What is Action on Sectarianism?
YouthLink Scotland, the National Agency for Youth Work has set up the first independent public website designed to challenge sectarianism in Scotland, supported by the Scottish Government.
What is in the website?
Accessible on computers, tablets and mobile phones, this website will act as a central gateway to information and resources tackle sectarianism in Scotland by providing tailored user access to four distinct target groups:
1. Children
2. Young people
3. Adults: parents, carers, community groups.
4. AoS Network: teachers, youth workers, academics, policy officers, community activists.
What will it achieve?
The aim of the website is to provide 'information that inspires action' in local communities across Scotland by sharing stories of those affected sectarianism and showcasing the work and resources that are able to address it.
Who's it for?
The website is for everyone, including:
Children, young people and adults in local communities, as well as; Community Groups, Local Authorities, Youth Work projects, Schools, Businesses, Government Agencies and Academics.
What's it like?
Action on Sectarianism looks and feels the same on multiple platforms; computers; tablets and mobile phones. It acts as a one-stop-shop to the best resources, marketing and educational initiatives from across Scotland and includes; Three unique public channels for children, young people and adults with music, videos, stories, practical guides, parental advice and an interactive zone, designed to get folk thinking differently about the issue and sharing their perspectives. The AoS Network, a dedicated secure channel where practitioners and activists can share their work and research and look at innovative ways of communicating this to the public.
Who else is involved?
The Scottish Government has initiated and funded a number of innovative projects and educational resources to support sectarianism over the last few years, including ‘Beyond a Culture of Two Halves.’ In 2012 an independent advisory group was set up, chaired by Dr Duncan Morrow, to inform policy on sectarianism. There are a number of communities and organizations across Scotland currently working together to tackle sectarianism, and the Scottish Government is funding a range of approaches with £9m investment over three years.
The swift legislative response and investment in local community projects demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackle the issue but there is now a need to effect long-term cultural change and that requires a wider, longer term approach. Youth Link Scotland has worked with a range of partner organizations, agencies, communities and individuals to generate content for the website and will continue to work in partnership to achieve the ultimate goal of a Scotland free from sectarianism.
Want to get involved?
The design of the website as an open source platform allows for easy access and editing of their website with this option being open to anyone in the Action on Sectarianism (AoS) Network. Youth Link Scotland has offered training for administrators and editors of the website and will continue to offer this option so that the website stays fresh and is open to all.
