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About PA
Mission: Building Democratic Communities Together
Public Achievement's work is about building new ways of doing politics in everyday life. Our efforts are focussed on working with communities that face tougher realities - in particular areas that face social and economic disadvantage and many which have also been adversely effected by the former conflict and its legacy. We work with young people, and with adults who want to work with young people to make their communities better places to live. We believe this work is essential if Northern Ireland is to move away from a legacy of violent conflict to becoming a thriving, vibrant, pluralist and more democratic society.
Much of our work is about addressing prejudice and helping people to understand their capacity to change the things they want or need to change, by working collaboratively with others in small teams. Our work is based on our 'Democratic Civic Practice' model (sometimes called 'Civic Youth Work'). It encourages people to find local solutions to problems, and to work in ways which build the skill and capacity of local communities. Beginning with an issue or problem, groups are supported by volunteer 'coaches' who work with them - to design an action that addresses the problem they are concerned about, and to carry out and evaluate a project or campaign, making it public to relevant audiences. In the process, participants develop practical skills and knowledge and are challenged to think differently about their community, their role within it, and their relationship with other communities.
Public Achievement is active in a number of communities and schools across Northern Ireland. We have also worked in museums in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. A 'site' is a place where Public Achievement groups meet - normally in a youth club, community hall, school or museum. The site will have one or more groups of young people working on issues. The young people choose a public issue that is important to them, and then design projects that address the issue and make a meaningful contribution to the life of their community and the wider world. 'Coaches' support the groups through the process by supporting, challenging and encouraging young people's ideas. They do not do the work for the young people. Coaches are supported and trained by Public Achievement staff.
Public Achievement provides young people with the opportunity to get practical experience in directing and implementing their own work around real and important issues, while challenging them to learn that there are other perspectives and that issues are often complex and difficult. This helps young people to be more effective contributors to the democratic life of their communities.
Public Achievement is responsible for the award winning WIMPS (Where Is My Public Servant?) website and project. WIMPS also utilizes the PA model in getting young people to do real work around important issues, often through the medium of video. The project also supports direct engagement between young people and their elected representatives.
We also work internationally with our partners around the world, particularly in conflict regions such as the Balkans, the Middle East, the Basque Country and Southern Africa.
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