The Grenfell Fire incident leaves me sad and heartbroken

The past few days have been very challenging. Hard to comprehend this happened in London, one of the richest and most developed cities in the world.

The Grenfell fire incident has impact on many people from around the world. Some of those who perished came to Britain and made it their home. Amongst them were those who came to Britain in search of safety. They had that safety for a while but that devastating fire robbed them that; it also robbed them of their lives and the lives of their beloved ones. Those who perished were not only numbers. They had names, stories, plans, aspirations and hopes. But all that was cut short unexpectedly. It is very heart-breaking. Deeply touching. Very hard to imagine.

I don’t live nearby; I don’t have relatives in that building. But I’m in a deep sorrow because the people that perished were humans above all. They were part of my wider human family. But I also have more reasons to be heartbroken and disappointed. I took time to visit some of the families of those affected and hence was able to pay my respects; that was the least I could do. I was also able to hear stories of sorrow, bravery, endurance, kindness and humanity.

To see the family of little boy Issac was so heart-breaking. To see the family of Brkite and Bruk was devastating. To visit the family of Hashim and hear their stories was deeply touching. (Hashim, his wife and his 3 kids are still missing). All the people I was able to visit were with their loved ones days ago. That is no more the case. Their loved ones are gone. Yes, they are gone forever. But these families and many others need answers as to why this tragic incident could happen in the 21^st century London. They seek justice. Yes, justice is needed for those who have departed unexpectedly; for those who have lost their loved ones; for those who are made homeless; and , for those who are in fear as they live in this type of buildings. Answers and assurances are urgently needed.

My heart still aches. I am so sad and heartbroken. But I hope one day justice will be served to those affected by the terrible Grenfell fire incident. That is the least they would expect. Seeking justice for Grenfell. 

Hoping one day Ethiopia becomes a democracy

The election in the UK is a big lesson for many. In a democracy, political parties cannot take the electorate for granted. Yes, in politics there is no permanent friend or permanent enemy. Those who vote for you today may vote against you tomorrow. Those who work with you today may not work with you tomorrow. What we saw in Scotland was a proof. 2 years after a successful election, Scottish National Party lost 21 seats in yesterday's election. Nick Clegg in Sheffield and Alex Salmond in Scotland are among the big beasts that lost their seats. Zac Goldsmith’s come back in Richmond Park as a Member of parliament with only 45 votes majority is among the surprises.  They say, “every vote counts”.

Before the election, The Prime Minister was not satisfied with the majority she had. The election has not given her what she wanted; rather she lost seats and consequently diminished her authority. The PM is now forced to go into a confidence and supply deal with the Democratic Unionist Party. Will this deal last long or will we once again go to the polls? It is up to time until we know that.

This election has helped Jeremy Corbyn to prove many of his critics wrong. He was able to reach out to the grassroots, especially the youngsters. His politics of HOPE worked well. Lots of gains for the labour party under his leadership. The future looks very promising for the party. Jeremy has exceeded every expectation. Another exciting figure, at least for me, in this election process was Green's Caroline Lucas. Her interventions during the debates were fascinating. She is among the stars to watch closely. The return to parliament of the likes of Jo Swinson and Vince Cable must be exciting for the Liberal Democrats. 

Yemi Hailemariam meeting British Prime Minister Theresa May 

Another exciting moment for me, as a British citizen of Ethiopian origin, was to see Yemi Hailemariam, the wife of Andargachew Tsege, who made it all the way to Maidenhead from Islington, London, and contested the seat of the PM as an independent candidate and subsequently met the British Prime Minister to demand for the release of Andy who is abducted by the Ethiopian authorities. It was Non-violent activism at its best.  ‪

The number of female Members of Parliament has increased to 208 according to the BBC. The increase in number is encouraging, but this is not enough in the 21^st Britain. Britain is not short of talented women. Bring on the women and make the parliament more representative.

There is one important thing to remember. Democracy is not only about voting on the election day. It is also about what we do before and after election to hold our politicians to account; It is also about engaging in local democracy and contributing our bits to the betterment of our world; It is also about finding solutions to the challenges we are faced with. It is a process that doesn't stop once we have voted for our representatives.

