ATD Ireland Values
Building Bridges: Building a Community Free from Socio- Economic Discrimination
ATD Ireland Core Values
ATD Ireland are pleased to introduce our revised core values. These values have been decided upon though conversations with ATD Ireland members.
Our new film “Building Bridges: Building a Community Free from Socio- Economic Discrimination” features ATD Ireland members discussing what these values mean to them, through the lens of two key actions- our Open House Tuesdays and #Addthe10th campaign.
Find the full film and individual clips below, featuring inputs from ATD Ireland members including Community Activists and volunteers.
We have also written a full article discussing these values in depth which you can read here. Thank you to Critical Social Policy for supporting this work.
Creating Safe Spaces
The “safe space” created at ATD Ireland, especially during Open House Days, is based on trust, open conversations, hope, dignity, non-discrimination, inclusion, confidence building and fun. In the words of ATD Ireland Community Activist Paul, “It’s a place of trust and for some people trust is such a massive thing for them you know? They’ve been let down so often in life“. Community Activist Jimmy says, “Creating safe spaces is a place where you feel you can go without being judged or discriminated against or disrespectful to anybody. Nobody does that in ATD, we’re all kind and gentle to each other“.
Working Together
We are a membership organisation, not a service provider. Our members include full-time core workers, families living in persistent poverty, supporters and volunteers. All are encouraged to get involved in every aspect of what we do – from project planning to evaluation, from fundraising to campaigning, from administration to governance. Community Activist Craig says “People from all different backgrounds can come into ATD Ireland, from any different disability background, different services- and participate in the projects and it’s great because we get different insights“.
Amplifying Voices
Our Community Activists have spoken out at many different national and international events including the UN, the European Parliament and the Dail. 17th of October- the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was described as a catalyst by Community Activists to get involved at ATD, develop confidence and speak out at other events. The Poverty Aware Practice’ module is an important stepping stone in breaking barriers between groups who rarely have the chance to authentically engage with one another. This is a great tool for activists to develop their confidence and skills in leadership, public presenting communication and teamwork. Community Activist Andrew says, “I recognise myself as a Community Activist. A couple of years ago when I got out of hospital I needed to get back into doing stuff and ATD was there for me. It made me realise that I have a voice and that I can make a difference. For me it’s partly saved my life.”
Encouragement and Skills Development
When people are struggling, the focus is often on their difficulties rather than their resilience. At ATD Ireland, we recognise the strength, determination, and resourcefulness it takes to just get by. Through encouragement, meaningful connections and speaking out at different events, Community Activists gain opportunities to develop new skills and recognise their own capacity and potential. Community Activist Veronica says, “I just love the moment where people learn from me and learn what they have right there. If you don’t put the tools or the materials in their hands, they don’t know“.
Long Term Support
Despite persistent poverty being enduring, complex and deep rooted, much of the support that society offers is short term, narrow and results driven. At ATD Ireland, we are committed to accompanying people over the long run, moving forward with them at their own pace and building projects around their hopes and ambitions. Community Activist Ann Marie says, “40 years is a lifetime. They’re like me brothers and me fathers and me mothers. I feel so loved in here I really do. I feel really safe and I don’t know. It’s just magic“.
Peer Support
At ATD Ireland, we recognise the important role of peer support. Community Activist Christina says, “We all give each other a helping hand. Someone could come in and they’re having a bad day and they just need someone to sit and listen. Because of an accident I ended up in hospital and it stopped me from going down to the office. So once a week ATD was coming to the hospital so if we did any projects or just for a bit of support they used to come up and see me every week and that meant a lot to me that no matter what was going on in the office it was still brought to the office so I felt like I was included“.
Art and Creativity As a Mode of Inclusion
The creative space can offer a diverse mode of inclusion, allowing people to express themselves freely and breakdown barriers. Community Activist Paul says, “There’s loads of people walking around they’re now with stuff in their head and they’ve nowhere to vent it. It’s a cathartic release then if you use art, painting. Writing is the same thing. So you can let go of these issues and worries. It’s using your hands to clear the head because you have to focus on what you’re doing with your hands, and before you know it 40 minutes is gone. That’s priceless because we’re talking about people who are living on the streets- not all of them, and the people we’re trying to help in regard to disadvantage and poverty within communities. They’re trying to get away from their head for half an hour because this constant inner monologue is driving them nuts basically“.
Thank you to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission for funding the production of these films.
