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.
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.