Hoping one day, yes one day, my country Ethiopia becomes a democracy. Yes, hoping that nobody is thrown into jail for criticising the government on social media; hoping that my fellow Ethiopians some times in the not too distant future relish democracy and join the Brits and others that have democracy for granted; And of course, hoping that Ethiopians remain united and march together for a stronger and prosperous Ethiopia.

Of course, we all have our bits to contribute to see that happen. It is never late to identify, train and coach the next generation of Ethiopian leaders. At least we can start with the ones in the UK.

Avoid apathy. Get out and vote!

United Kingdom goes to polls on June 8. This snap election was called by British Prime Minister Theresa May. It seems that she wanted to have a stronger mandate before the Brexit negotiations. Many people call this election – Election for Hard/Soft Brexit. But it will have impact on many beyond Brexit negotiations. That is why there is a need to vote. The ball is now in the hands of the British public.

Apathy to participate in local democracy is not the way forward. If we want to see changes happen in Britain; if we want to see our voices heard; if we also want to see strong civil societies that can hold the state and the market to account; then it is important to get out and vote. It is important to remember that change does not come on its own. Change needs hard work and we all have our bits to contribute; or change remains a dream! 

Worthwhile to remember that many people around the world die to get the right to vote. Many others suffer in the hands of brutal dictators, like Assad, and their agents because they want to have a say in their countries’ affairs. Yet in democratic countries like Britain, there are many who do not exercise this privilege. Some even think their votes wouldn’t make a difference and hence do not care voting. We still see same people complaining about the government in power or even about the opposition. We may not like politics but our lives are affected by politics. Hence there is a need to engage actively in local democracy and vote for what matters for us. If we don’t engage locally and use our democratic rights, we must accept what others have voted for. By the end of the day, the voice of the majority rules even if we do not agree.

Avoid apathy and get out and vote! Your Vote is Your Voice! We may not get what we vote for, but it is our chance to exercise our democratic rights.  June 8 is the day!

My Harvard Experience - The Global Change Agents Program

                                                                                             
Dreams can come true!

In June 2016, I went to Boston, USA, to study Advanced Study of Nonviolent Conflict at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. That was the first time I went to Boston and fell in love with this vibrant city. Thanks to my good old friend Sintayehu Dehnie, I had the opportunity to visit one of the iconic universities in the world – Harvard. I loved everything I saw at Harvard and in Cambridge and wanted to come back to this great university and attend a program. It was only a dream then.

Yes, that dream was deep in me I had to search for a program that I would be interested in at Harvard Kennedy School. It took me sometime to decide the program I would qualify for and I should attend. I contacted Harvard by the end of November 2016 for clarification and subsequently submitted my application for one of the programs – The Global Change Agents Program. The title of the program looked great and I convinced myself I should go for it. Luckily I heard from Harvard Kennedy School in December 2016 that I had been accepted for the program and consequently had to start preparation for next steps. I must admit that the next steps were not as easy as being admitted to the program. Funding was an issue but I had the courage to go extra mile. After lots of email exchanges and phone conversations, I finally secured my place. This wouldn’t have happened without the support of some amazing people that extended their support. My Many thanks go to the Global Change Agents Program, especially the then head of the program Kristi Viola who was so helpful. Also, my thanks go to Sergei Konoplyov, the current program director, who had to extend his advice and help until the eleventh hour. My special thanks go to the Old Possum's Practical Trust that extended financial support and helped me see my dream come true. Thanks to my community organising job in the United Kingdom that brings me in touch with many wonderful people that work hard to change the world for a better. At the heart of community organising is building relationship. Because of these relationships some of the people I have worked with have stepped in to help in any way possible. Among these voices of courage are Julia Thistelton-Smith, Neil Jameson, Zrinka Bralo, Nick Sagovsky, Andrew Jacobs, Anna Pincus, Kaaren Wallace, Ben Fraser, Fran Wood, John Coleby and Jennifer Monahan. Andrew Jacobs said, " I am sure you will use this training to the advantage of the disadvantaged people you spend your professional life helping". I feel indebted to these amazing folks. I can’t thank them enough.

