Delegates from Irish organisations across Britain gathered in London on 24 November for a packed Annual General Meeting of the national charity, Irish in Britain.
Janet Daby MP for Lewisham East opened the meeting and pointed to the common experiences of the Windrush generation and the Irish community here. She gave examples of the traditions of volunteering, community activism, having a voice and how to build resilient cohesive communities.
Ten new organisations have joined Irish in Britain this year and Irish in Britain CEO Brian Dalton described the ambitious plans the organisation has to maximise resources to make the biggest impact within its growing network.
Brian also laid out a commitment to an inclusive approach,
“The Irish community hold a unique place in the story of immigration to this country. We are the community who have the longest history as immigrants in Britain – with that comes our mandate to campaign to ensure our voice is heard but I would argue that there is within the unique story that is Irish experience here a requirement, in fact an obligation, to lead and to show leadership. By that I mean a solidarity with and the celebration of other immigrant contributions at a time when those contributions are under attack in the public forum.”
The themes of diversity and equality carried through the day and one delegate told the meeting that it was good to see a such a diverse AGM with many new younger members taking part.
One subject addressed was Digital Inclusion, guest speakers included Dina Rickman from Go Fund Me and Sharon Tynan from Age UK London who described how to ensure an older generation who did not grow up in the digital world masters the tools of access that are vital for online services.
Among the motions put by members included the campaign for the right of Irish citizens in Britain to be able to vote in referendums and elections in Ireland, which generated a vigorous debate.
The meeting heard reports on Irish in Britain’s Green Hearts health campaign and its Cuimhne project and Chair Patrick Morrison welcomed the election of four new Trustees, Breda Corish, Conal Timoney, Ann Hoskins and Mairéad Reynolds.
This year’s winner of the Irish in Britain Irish Language prize was also announced. The prize is sponsored by Coláiste na nGael and was won by Michael Droney.