“Vote! You are at home” campaign
Forum Polonia in co-operation with a non-for-profit School for Leaders Association is running a campaign aiming at encouraging greater participation of Polish minority in forthcoming local election 2014 both as candidates and voters. As a part of the campaign, we are hosting a training course for Polish activists (2-8th September 2013).
The aim of the campaign and training is to support integration and participation of the Polish community in public, political and social life in Ireland. We also wish to gain a better understanding of what active citizenship means for Poles in their new home.
„Vote! You are at home” campaign aims to prepare Poles 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.
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.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Oisín Quinn strongly supports the action: “One of my themes as Lord Mayor is to promote leadership in Dublin’s non-Irish so 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”.