Young people want civic education in Northern Ireland schools by Allan LEONARD 15 November 2014 Stratagem organised another set of sidebar coffee club conversations at the SDLP annual conference, Ramada Inn, Belfast. For the second time, I had two flipcharts with blank sheets to fill out the good, the bad and the ugly lessons from … Continue reading Young people want civic education in Northern Ireland schools: SDLP conference
More channels for civic voices demanded at Ulster Unionist Party conference by Allan LEONARD 18 October 2014 At a sidebar coffee club session, organised by lobby firm Stratagem, I asked a room full of Ulster Unionist Party attendees what was the good, the bad and the ugly lessons from the Northern Ireland peace process. With … Continue reading More channels for civic voices demanded: UUP conference
Reconciliation: Maybe, just maybe The Peace Builder’s Handbook by Michael Doherty by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 19 September 2014 Michael Doherty, a recognised mediator for over thirty years, today launched The Peace Builder’s Handbook, a resource for those involved in facilitating challenging conversations among community groups. There was a guest speech by Peter … Continue reading Reconciliation: Maybe, just maybe
The obituary notice for Mark Allen caught my attention, not because I was a 1989 participant in the BU Oxford Honors Study Program (CLA '90), but because of the heartfelt addendum by Dee Mondschein (CAS '97). Mark was not one of my tutors (I read the Politics and History modules), but Dee's description of the … Continue reading BU Faculty Obituary: Mark Allen
I came across Coffee with Jesus on a display table at the front of a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Just as well, as I doubt I would have perused the religion section to discover it. Coffee with Jesus originated online, under the consortium Radio Free Babylon. It is a irreverent perspective of Christ in everyday -- … Continue reading Book review – Coffee with Jesus (David WILKIE)
As part of his retirement from Queen’s University Belfast, Professor Rick Wilford was invited to present a lecture: “Two cheers for consociational democracy?” The Senate Chamber of Parliament Buildings provided a most appropriate setting for his review of the structures and operations of Northern Ireland’s government since the return of devolved administration with the 1998 … Continue reading We need a politics of recognition not identities – Professor Rick WILFORD
Time to stop tightening our know: CRC policy conference 2014 by Allan LEONARD 16 June 2014 This year’s annual policy conference organised by the Community Relations Council considered how we might “Finish the Job” and find ways to resolve outstanding issues in the peace process. The conference attracted a wide range of practitioners, statutory agencies … Continue reading Time to stop tightening our knot: CRC policy conference 2014
This morning, I spoke about my experience as a carer, on Downtown Radio programme Daytime with Siobhan McGarry: Allan LEONARD, Gerry MAGUIRE (HSC Board), and Helen FERGUSON (Carers NI) interviewed by Siobhan McGARRY. Allan Leonard, in his mid-forties, suddenly found himself in a caring role for his spouse, Beverley, who suffered a severe stroke two … Continue reading Advice to new carers: Get support from wherever you can
“Be Catholic and have a large family”: Tim McGarry at Carers Week launch Thousands of people across Northern Ireland provide care for others throughout the year. Carers Week is organised by several charities that come together to celebrate this contribution, signpost carers to further information and support, and encourage ‘hidden’ carers to come forward and … Continue reading “Be Catholic and have a large family”: Tim McGarry at Carers Week launch
Nothing like a competition to focus the mind. Urban Picnic Street Photography organises an annual competition, with entrants allowed to submit three of their finest. I don't fancy my chances, as I'm relatively new to this game. But if it generates any constructive criticism, then the £10 entry fee will have paid for itself. Here … Continue reading Mr Ulster enters a photo competition: Urban Picnic Street Photography
The prevailing wisdom of A Love Divided by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 4 April 2014 Based on a true story, “A Love Divided” chronicles the aftermath of a mixed marriage in Co. Wexford, Ireland, where Protestant-raised Sheila refuses to send her children to a local Catholic school. She flees with her two young … Continue reading The prevailing wisdom of A Love Divided
Not a cosy conversation: Victims and survivors conference by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 25 February 2014 The Commission for Victims and Survivors (CVS) convened a conference “to listen to as many voices as possibinformingming its advice to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, the CVS Commissioner Kathryn Stone explained. … Continue reading Not a cosy conversation: Victims and survivors conference
