www.desjaddoo.org.uk
  • Home
  • Mission
  • Press Coverage
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Contact

Community Engagement Update March 2013

31/3/2013

0 Comments

 
It has been a very busy and productive month in terms of Community Engagement.

We have seen the launch of our Youth Forum which is totally Independent and have already identified two young ladies aged 19 & 22 who want to play an active and leading part in encouraging young people to get involved politically and use their collective voice in order to invoke change and representation of their views.

The issue surrounding the treatment of people who are taken into police custody was also on the agenda and this saw The Police & Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands Bob Jones, his Deputy Yvonne Mosquito and an IPCC Commissioner Dr. Derrick Campbell meeting the Community, at a well attended and highly emotive meeting.

Paul Norton from Bob’s Office also did a presentation on Custody Visitors also mentioning Appropriate Adults and Appropriate Adults Mental Health, by the end of the meeting their were clear indications from several members of the audience that they were willing to apply to become Custody Visitors when recruitment commences in the autumn. Anyone interested in applying please call Paul Norton at the West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office 0121 626 6060.

Voter Registration is truly on the Agenda, we have to get ready for Local Elections and indeed European Election in May 2014, with a General Election at some stage in 2015.

Our last clinic was held at Cannon Street Memorial Baptist Church in Handsworth and their cooperation has solidified the Churches commitment to community involvement and ensuring that we deal with the important issue of democracy and the disaffected.

We next have a Free Community Concert on Saturday 6th April 2013 have a look at our events page for more details. http://www.desjaddoo.org.uk/events

Operation Black Vote (OBV) launched the Civic leadership programme at a well attended event at the Council House. Let’s trust this is the beginning of a real commitment towards reflective governance and representation at all parts of society.

UBL launched their Enterprise Night based on the TV Show The Dragon’s Den. This will be developing into a Community event on a regular basis.

I have also had lots of emails of people who have also lost their jobs for one reason or the other. The alarming factor was many were considering self harm as the change in lifestyle has been intolerable as many face poverty. Many are not even being represented by their Trade Union despite being fully paid up members. Injustice is a serious issue and my advice has been very simple, seek independent advice outside of your organisation in order to know what your rights are. You can sometimes find out simply by surfing the internet.


We also saw the Good Friday Walk of Witness March in Handsworth. A great Community Event hosted by the Churches and great appreciation to the Nishkam Centre for provided hot tea and Samosa's at the end of the walk on a cold but refreshing day.

Our City faces some serious issues that are going to affect the lives of the poor and vulnerable of Birmingham and also there will be other falling into this trap. The 20% payment of Council Tax Benefit, Bedroom tax will not only lead to an additional strain on the family, but, ultimately an increase in homelessness. Its time for us all to work together; in order to bring about the change that is needed.

A thought, we vote for individual Politicians, but, once elected they represent their Party, but what about the people, our opinion is the most important of all, as they need us. Is it not time for change.

Demand Accountability and Transparency. To do this we all must register to Vote and importantly Use it. Its Our Voice time to be heard. 

0 Comments

Birmingham Welfare & Hardship Payments 

30/3/2013

0 Comments

 

Since tweeting the Guardian article I have had several comments which the following entry has been sent by email today to Sir Albert Bore Leader of Birmingham City Council.


The news of Asda’s provision of prepaid welfare tokens to be supplied by Birmingham City Council may be considered to be a positive move, however, very restrictive. In a move away from cash and indeed a voucher system, why has the City struck a deal with only one outlet in the Birmingham?

Would it have not have been prudent to have spoken to all major chains and ensure that people are given a choice especially those in hardship may have to pass an alternative supermarket, especially the Neighbourhood ones to get to Asda.

I believe the city must immediately review this and attempt to arrange the follwing:

1. Consultation with Asda, Sainsbury, Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Iceland, Farmfoods, Coop & Heron.

2. Ask the supermarkets collectively to fund the provision of a Universal chargecard sponsored by all of them, as they are benefiting.

3. The Cards are loaded by the City and People then have a choice of where to go including supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, Iceland & Farmfoods which some are indeed on their doorsteps.

