On Wednesday 26th July, to conclude our Leave No One Behind series 3 project we hosted the LNOB festival of change and art exhibition in Mud Island Community Garden. It was a timely moment to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals and the Leave No One Behind promise with local communities as Irish delegates just attended the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York. (Watch the proceedings here).
The Leave No One Behind Series 3 project was about recognizing positive actions in local communities which put the SDG’s into practice and support those who are struggling. Through mediums such as arts and crafts, mindfulness and sharing a meal together we asked groups to reflect on questions such as ‘What is important about community action’, ‘what does good health and wellbeing look like in your community, ‘what gives you hope and strength?’
In the beautiful natural surroundings of the garden we put on display the inspiring artwork, photography and write ups setting out the actions taking place and words from each group.
Despite the rain we were so glad to see so many people and community groups come out to celebrate with us and provide such an uplifting and positive atmosphere. Although we were cramped together for shelter it gave us the opportunity to communicate with each other that we may not have had otherwise.
What quickly became clear was the genuine appreciation of the art and the ideas that were emerging. The artists who made it there seemed proud to have their work on display and were happy to speak on what the work means to them.
As well as the art work, and a delicious buffet we had two workshops, flower crown making and a discussion on ‘what does socio- economic discrimination mean?’ In relation to our work on the #addthe10th campaign and ongoing breaking barriers project, community activist Paul spoke on how socio- economic discrimination is a difficult term for many and how language can act as a form of discrimination in itself. Thus, he invited people to write down what they understand by socio- economic discrimination.
Throughout the event we had the chance to meet old friends and make new fruitful connections. It allowed the opportunities for groups who many not often interact to get to know each other better. We will all benefit from more opportunities to come together and develop a mutual understanding and appreciation. Really the day was an opportunity for people to celebrate their positive actions and to understand how people who are struggling are contributing to their communities.
We ended the day with some interviews discussing the day and what it means to Leave No One Behind and some beautiful music courtesy of SAOL project.
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support our Festival of Change and all who were involved in the LNOB project- everyone who could not make it was there in spirit. Thank you very much to Concern for funding this project. Thank you to Mud Island Community Garden for allowing us to host our event in their space and for all their support. Thank you also to the community activists who helped us to prepare the day. Thank you also to Steven who filmed the day and helped us conduct some interviews- keep an eye out for the film coming soon!
“A great turn out at the Mud Island Community Garden despite the inclement weather. A true festival of colour and creativity! Very inspiring to see many community groups sharing their presentations on ATD Ireland’s Leave No One Behind Series 3 project. The UN SDG Promise can only be realised when given expression through local voices and lived experiences such as this festival. Well done to all involved!” – Mark Hogan
“As bad as the weather was, the community spirit was radiant and it was great to see so many people come together in unity, which we can’t spell unity without community. It was a very good day, I really did enjoy it. The vibe and the energy of the people that were there that brought a radiancy of its own. I think it was a fair substitute for the lack of sunshine because it wasn’t cold, the spirit and the heart was warm. It was a good day to see what’s possible when a community comes together, how people can surprise themselves with their talents that they probably didn’t know they had there before” – Community activist and ATD team member Paul Uzell
“The Festival of Change truly put a spotlight on the importance of community action in Ireland. The hope and spirit generated on the day reflected the artistic expressions on display. Our humble aim was to present the need for more recognition and support for these types of powerful actions in improving our society for all, while leaving no one behind. It was a real privilege to welcome so many of our partnership organisations and friends, and we deeply appreciate everyone who braved the heavy rain. Thank you all and especially our host Mud Island Community Gardens and the support of Concern” – Dann Kenningham National Coordination ATD Ireland
“I thought it was great that even tho it was raining the sense of community was brilliant different people with different backgrounds in one gathering and plus it was great to see people expressing interest in ATD like this event has altered people’s lives in a way that woman that expressed interest in joining atd who knows what she might achieve in the future”- Andrew
Read more about LNOB series 3;
ATD Ireland, YOLA Hedge School Wexford and Donegal Woodland Wellness
