Upcoming workshops and courses.

New WBBNI courses are added regularly and will be scheduled as they’re confirmed—check back often for the latest updates

If there are not sufficient numbers enrolled we may have to postpone or amalgamate with other women’s centres.

Before you can sign up for a course, we need you to complete an Expression of Interest form so we can confirm eligibility enquirements.

The Community Campaigners Course

 

Rachel Powell and Elaine Crory, who have worked together on the Raise Your Voice campaign to end violence against women and on the Women’s Policy Group Feminist Recovery Plan, will be delivering some elements of the free online training in January and February through the Community Campaigners project, supported by Belfast City Council.

Rachel, who is the Women’s Sector Lobbyist working to raise awareness of women’s issues at Stormont, said the aim was to reach women previously not involved in activism who want to effect change.

She said: “Many women want to bring change to their communities, but they don’t know where to start. This training requires no previous qualifications just a desire to get involved and learn new skills.”

“All social change comes about because of the work of grassroots activists; they are at the core of the feminist movement. Good activism is all about working collectively, sharing your strengths, and learning from others.”

The Community Campaigners Course, run by the Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA), offers free online training to women to provide them with the tools to campaign for better services for their communities.

There are two start dates for the course, January 18, and February 15. Each course consists of four half day sessions, covers critical thinking, communication skills, strategic planning and how to use human rights and equality law to strengthen a campaign.

Deirdre Quinn, the WRDA course co-ordinator, said they wanted to encourage more women to take on leadership roles in their local communities.

She said: “There are many determined women who are passionate about issues and want to become activists to improve the quality of life in their areas but need the confidence and practical skills to persuade the powers-that-be to sit up and take notice. This course provides the tools to achieve that.”

Participants do not need prior education or training, just an interest in developing their campaigning skills for the good of the community. Anyone wishing to take part must be from the Belfast City Council area. Those successfully taking part will acquire a Level Three Open College Network (OCN) NI in Community Campaigning and Lobbying.

The first Community Campaigners course begins on Tuesday, January 18 and the second course begins on Tuesday, February 15. Both take place from 10am to 12.30pm on Zoom and continue for four consecutive Tuesdays

If you wish to take part, send a paragraph explaining why you are interested to deirdre.quinn@wrda.net.

Trademark Belfast

 

Trademark is a social justice co-operative established in 2001 dedicated to tackling sectarianism and inequality. Keep an eye for when their courses go live!

They are offering the following as part of the Women Breaking Barriers Project:

  • Introduction to bookkeeping

  • Budgets and cashflow

  • Administration systems

  • Co-operatives

  • Worker Co-operative set up

  • Rules of a Co-operative x2

  • EqualityBusiness Planning x5

  • Anti-sectarian/Anti-Racism training x3