Defeating Narratives of Division (Glasgow)

Many people, feel unable to act in the face of narratives in our communities that create division and they often feel frozen as they are unsure how to make a positive impact.

This one day training begins from the assumption that people who hold views that can fracture communities are not necessarily bad people, and so we have a wider responsibility to:

• Engage with a wide range of people to explore the different range of views and

• Work together to address the issues that are underpinning those views and sometimes leading to a breakdown of inclusive communities

This grounded programme of conversations will be delivered by the Ella Baker School of Organising, in partnership with South East Integration Network (SEIN) and GalGael. The sessions will help to equip people with the tools to engage in what can often be challenging conversations; helping to reduce tension, find solutions and build unity.

It is time for a reset

The training will help you to:

• Recognise why your neighbours, community members and often friends can sometimes hold problematic views, identify the particular perceived or real frictions between groups within your community and explore interventions to reduce these frictions,

• Find ways to engage meaningfully with people who have been influenced by divisive narratives,

• Identify ways to refocus your community on finding solutions rather than blaming other

• Strengthen local democracy through building strong inclusive community groups,

• Engage with a wide range of people to explore the different range of views and opinions.

You can expect to develop the confidence, skills and tools to build genuine understanding and long-term connections in your own spaces and communities. Sessions will be supported by practical informative resources.

There is a Training for Trainers taking place the following day - on Sunday 25 October. This is for those wishing to take this work a step further and deliver the training to others. This is part of an ambition to train 100s of trainers able to deliver the Defeating Narratives of Division training in communities up and down the country - as part of an effective effort to turn the tide on the rise of the far right.

(photo Simon Murphy)