Londonderry community urged to shape good relations strategy

DERRY City Council's Community Relations department have issued invitations to groups from the city's community and voluntary sector to participate in a survey as part of a consultation process during June/ July to shape the new Derry City Council Good Relations Strategy 2011/ 12 – 2013/ 14.

Members of the public are also welcome to have their views heard through the online survey.

There is no one specific definition term 'Good Relations' (sometimes also called 'Community Relations'). It is usually understood as meaning work challenging sectarianism and racism; promoting peace; and understanding and celebrating diversity. The Section 75 Equality and Good Relations law says that Public Authorities are also required to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion, and racial group.

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The Equality Commissions Definition of promoting Good Relations is "The growth of relationships and structures for Northern Ireland that acknowledge the religious, political and racial context of this society, and that seek to promote respect, equity and trust, and embrace diversity in all its forms."

Council's Community Relations officer Sue Divin said, "A number of public meetings have already be facilitated as part of this consultation process.

"This next phase will focus on key themes and geographical areas, and a number of focus groups have been arranged to help tease out issues relating to this.

"However in addition to this, we are also asking people to complete a questionnaire which will provide important feedback in relation to the Council's current good relations provision to the city's communities and to attitudes and opinions on issues like sectarianism, racism, prejudice, equality and cultural diversity locally.

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"Questionnaires must be returned or filled in online by 16th July 2010.

"The feedback will help Derry City Council decide how to spend its money and time in terms of projects and initiatives with a Good Relations focus over the next 3 years."

"We would ask that as many people as possible take the time to complete the questionnaire so that we can devise a good relations strategy that will take into account the views from across the community."

An electronic version of the questionnaire is available through the link www.surveymonkey.com/s/GoodRelationsDCC

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A full list of the focus groups which will take place throughout June and July is available from the Community Relations office.

To book a place at one of the consultation focus groups contact Tel: (028) 7134 5160 or [email protected]

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