Global Change Agents Participants with Dean Williams

The experience at Harvard Kennedy School was exceptional. What made the program special was that it brought together people from all walks of life that were willing to contribute their bits and challenge the status quo; people willing to push boundaries; people willing to challenge established norms. Each participant was fully engaged and actively participating and sharing ideas. 52 people from different parts of the world attending a program that can meet folks’ expectations. Lots of talents and experiences brought together. People ready to make a difference locally, nationally and globally. The atmosphere was phenomenal from day 1. The program was intensive and that is what one would expect from Harvard. Yet the participants were ready and up for the challenge.

Group 7 at the Global Change Agents Program

The fact that we had small groups that would meet every day to share ideas and discuss challenges and opportunities in an open way was very helpful. It brought togetherness and friendship. I wouldn’t be surprised if I see one or two of these Global Change Agents Program participants taking some senior positions in government departments in the countries they come from – if not they happen to lead their countries. Lots of truly inspirational folks who are willing to go extra mile to make a difference. Folks who also find time for fun. Who forgets the Karaoke? The many selfies? Exchanges on WhatsApp? Keep shining colleagues and friends!

Bekele Woyecha with Former President of Ecuador Jamil Mahuad

I also enjoyed the way each session was structured and stories shared.  Each session was led by a highly qualified and competent individual who was able to take us on a journey without us feeling bored. Lucky us to hear lots of first hand moving stories from Dean Williams. Great opportunity to see Hugh O’Doherty holding the space with his silence and challenging each and every one of us. Excellent engagement with Tim O’Brien who was able to keep us focused. And of course, highly moving stories of Jamil Mahuad, former president of Ecuador, among the highlights of the program. 



The case studies presented by 3 of the participants brought opportunities for attendees to discuss adaptive challenges in the world we live in.

Bekele Woyecha presenting his case study

I can’t forget the program coordinators who were so professional and showed adaptive leadership in practice.  

Harvard, you have met and exceeded my expectations and left me challenged to go for yet another program. I may be back. Who knows when? God willing, that dream may come true in the not too distant future. One thing for sure. Harvard is not only for a few privileged folks. Dreamers could also go to Harvard. Yes that is possible!

London my London

London my London  

Where I live and shine 

Without being asked 

As to where I come from 

After all it is in London 

Where I'm never alone

So do many others

Who have made London their home

In this great city of ours

The city of cities 

The most beautiful ever

That will never be silent

Rather goes from glory

To another glory

Go on London

Keep shinning

After all you are London,

The most cosmopolitan ever

With people of every nation 

People of every creed

People of every faith 

And of course, that of non-faith 

That we have in this world

All gathered in London 

They never feel alone 

In the city called London

Either in the day or evening 

In the city that never sleeps 

Even if one is a stranger 

One would never feel alone

I'm in Love with this city 

That has welcomed me

Without any hesitation 

Gave me the opportunities 

To rebuild my life again 

London my city and home

My adorable London 

Keep shining my city 

After all you are London 

The city of cities 

The best city ever

The beacon of my hopes, 

Beacon of my liberty, 

My freedom and humanity.

Bekele Woyecha

London, March 23rd 2017

Empowered Are The Organised

They were here 20 years ago. They are here 20 years after.

20 years ago there was an organiser called Neil Jameson, who had to have as many one to one face to face meetings as possible in East London. There was no hidden agenda this disciple of Civil Society and Democracy was carrying with him. He was all about getting the East End organised. “Organising was what East London needed most in those days as it does need it now” says Bishop Paul McAleenan, who was a local priest at St. Scholastica's in Clapton 20 years ago and now the Bishop of the Diocese of Westminster. Bishop Paul was there 20 years ago at the founding assembly and he has once again come back to join the 1000 strong delegates to celebrate the 20^th year anniversary of The East London Citizens Organisation (TELCO).

Bishop Paul McAleenan of the Diocese of Westminster addressing the assembly

The founding assembly took place at York Hall in Bethnal Green and it felt great for many including Rev Paul Regan, Fr. John Armitage, who was the co-chair of the founding assembly, Dr. Muhammad Bari, and many other veterans to go back to the same hall on Thursday 9^th March 2017 to witness history unfolding.