I do not know how the City has arrived at this decision to commit £6.1 million potentially to one major supermarket chain, that also sells cigarettes unlike some of the others, however, one must note hardship or not the poor and vulnerable people of Birmingham face enough dehumanisation already and at least they should be given an option of a wider choice of where shop in order to ensure value for money.

I would urge the City’s Leadership to look into this as it is public money and should not be committed to just one outlet hence imposing restriction on when to spend and importantly value for money.

0 Comments

Good Friday

29/3/2013

0 Comments

 
Today is Good Friday. What is it all about? Do our Children understand the significance of Today?

Is it not our responsibility, who are people of faith to educate our children that today, is not just about eating fish, bun & cheese, hot cross buns and chocolates products.

Today reflects upon the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

This principle is key to humanity as he gave his life for progression. Sometimes today in everyday life the principle is the same, as we make sacrifices for progress and indeed in the not too distant past many people in history have made the ultimate sacrifice of their life for the progress of humanity.

We may well reflect upon these sacrifices, but, it’s what we really do with it. Is it the case that we remember annually, or should it be the case that we embrace these sacrifices as a part of our daily lives in order to ensure that we appreciate the legacy in order to build upon it, so that our children have a greater understanding of what days like today are all about? It is our collective responsibility to educate those who lack understanding enabling them to fulfil roles that; otherwise they could not owing to a lack of belief or confidence despite their abilities.

Therefore as we celebrate Easter let’s reflect upon the true meaning of what Easter is all about and embrace some of the important principles, remembering although Christ was crucified, his work continued and his legacy lives on today. Is this not the sign of a long lasting legacy that is built upon daily?

We must ensure that we are also building a legacy of creating a more inclusive, cohesive and equal society for all.

Happy Easter

0 Comments

Always Seek an Alternative Opinion

27/3/2013

0 Comments

 
Yesterday I started an ET Case  as a Lay representative for a former employee of Service Birmingham for Constructive Dismissal.


We ask for elements of Disability and Sex Discrimination and it was to be decided whether these could proceed.


The Disability Discrimination, despite being evidenced and that the employers failed to make appropriate adjustments was discontinued solely for being out of time and the tribunal could not fairly exercise its discretionary power's to allow it. However, they did accept one count of Direct Sex Discrimination.


This matter has now been listed for a full hearing in due course.


Why am I writing about this. The former employee was involved in a road traffic accident and was unable to carry out her duties effectively owing to her seating posture, which after a battle was finally addressed some 16 months later.


However, the former employee was advised to deal with the matter internally, therefore, owing to the slow pace of the internal procedure, the matter was out of time. The Tribunal concluded that the former employee could have sought her own additional advise through the internet, CAB, Solicitors, ACAS etc.


The bottom line is when you are employed and there is an issue always seeks independent advice or even just surf the internet for second opinions and importantly clarify your rights.


Always seek additional advice, you could be losing out on your rights, do not solely rely upon the organisational system

0 Comments

Act Upon Your Goals

24/3/2013

0 Comments

 
Over the past few weeks I have been speaking to alot of young people and they all tell me the same thing. Their knowledge of Governance is lacking many of them do not really know the role of National & Local Government.

The last meeting I had they were only able to name the Prime Minister,however, they were able to name several Pop and Sport Stars.

Why is this? Many have said that they were never taught about Political and Community Governance at school.neither Civic responsibility. They believe basically that Civic Roles and Governance is a role for the rich and famous as opposed for people with the ability and passion to serve.

The other issue is placing Young People into two sections of life, Music/Arts & Sports. The days of "Fame" when leg warmers were the norm are far gone. Why don't we spend some time asking our youth about their aspirations, their dreams and their goals. What do they want to do, I believe many would be surprised. Why are we not sharing our knowledge with our young people in order for them to understand about the way in which society works, the opportunities available to them and prepare them to fulfill their own dreams as opposed to some else's, that their not really committed to.

Let the decision on your life journey be yours and yours alone. Seek advice from your elders and realise one thing, you can achieve your dreams, if you believe in  you and are committed to you. Ownership is essential, remember never give up, when one door opens another will close but keep battling away, you will succeed.

