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Community, Connection, Collective Responsibility…

The Centre for Theology & Community l

In this blog, CTC Development Worker Ivonne Loján Maldonado shares some of the insights of the Hispanic and Portuguese Community of St. Martin’s Church, Plaistow after attending the recent Citizens UK National Assembly – held just days before the General Election.

On 1 July 2024, I had the privilege of accompanying eight Spanish and Portuguese speaking community members from St Martin’s Church to the Citizens UK National Assembly. This event provided a platform for community members to listen to and discuss specific policy proposals and their potential impacts. After the assembly, I asked participants to share their thoughts on the importance of such events, their key takeaways, and their plans going forward.

When asked why it is important to participate in events like this, the consensus was clear: staying informed and engaged in political activities is crucial. Participants expressed that understanding the proposals and their implications not only helps them make informed decisions about the future but also empowers them to shape it. They emphasised that political activities impact all aspects of life. As members of civil society, they have the responsibility not only to monitor the power given to leaders but also to contribute ideas and possible solutions. One participant noted: “All political activities affect more or less all areas of our lives. As civil society, we must be aware of the power given to those in positions of authority and make them accountable to us by contributing with ideas and possible solutions”. This understanding empowers us, making us more confident and capable in our roles as active citizens.

For the participants, the assembly itself had a mixed reception. While it was encouraging to see diverse representation with two women and one man on stage, there was scepticism over whether this was a genuine effort towards inclusivity or simply a strategic move to seem more diverse by political parties. The participants stressed the importance of genuine inclusivity in such events, as it makes them feel valued and included. This emphasis on genuine inclusivity is crucial, as it ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and respected, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.

Looking ahead, participants are motivated to share their experiences and the information they gathered with others in their community. They see this as a step to encourage more people to join grassroots organisations, stay informed, and actively participate in social processes, even if they cannot yet vote or are unsure of their future in the asylum process. Several participants noted that if there are more of us engaged in different organisations, we will have more options to see and find solutions; “individually, we do little or nothing”. The general feeling was that attending the event was an enriching experience. Participants stressed the power of collective action and the importance of being informed and involved in shaping the country’s future. This sharing of experiences and information is vital, as it fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility, making us all feel more connected and involved in the political process.

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