The Civic Initiative is actioning an 18-month citizen-led review of key socioeconomic rights and commitments under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement including housing, healthcare, education, political institutions, human rights, poverty, rural access, and culture across Northern Ireland and border counties with a view to finding pathways forward.
Following Forums across Northern Ireland and border counties, including Armagh, Dundalk, Strabane, and Derry, the Initiative is holding a People’s Forum in Ballymena on April 5th at 9.30am.
Residents in the County Antrim area are encouraged to attend.
The Civic Initiative People’s forums are an opportunity for people to discuss key issues impacting their community, and to work collectively to find practical solutions to address important areas of peace and wellbeing. It forms part of a new civic movement to give citizens a voice on key issues.
Recommendations developed through the Civic Initiative will be delivered to the Irish and British governments as well as the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Les Allamby, the former Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, and the Independent Chair of the Civic Initiative said:
“The Civic Initiative is an ambitious project that brings together a wide-range of civic society organisations to create a much-needed space for deliberative dialogue on key issues.
"This is an expansive and inclusive space for people across Northern Ireland and border counties to have a voice on issues impacting their lives, and importantly, to look for practical solutions that recognise the circumstances facing communities.”
The Antrim People's Forum takes place on April 5th, 9.30am, Braid Theatre, Ballymena. The Initiative provides financial support towards travel and childcare costs. The forum consists of a three-hour facilitated deliberative dialogue, refreshments are provided.