meeting regularly and is currently in the process of producing a core set of policy goals and objectives.
For further information see: www.isfeidirlinn.org.