One of the biggest issues we face in especially our Diverse Communities is Unity.
We have our problems, but, it is the ability of how we overcome them in order to engage effectively in the bigger picture which is the Governance of our City and indeed Country.
This week the Government finally voted to include Caste Discrimination in the Equality Act after a long Campaign, by some members of the Hindu Community. It showed the ability to invoke change if it is campaigned for with one united voice although there appeared to be stiff opposition for this legislation. However, is it no a question of Justice and Equality for all. But well done to all those involved. Despite many high profile Politicians remaining silent on the subject, both locally and nationally, which questioned real commitment to equality, despite it being 20 years since the of Stephen Lawrence.
The Black Churches are now getting on board with the need to assist in the engagement of not just the Black community, but, also the communities in which their Churches are based in order to get the message across, about, the need for Social and Political Engagement , along with taking up Civic Duty. Also to assist in helping the Community with the ever increasing issue of Poverty. Voter Registration is also important and we are now establishing Community Voter Registration Volunteers to maintain the Voter Registration drive.
St Basil's has always been doing great work in this City especially with Young Homeless People in terms of not just providing accomodation but also assisting them with personal development.
They also also as good example of reflective governance, which is basically reflecting the demographic make up of its service users.
People in this City are concerned with the ever widening poverty gap, however, alarmingly there are also people who believe that the devastating CUTS are not going to impact upon their lives. But with Council Tax Cuts and Bedroom Taxes we will undoubtably see an increase in evictions and an increase in Bed & Breakfast Accommodation along with increase in the reliance of Food banks in 2013 Britain.
What can we really do about this:
1. We have a Youth Forum Meeting for 14-24 Years Old's this Saturday 4th May 11am - 1pm at Goals Perry Barr visit www.b-e-f.org.uk/youth for more information.
2. We are working with BARAC in order to inform the Communities at Grass roots Level of the issues and impact the CUTS will be having upon their lives. The first Public Meeting will be in early June. Details shortly.
3. We have arrange a further 7 'Bring on the Vote' Family Community Gospel Concerts in the coming moths in order to engage our communities in the importance of Voter registration, Using their Vote and also Civic Participation.
4. Arranging further Community Meetings regarding Civic Duty Opportunities.
WE need to join up the dots by engaging with existing structures in order to be heard and then invoke the necessary change in order to move forward as a Community and not individuals.
Finally, for today when we talk about electing representatives we must now start looking at the individual person and not the Party. We need representatives that puts our Communities first and not the agenda of their Party, which does not really reflects the needs of the people of this City.