As I am always told and I do believe in this:

The race is not for the swift but those who can endureth.


0 Comments

Quest for Justice

23/3/2013

0 Comments

 
Over recent weeks I have been campaigning surrounding Custody Issues and the need for the Communities of the West Midlands to get involved with Policing the Cells in order to check on the welfare of those being held in temporary custody by the Police.


We are currently promoting the need for more Custody Visitors and for people to apply as there will be a recruiting drive by the PCC in the Autumn.


In the meantime 4 arrests have been made in the Kingsley Burrell investigation by the IPCC, these are arrests at present for an interview process and the question of charges may not even occur at this stage. However, it is progres no matter how slight for Burrell family in their quest for Justice.


One must always remember that the final decision whether or not to prosecute is the sole decision of the Crown Prosecution Service.


Lets keep a close eye on this one. In the meantime we must engage the systems that are there for us to participate in. We must ensure that there is National awareness of these Civic Roles and start canvassing and lobbying for a review on the whole process of how Deaths in Custody are dealt with by all parties including the Coroner's Service.
0 Comments

Birmingham's Diversity OBV Civic Leadership Launch

23/3/2013

0 Comments

 
Last night I attended the Civic Leadership Launch for the BME Community facilitated by Operation Black Vote and hosted by Birmingham City Council at The Council House.


Simon Woolley gave a rousing address about the need to address the inequality and under representation of the BME Community at the tables of power,where the important life impacting decisions are made. The key thing is how do you understand the needs of all communities if you do not have that participative connection with them.


The key point Simon made was the importance of this first scheme being the beginning of a journey for the whole BME Community toward reflective governance in key civic roles such as Magistrates, Custody Visitors, School Governors, Councillors and indeed MP's etc. This should create a pathway for others who have that ambition to follow in a positive manner with less barriers.


Simon publicly endorsed the work that I am doing in the City surrounding Voter Registration and Civic and Community Engagement, bearing in mind the affiliation between OBV and Birmingham Empowerment Forum with Voter Registration. He also paid tribute to the partnership work also being done by Bishop Dr. Joe Aldred.


Ian Ward, Mike Whitby and Paul Tilsley all spoke about the great diversity of Birmingham and finding ways of working with it. The key element of this is that the BME Community is more than capable and all that is really being requested is a level playing field.


I believe a scheme like this is beneficial from the point of view of allowing individuals to gain an insight of what Civic Duty/Roles are all about and ensure they take up the appropriate responsibility, should they wish to do so. We need to get away from the issue of tokenism which is really an insult, as we all have capabilities some more or less than others irrespective of who we are.

Sharon Thompson spoke about the support she received from OBV on her journey to becoming a Magistrate, which was quite significant as she was apprehensive to do it in the first place, but, she is now a Magistrate. She thanked the course participants for volunteering and wished them luck.


Overall is this the way forward?


In order to take up Civic Roles we must understand what they are and the time constraints and indeed the tasks. We need positive people who are willing to perform these roles and also inspire others in doing so.


The removal of the myth of an exclusive club for the Middle and Upper class also needs to be removed as we are all members of society and we all have a voice which may not be positive or constructive at all times, but, we are only human, however, we all do have a contribution to make.


Many people elude to the various speeches made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and it is significant that this year will celebrate 50 years since the March on Washington and they famous 'I Have A Dream' speech, but, one must remember the key message from Dr. King was always the same, I as am good as you i.e "EQUALITY".


I am of the opinion that we must embrace our rich diversity and stop talking about it. When I went to School my friends were just that friends and not identified by the religion or race. That's what is known as embracing diversity, the ability to live, work, respect,share,talk,make decisions,and govern our City with the only identity of being just people as effectively we are all the same.


It is also biblical but let me quote the late great Barry White:


"Telling me this and telling me that
You say once I'm with you, I'll never go back
Say there's a lesson you want to teach
Here I am baby, practice what you preach"
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Moving Forward The Journey To Engagement 

22/3/2013

0 Comments

 
Another interesting week is about to close, this evening sees the Launch of Birmingham city Council and Operation Black Vote's Civic Leadership Programme. my next report will talk in more detail about that.


