Community challenged to capitalise on opportunity

Members of the community were being asked in November 2007 to come forward with ideas for improving community relations in Northern Ireland. The One Small Step Campaign, which was founded by senior figures from across society, has launched a public consultation with the objective of compiling 100 small steps towards a shared future for a book to be published in 2008.

The process to collate the ideas began at an event hosted by MLAs Danny Kennedy and Naomi Long in Stormont’s Long Gallery (November 26, 2007). The book will also showcase and celebrate ‘steps’ to combat prejudice that have already been taken by individuals or organisations.

The event, which came just after the newly installed Assembly and Executive’s six month landmark, was attended by MLAs, representatives of the community and voluntary sectors, and other individuals and supporters of the One Small Step Campaign.

One Small Step Campaign Chairman, Trevor Ringland, explained: “A shared future where Northern Ireland can reach its full potential through everyone working together can only be achieved through the will of the community. Therefore we are asking people to think about what they can do personally to help bring an end to division and create a shared future. Anyone who has an idea for a small step can submit it for consideration for the book.”

“With the new political settlement, we do have a major opportunity to move forward towards a shared future and the One Small Step Campaign is asking and challenging everyone in society to play their part. There are small steps taking place in the community all of the time to break down barriers and it is important that that process is continued and built upon. The fact is that although significant progress has been made, we do still live in a divided, post-conflict society.

“Our political leaders have taken important and courageous steps in forming the new administration at Stormont. However, a political settlement in itself is not enough and the onus is on the Executive to ensure that a shared future is at the heart of government policy. A society where division is perpetuated and people live parallel lives in segregated communities should not be an option. In social and economic terms this scenario is unsustainable,” Mr Ringland adds.