The 20^th anniversary was an opportunity to see democracy in action; opportunity to see unity in diversity; an opportunity to show case what civil society can do to address the challenges it faces in an organised way; opportunity to see civil society holding the state and the market to account; but also an opportunity to rebuild and re-energise the East End and start yet another march towards securing social justice through organising. "Divisions in our societies across West seem to be deepening. Yet we are here this evening to recognise TELCO as an organisation which has built bridges, not walls" - Rev Paul Regan.

This anniversary is a product of many months of organising, a series of meetings, a series of agreements and disagreements, a series of plotting and democratic engagements. Organising needs patience, endurance, tenacity, leadership and it is one that should be fun. That was what we saw on Thursday the 9^th of March.

At the heart of this anniversary were the organisers and community leaders who had to make sure everything was in place. They won’t leave anything to chance and hence had to prepare for every eventuality. It needed meticulous planning and readiness with proper fall-back positions. That is why we had organisers like Emmanuel, Yasmin, Caitlin and Daniel who were all doing their bits to see the assembly through. That is why we had the Bernadette Harris of TELCO, the John and Naomi Cliftons of the East End, the Angus Ritchies of our world and many other veteran leaders who had to sit day in day out to plan this wonderful occasion. After all it is about organising. Organising is not about them; rather it is about US together. Neil Jameson, the Founder and Executive Director of Citizens UK paid tribute to all who made the long journey with TELCO. He said the following, "Our member institutions are our greatest asset and our leaders are the glue which hold everything together. Here is to 20 more years of power, action and justice". 

Kudos to all who made the founding of TELCO a success 20 years ago. Kudos to all who have travelled the long journey together. Kudos to all who contributed their bits and made the day historical. Kudos to the kids, the young, the seniors and everybody who made it to the assembly. 

Organise, Organise and Organise. It was the call then; it is the call now. Keep organising, keep marching together and of course keep winning. Empowered Are The Organised!

The refugee crisis: Three ways London could do better

Eleven years ago I lived with my young family in Ethiopia. Life was enjoyable, but the escalation of an already precarious political situation meant it got harder; eventually I had to leave Ethiopia and seek asylum in Britain.

11 years later, I’m part of the London community. I’ve given back to the city by volunteering for The 2012 Games, and through my work with Citizens UK I support other refugees who hope to make this city their home.  My story shows that refugees can start a new and successful life in Britain, but I believe the city could still do more to help people seeking refuge. Here’s just three ways we could do better:

Language is the greatest barrier

My experience has taught me the importance of welcoming refugees when they arrive in London, to support them into society, rather than shut them out. When I arrived in Britain I was immediately locked up in a detention centre as if I were a criminal, unaware of when I would be released. I was incredibly fortunate that I could speak English, because it meant I was able to communicate with the officials there, unlike many refugees.

There should be a dedicated centre to support refugees arriving in London which should be equipped with translators. This should help newly arrived asylum seekers with their applications, but also support successful applicants to integrate and become part of our society. English lessons would break down that barrier and help them to get jobs and revive their confidence. It should also be extended to other migrants. They say, "language empowers".

Recognise their potential

Highly skilled refugees are not often able to get jobs which match their skill levels. So, as a country we lose out on valuable skills. I see qualified people in different professions working totally unrelated jobs as they have been unable to get jobs they are qualified for. Many are overqualified for the jobs they are doing. I regularly hear people saying they are willing to help refugees; it is important to make practical steps to do this. The corporate world should be willing to provide refugees with opportunities for success.

London must remain open and welcoming

The mayor, Sadiq Khan, is ready to make sure that London remains a welcoming city, open to people from across the world. But if we want people arriving in London to engage in society then we need to make sure that they’re welcomed into the community and helped to get started in the city - in terms of job opportunities, homes and education. As I write this piece, there are 65.3 million people displaced; 21.3 million refugees stranded in camps across the world. Most these refugees are hosted by developing countries who are not equipped to deal with the influx. I believe that London must set an example and show the rest of the world how refugees and migrants alike should be welcomed and integrated into the city.

