SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Making a sustained contribution in situations of contention

When communities want to deal with issues that are not disputes as such, but are ongoing issues of contention, then MNI is prepared to deploy a team that will make a sustained contribution to the situation. We have experienced fieldworkers and facilitators who will design (with locals) and facilitate relevant processes aimed at contributing to the strengthening of the social fabric of the area.

John and Mary have begun to realise that there are underlying tones of sectarianism in their groups’ difficulties. They have discussed this in the local Community Forum, which recognises that it would be good for the community to address broad issues of Good Relations. MNI are invited to do an audit and design a programme to address identified issues. Out of this MNI proposes the development of a group of citizens who use facilitated space to have difficult conversations about contentious issues that inhibit good relations. The aim is to develop the confidence and trust of people from different sectors, allowing them to effectively address issues such as flags & emblems, local policing, the image they portray, etc.