Apologies for cross postings

Are you being heard? Black Self-help, Education and Influencing the Political Agenda
Wednesday 1 December 2004
The Hilton Hotel, Watford
This year NIACE, in partnership with Black Training & Enterprise Group (BTEG) and supported by The Black Practitioners and Learners Network (BPLN), will for the first time be organising a joint national conference, the focus for which will be political participation. 
While 'mainstream' public, private and voluntary sector organisations are making efforts to minimise the effects of racism, there are still significant challenges to overcome in education, enterprise and employment that black communities need to address to improve their quality of life. It is vital that black communities rise to this challenge by self-organising and empowering themselves to break through the barriers that limit their progression. 
Despite racism, discrimination and exclusion, black people have contributed to the success of communities and of society generally. This success is dependent on self-help and collective action which together have the power to influence and inform the political machinery that governs our lives. There are many examples of success in certain sectors such as housing, education, health and social services, the provision of community-based services (black communities setting up their own schools and the establishment of vibrant faith organisations). The conference will be an opportunity for successful black organisations to present and share their experiences around how they have reached their personal, organisational and political success and what lessons we can learn from their experiences. 
The event promises to be exciting, innovative and practical exploring the role of self-help in political processes and activities. The conference will provide delegates with an opportunity to get involved with debate, interactive workshops, view exhibitions and listen to and probe key policy makers. Don't miss the opportunity to engage in what promises to be one of this year's most significant conference events.

For further information please visit the NIACE website:  
http://www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/BeingHeard.htm
Or contact Gurjit Kaur 
Tel: 0116 2042833
Email: [log in to unmask]