I know how civil wars and political unrests can strip people of their dignity as human beings, and I feel a deep concern about the current refugee crisis. I fear for the people in Ethiopia and across the world who are being persecuted for their political beliefs, religion, race, sexual orientation, and who are forced to flee their homes. 

I believe that not only do we have a humanitarian responsibility to allow refugees the freedom to seek sanctuary, we must also recognise - and celebrate - the positive contributions that they make to our society, economy and culture.

Where is Temesgen?

Journalist Temesgen Desalegn has been out of sight for some time in Ethiopia. Disappearance is not unusual in dictatorship. What makes Temesgen’s disappearance special is the fact that he is in the custody of the regime only for exercising his democratic rights; yet they not willing to tell his family of his whereabouts. People like Temesgen have big place in developed world as they hold the state and the market to account. Unfortunately, in countries like Ethiopia being a journalist or a human rights activist in a risky business.

Calling on the government of Ethiopia to come forward and tell us the whereabouts of Temesgen. Where is he? Where is Temesgen?

Act Now For Refugee Children

In the past couple of years Citizens UK has been working hard along with others to welcome refugees. Following its court victory on Dublin III regulation earlier this year and the campaign for Dubs amendment, more than 300 children were brought to safety in October 2016. 

The children that were brought to safety were accorded huge welcome by community leaders gathered from across Britain. The following video was taken on their arrival.

Now that the demolition of Calais is over and those children stranded in Calais camp are dispersed to different camps across France, the transfer is halted. 

That is why Citizens UK is calling the Home Secretary to honor her promise and restart the transfer. 

On 13th December from 6-7pm, Citizens will gather in Westminster to demand the Home Secretary to restart the transfer and bring in 1000 refugees by Christmas. Candles will be lighted and Christmas Carols sung. Join us!

Nonviolent Civil Resistance in Ethiopia

Ethiopians have been under tyranny for the past 25 years; the repressions have continued and things have gone from bad to worse in the past one year. Since November 2015, 100s of nonviolent protesters have been killed by the regime in power. Despite the violence by the regime, the campaign for Freedom, democracy and social justice has not stopped. It has gone from strength to strength in an organised and unified way. 

Why resist non-violently? 

Many people may know that Ethiopia is effectively a one party system dominated by the Tigrean People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The party conducted another sham election in 2015 and claimed to have won 100% of the seats in parliament. This is outrageous and can never happen in a true democracy. The only other county where elections can be won 100% and possibly with a 100% turnout is North Korea. 

Despite having a clear picture about this sham election, the president of the United States called this election democratic during his visit to Ethiopia. That was an insult to democracy and hence Ethiopians and human rights activists from across the world went on to social media to condemn the statement. The regime in Ethiopia used this statement as an endorsement. This sham election has changed the way Ethiopians think about elections. Many Ethiopians think elections will not work as things stand and the regime is not ready for proper and honest negotiations and democratisation of the country.  

Nonviolent activism in Oromia region of Ethiopia (photo credit social media)

Hence the only way out is to resist in a nonviolent way. Ethiopians in Oromia, Amhara, and many other regions have been organising demonstrations in the past one year. The response from the regime has always been violent crackdown. As the regime’s violence continues, equally the nonviolent civil resistance has continued and has spread across Ethiopia. Language, ethnicity, religion, gender, age or any other factor is not an issue here. All the Ethiopians are calling for is FREEDOM. The freedom for all Ethiopians. We all say no to tyranny and resist non-violently to free ourselves and our beloved country once and forever. That is how we can break the cycle of violence and live in harmony and prosperity. 

Ethiopians say enough to 25 years of killing, maiming, imprisoning, instigating fears and dividing folks. Time for change and for freedom. It is now or never! 

Our days at Fletcher

“You may not see change in your generation, but you must make sure you sow the seeds of change so that the next generation or the generation after may benefit from.” Rev Dr. James Lawson

This powerful message from one of the architects of Civil Rights movement in America has lots of meanings for me and many others who assembled in Boston, Massachusetts from 19 – 24 June 2016 for the 2016 Fletcher Summer Institute.

The journey to the 2016 summer institute was not that simple. As always there were applications, emails, interviews, acceptance and finally amazing days together with folks from around the world. It was simply incredible. It all happened under the watchful eyes of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, which has the courage and determination to reach out to those nonviolent civil resisters scattered around the world.

