JRS Ireland’s call to action

JRS Ireland are part of a new campaign inviting the citizens of Limerick to help root out racism. The campaign was launched on Tuesday, 16 May 2022, by the Mayor of Limerick Daniel Butler, and is followed by a call to action on World DIversity Day, 21 May 2022.

The campaign is an initiative of the Limerick Integration Working group (LIWG) chaired by Eugene Quinn, Director of JRS Ireland. They are asking everyone in Limerick to help in the new initiative by learning and talking about racism with family, friends, colleagues, and teammates.

In 2020 the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) reported that 700 racist incidents were recorded nationally on iReport.ie. “Research has repeatedly highlighted underreporting of racism in Ireland” notes Eugene Quinn who adds, “Limerick is taking a stand against racism. We want everyone to join us, the Limerick Integration Working Group, to root out racism in Limerick, #RootOutRacismLK.

The campaign was kickstarted with the launch of a community mural on Michael St, in the city, on the theme of ‘Diversity =Strength’. Speaking at the mural launch Mayor Butler said, “Racism in all forms is unacceptable in Limerick. The Limerick United Against Racism campaign sends a strong and clear message of solidarity with people who have experienced racism in the region. As Mayor, I support this campaign which seeks to foster a sense of unity, strength, and belonging between all residents of Limerick irrespective of colour, creed or culture.”

Eugene Quinn says, “Each of us has a role to play in ensuring racism is not tolerated in Limerick. We invite all Limerick residents to learn about racism and its devasting impact on victims. The #RootOutRacism campaign provides resources to help us explore our biases, both conscious and unconscious.”

The LIWG is a network of 19 statutory agencies, community, and voluntary organisations, and migrant support groups. To maximise the impact of the campaign the working group has asked the people of Limerick to take the following steps beginning on World Diversity Day.

STEP 1: Follow Limerick United Against Racism on social media, like share and comment:
Twitter: @LKagainstracism
Instagram: @limerickunitedagainstracism
Facebook: @Limerick United Against Racism

STEP 2: Visit the website for tips and prompts to help guide you through the process of talking about racism: www.limerickunitedagainstracism.ie. Provides accessible information on the different types of racism, the impact of racism on victims, and guidelines on how to have a conversation about racism.

STEP 3: On Friday 20th May have a talk about racism in your organisation, this can be over coffee, as an in-formal chat or as a scheduled meeting – whatever suits you and your organization.

STEP 4: On Saturday 21st May engage with the campaign on social media by liking, sharing and commenting on our posts using the hashtag #RootOutRacismLK
The LIWG will be releasing content on social media daily and they are inviting people to like, share and comment their postings.

“I want to thank everybody for the great support we’ve had so far,” says Eugene Quinn, adding, “Together we can root out racism in Limerick and make the city a better place for everyone to live, work and grow.”