Over 40 people attended Lón Intinne / Food for Thought at GMIT Castlebar on Friday May 17 2019.
This is the second year of an event perfectly timed on the eve of the Afri Famine Walk. The event is a unique collaboration between Afri and Feasta with input from Teacht Aniar who have a special perspective on the Irish language.
Anne Ryan of Feasta welcomed all who were in attendance and thanked the organisers, Morag Friel, Mark Garavan, Seán Ó Conláin, Ború Douthwaite, Joss Douthwaite and Caroline Whyte.
John Hoban and Emer Mayock provided music to ground, enliven, entertain and provoke reflection throughout the day, and at lunchtime John sang a newly composed song he had especially written.
After a discussion with Hannie in which all took part, Joss and Ború Douthwaite facilitated a session in which all participants reflected on instances of transformation in which they had taken part or witnessed.
Participants brought delicious food to share at lunchtime, which highlighted the value of sharing as a way of being in the world.
There is a strong sense that our state and the EU are putting barriers in the way of small farmers and producers and others who are pioneering a new economy. And yet, in spite of these barriers, thousands of people are already engaged in enterprises that are the seeds of a new socially just and ecologically sound economy. They are engaged in food and farming projects, in Community Supported Agriculture, in community gardening, in urban gardening, in repair cafés, in habitat restoration, in community energy projects and in housing cooperatives and cooperatives of all kinds – to give but a short and incomplete list. The people involved are barely making a living, in some cases are not even making a living from this vital work as there is little State support or recognition. Anne suggested that one of the ways that the state could demonstrate support for these people in the avant garde is to give everyone a universal basic income. This would put a floor of basic financial security under everyone and allow creativity and diversity in the ways people approach solutions to our crises. The State also needs to put legislation, grants and other institutional supports in place to help the pioneers get their enterprises off the ground.
Baineadh cuid mhaith úsáid den Ghaeilge – i ngach slí – le linn an lae – mar ar deineadh anuraidh.
After a discussion with Michael, the group took part in an open space session. The topics below were discussed in small groups and the feedback is outlined in the bullet points.
1. Fear/lack
- Humble – part of bigger picture
- Have fear, but still go on
2. Mental Health &Addiction
- Money/activity focus
- Consumerism
- Human doings vs human beings
- Importance of self-esteem
- Caring has no status in society
- Artist drawing the dole
- Lots of junk because of consumerism
- Conditioning
- Belonging
3. Lists for Politicians & Communication
- Policies followed by politicians and by society in general are neo-liberal and consumerist
- However lots of initiatives taking place (evidence today here)
- Challenge of linking/connecting groups
- Need models of success examples of linking
- Idea of ‘hubs’ connecting local initiatives – growing, preparation, incubators, restaurants, shops…; people will gather around these; share nationally/globally, and create a movement
4. Westport/Castlebar – local efforts
- Lots happening – Tidy Towns, community gardens
- How to share ideas and experiences – idea of newsletter
- Stroud in UK very successful – how to use as model
5. Basic Income
- Unconditional payment to all
- What’s work – unpaid carers? Liberate society from ‘bad work’
- Basic Income Ireland for more info
The day ended at 5pm.
Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís!
Thank you so much for bringing Vía Campesina (the are one of our few hopes)
Please also take a look at this: https://www.farmingfornature.ie/nominees
Tony