However, some very interesting meetings with week with individual Pastors in the City and some promising bridge building is on the way. thankfully even further appointments have been made in order to discuss the Churches roles in Engaging the Community , by way of Voter Registration and also Civic Duty.


On Newstyle Radio 96.7FM on Tuesday we talked about 'The Tale of Two Ladywood's' the difference between Broad Street, Brindley Place, and Daley Close and St. Marks Crescent to name just a few. The mass difference between wealth and extreme poverty. The environmental differences literally less than a mile apart speaks volumes. The turnout at the last local election in Ladywood was less than 20%, so people are totally disengaged. However, there must be a realisation that the power is in the hands of those who do not turn up to vote as the can use the vote a the powerful voice of change which is desperately needed.


The follow from the meeting with the West Midlands PCC has itself gathered momentum with more people showing interest in finding out about the role of Custody Visitors, Appropriate Adult and Appropriate Adults Mental Health.


Alarmingly, the Custody visiting scheme has been inexistence since 1983, as a result of the 1981 Brixton Riots. However, some 30 years later many people are saying that they did not know this existed, so why is this? Is it the case that Civic Engagement and Duty has been an exclusive club, well no more, it is my mission to let everyone from all the communities of Birmingham develop an awareness of what roles they can play and encourage participation. Anyone in the West Midlands wishing to inquire about Custody Duties can contact Paul Norton at the west Midlands PCC Office on 0121-626 5685 or if your outside of the West Midlands contact your Local Police & Crime Commissioners Office. The West Midlands have confirmed that recruiting will commence in the Autumn.


This was clearly indentified last night at my presentation to over 40 Students last night at Birmingham City University on a Prison Link Course.


This is a task that is still ongoing and we need to keep highlighting these roles as we need fresh faces that reflect our City.


A great gathering yesterday with Street Pastors from Kingston Jamaica and sharing our experiences in changing the mindset of our respective communities in order to develop main stream engagement, by educating people, especially young people about their real value and contribution that they can make to society in a positive manner.


I believe that we are all of equal value and we all have our part to play. It is important that we approach many issues we face today from grass roots and with unity. We know the issues we face and if we want change then we must listen,evaluate, plan and then act. We must remember however, that we need solid and positive action in order to invoke the change that is desperately needed to move forward no matter the pace.
0 Comments

Where are we going?

17/3/2013

0 Comments

 
The past week has shown with some coordinated and dedicated effort we can make changes to Society, by engaging those left out in the cold by reminding them of their value, power and contribution that they can make.


We appear to live under the illusion that to participate fully in Society we need extra training and qualifications. However, what about our natural skills,abilities and life experiencing which can never be taught.


There are many individuals out there especially amongst our Youth, that are highly capable, but, their frowned upon, hence feeling that they have no real importance.


We all have a contribution to make and we must put into context the words of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. who was always biblical in his words but the main message was always the same I am a good as you. Equality.


Do we solve the problems that we face in society today by throwing money at it or by developing meaningful, dialogue and engagement with all members of society.


The weak, poor and vulnerable people of our communities are being attacked by aggressive cuts to goods and services. Do we watch them suffer or offer a helping hand. I have heard of many people this week some of them in so much pain, even contemplating self harm. However, by just talking to them lets them know that someone does care.


Our young people also need more attention in order to realise their own power and worth, lets start that dialogue in a positive manner.


Progress and change will come but we must Unite to achieve this. just imagine instead of 30% turning up at a Polling Station to Vote, imagine the impact of the other 70% turning up with those under the radar also getting involved. i use the word IMAGINE loosely as this is not a pipe dream but a distinctive reality.


We are the ones that hold they key to change and its time to start opening the door.
0 Comments

Youth Forum Update

15/3/2013

0 Comments

 
A highly constructive and refreshing core group meeting of our youth forum today.


I am please that we have 2 young ladies leading the way with this being 19 & 22 respectively. Our young people are prepared to engage and want to be heard but it is quite apparent that we need to invest in them by way of time.


They are now taking the lead and watch this space.


Further meeting dates to be announced shortly.

0 Comments
<<Previous