Our Vision
Gluaiseacht for Global Justice Gluaiseacht is a non-hierarchical environmental and social justice movement bringing together grassroots organisations, concerned individuals and groups from all over Ireland to raise awareness and take action on social, environmental and political issues.
We are a diverse group that share the same vision of a truly democratic and sustainable society. Gluaiseacht is a member of the Irish Environmental Network. We gratefully acknowledge their support over the years.
Formation
Gluaiseacht was formed in the aftermath of the demonstrations surrounding the COP6 (Conference of the Parties), the UN Climate Change Conference talks at The Hague, The Netherlands in November 2000 . It began as a network of Ecological and One World Societies at universities and colleges throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (similar to People and Planet in the UK)
Structure of Gluaiseacht
Gluaiseacht is committed to working through non-hierarchical organising, autonomy, and diversity. Individuals who participate in Gluaiseacht projects and events have an equal say in the running of the network.
We have a number of online meetings a year, and we aim to have one annual in-person meeting when possible. At these meetings decisions which affect the network as a whole are decided and campaigns and strategic issues are discussed.
Decision making in Gluaiseacht works on a non-hierarchical basis. This means that we don’t believe in leaders or some individuals having more power than others. In practice those who are more involved in the network and are part of the core administration group make some decisions without consulting the wider network. However, people are able to join the core group who agree with Gluaiseacht’s aims and principles and are willing to do the work.
We believe in participative democracy, so at our general meetings we make decisions by consensus. Consensus decision-making is a creative and dynamic way of reaching agreement between all participants of a group. Instead of simply voting for an item and having the majority of a group getting their way, a consensus group is committed to finding solutions that everyone actively supports – or at least can live with. This makes sure that all opinions, ideas and concerns are taken into account. By listening closely to each other, the group aims to come up with proposals that work for everyone.
For more information on consensus decision-making go to: https://www.seedsforchange.org.uk/consensus
OBJECTIVES
Overall Aim:
The main aim for which the organisation is established is the promotion of sustainability, social and environmental justice, the advancement of education for sustainability, and the doing of all such other things as are incremental or conducive to the attainment of the above aim.
Support and strengthen community initiatives that promote sustainability and advance climate justice and social justice in Ireland.
Build the capacity of activists and communities to take effective action for social justice and climate justice, including practical sustainability initiatives.
Promote education and training opportunities for communities and activists to promote sustainability, protect biodiversity and combat climate change
Facilitate cooperation and exchange between movements for social, environmental, and climate justice in Ireland, Europe, and globally.
Foster civic responsibility by engaging in advocacy and meaningful civic action that strengthens and advances democratic participation.