SIPTU Community sector protest planned for 1.00pm Wednesday 30th September

Dear Friends, There is a general SIPTU Community sector protest planned for 1.00pm Wednesday 30th September. This is to protest the huge funding cuts being made by Government in the community and voluntary sector which are affecting the most vulnerable and marginalised individuals and communities. DMRC will take part in this protest and hopes that you will all join us that day. However, because some of the longest standing projects which have been giving essential support to disadvantaged communities all over the country are under specific threat, there is another protest planned for this coming Tuesday 8th September ( flyer attached). This is to support the CDPs, the Community Development Projects which are providing space, education and community development work to thousands of people all over Dublin and Ireland. Many of these projects work specifically to integrate new and established communities, promote cultural diversity and combat racism. The EARS initiative grew out of the CDP work. The recent Mc Carthy report proposed abolishing the entire CDP programme which would mean closing down all these valuable projects. The LYCS in Dublin 1, the Lourdes Youth and Community Services is funded under the CDP programme and currently provides both youth and adult programmes to people who have missed out on educational opportunities elsewhere. LYCS is just advertising for a new ESOL programme for migrants living locally to improve their English language skills to assist them to integrate and find work. Please pass this information on to all your contacts. I will send out further details of the 30th September event closer to the date.