The Campaign

For many, life in Northern Ireland has changed for the better in the last ten years. The level of violence has decreased significantly, house prices have risen, economic conditions have improved and the centres of many towns and cities have been reborn. Yet many others do not feel part of this progress. Individuals and communities feel under threat and excluded from society.

Much of this insecurity comes from the fact that although outwardly we live in a more peaceful society, in practice we have not yet dealt with the underlying problem in Northern Ireland - the lack of reconciliation between people who feel their identity is British and those who feel it is Irish. In fact our society is more divided now than it was five years ago.

Yet there is a clear vision about the kind of society which we want. It was stated in the Programme for Government, which was put forward by the parties which formed the Executive. Their agreed vision for Northern Ireland was stated as follows

"Our vision is of a peaceful, cohesive, inclusive, prosperous, stable and fair society, firmly founded on the achievement of reconciliation, tolerance, and mutual trust and the protection and vindication of human rights for all."

There is no doubt that if we could make the vision a reality Northern Ireland would be a better place. The question therefore must be - what can we do?

Although it is the proper role of political representatives to negotiate on behalf of their constituencies and supporters, and to reach agreement on the political structures to govern our society, the responsibility to promote peace building is wider than this. Similarly while the tensions and divisions in our society are expressed most vividly in 'interface' areas, it is wrong to believe that division exists only in these areas, and that no one else need do anything to create a peaceful environment.

We need to recognise that we all have a responsibility to build a more peaceful society - to help achieve the vision stated in the Programme for Government. We then need to undertake to do something to meet this responsibility.

This is the aim of the campaign being launched today. 'One Small Step' calls on everyone to be prepared to do something for peace. We ask people to make the following commitments, based on the Executive's vision

"I commit to working for the common good
and towards a peaceful future that is based on equality and mutual respect.

I will take an active role in my daily life to ensure the society I live in is
inclusive, peaceful, just and fair.

I will personally work towards reconciliation, tolerance, mutual trust
and the upholding of human rights for all."

Any person or non-party organisation which supports these aims is invited to give support to the campaign by writing in or by logging on to the website www.onesmallstepcampaign.org.

 

Groups which are involved in peace building or reconciliation activities are invited to place information about their current or future activities on the website. This will create a bank of information about peace building activities and can be used to help advise people who want to become more active. By affiliating to the One Small Step campaign and spreading its message, groups will also be able to show how much practical effective peace building work is taking place.

By adding their name to the campaign, individuals can show support for peace building and their acceptance of individual responsibility to do something. This should then be supported by actions. We need to be active ourselves in creating an inclusive society. If we live in a purely Protestant or purely Catholic community we need to make the extra effort to meet someone from a different background. We all need to be prepared to honestly discuss our beliefs, admitting our own uncertainties and to listen to others, allowing them their uncertainties. We need to show a willingness to cross the old divides, to be open and welcoming in our social life to everyone, regardless of background. We may be prepared to support or to become actively involved in a group which is seeking to increase understanding and respect between Protestants and Catholics.

This year we should think of ways in which we can live and work better together, and consider how to encourage all those who are striving to build a peaceful future. The One Small Step campaign is already getting support. Our current supporters are listed on this website. More will be adding their names in the coming weeks and months.

Please join us to help make a better future for us all.