Poles enter local Irish politics
Local Government Training Course for Polish activists who want to engage in the local politics in Ireland will be launched by Lord Mayor, Emer Costello, Minister O’Dowd and Polish Ambassador as a part of “Vote! You are at home” campaign.
2nd September,
at the Polish Embassy, 5 Ailesbury Rd
The training run by Forum Polonia and School for Leaders Association in cooperation with the Polish Embassy in Dublin aims to prepare Polish activists for the forthcoming local elections. It is designed for those who wish to stand as candidates, educate and encourage their communities to register and vote. The 7-day intense course giving them necessary knowledge and skills will include workshops and seminars with Irish political figures, mentors and trainers from Poland.
Polish activist Barnaba Dorda from Forum Polonia explains the purpose of the campaign: „Since the enlargement of the European Union almost 10 years ago, Poles who moved to Ireland have settled down here with their families and became an integral part of the society. They also bought houses and progressed their careers here. Poles now want to take responsibility and play a vital role in developing local communities.
The training itself is a part of broader campaign “Vote! You are at home” which Forum Polonia along with School for Leaders Association are about to launch. The campaign aims to encourage the Polish community to register and vote in the local elections in Ireland as well as to enhance sense of belonging to their local communities.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Oisín Quinn strongly supports the action: “I am glad to see the Polish community actively engaging in the life of Irish towns and cities. I see them every day living, working, attending cultural events, truly integrating in our city and I believe they will play a significant role in the forthcoming local elections. I am happy to see such an initiative”.