At the opening of the 6 days session Rev Dr. James Lawson made a key note speech advising attendees to stick to nonviolence despite the many challenges they may face. He was actually joined by Mary King and other giants of civil rights movements who were never tired to share their amazing stories and enthusiasm to the next generation.

                                              Rev Dr. James Lawson

Professor Mary King



The summer institute is really special,

The fact that the summer institute was capable of bringing folks from 35 countries was by itself a big deal. But there are lots of things that are worth mentioning. Many people had roles of teaching or engaging in some form or another, some amazing stories in terms of ignite talks or contributions in breakout sessions, opportunity to network and of course the wonderful Boston cruise which we relished to bits. Some were busy updating the wider public in terms of tweets whilst others preferred Facebook to share what was happening at the Fletcher. These will last in our memories for long.  The sessions were not simply dull as there were opportunities to engage; opportunities to engage with one another and of course time for laughter thanks to the many talented people that gathered from around the world. I still remember the massage session of the fabulous Alfonso from Mexico: 

I also remember the amazingly talented Maji from Kaduna, Nigeria who kept everyone at ease through out our days at the Fletcher. Yes the two were among the many pillars and will be remembered for many years to come. 

Our days at Fletcher seemed short but the memories will undoubtedly last long. This was only a reality thanks to the dedicated team at ICNC that went extra mile to make our time worthwhile. Kudos to all the wonderful folks that make this a reality. Kudos to all who devote their time and resource on nonviolent civil resistance. The world is a better place because of you. 

The Fight to Reunite Children in Calais with Families in UK

On 29 January 2016 the UK Courts gave detailed judgement that four Syrian refugees who were the week before granted permission to have their asylum claims assessed in the UK. They were legally allowed to travel to the UK under European rules. This definitive judgement makes plain that the four refugees have a lawful right to be with their families in the UK whilst their asylum claims are considered. The January 29 ruling will have implications for other unaccompanied minors in Calais, Dunkirk and more widely across Europe.

The legal challenge was organised by Citizens UK home of community organising in the United Kingdom. Please find the Full Judgement Here .  

You are who you are

Minutes after seconds

Hours after minutes
Days after hours
Months after days
And years after months
They keep coming
And of course going
We notice them or otherwise
They do their routines
As we do ours
Those seconds or minutes
Or the big ones
Make you who you are
As you are who you are
The person you are
And the person others know
To be whom you are
The product of those seconds
And the minutes
The months and years

THAT VERY DAY

You flee your home country,
so as to seek sanctuary,
then you reach the host country.
you are either detained or dispersed,
lucky you if dispersed,
very unlucky if detained.
If you are the one who is dispersed,
you live in accommodation that is shared,
expected to integrate,
with people of your type,
from different walks of life,
background, language, culture,
religion and even common sense.
You may worry or the reverse,
about the cleanliness of the kitchen,
the bathroom and the toilet,
which you are meant to share.
Confused how to locate
the one stop shop that is nearest,
the office where you should report.
You are neither the boss nor the servant,
accept what life has brought.
And await for what tomorrow holds.
If you are the one who is detained,
you are by now who has despaired,
Still suffering from the trauma you faced.
Confused about the present,
And unsure of the future.
Forced to live in contemplation,
as you have to see life’s other version.
Believe that it is your destiny,
that takes you from country to country.
But have the faith and the strength,
as you await for better days.
Never despair, pursue the fight,
you need to be an optimist,
who has patience to see that day,
when you could speak loudly.

Written in April 2006

WE CAN WIN IF WE ARE ORGANISED!

On 13 October around 900 people organised by Citizens UK​ braved the cold weather and gathered at Old Palace Yard to ask David Cameron to resettle 1000 Syrian refugees before Christmas. All those gathered made it clear that the people are ready to welcome refugees. It now looks the government is ready too!

Today David Cameron announced that 1000 Syrian refugees will be resettled before Christmas. The announcement is indeed a big win for civil society and an encouragement to work harder. Of course we will have to wait and see whilst continuing our organised effort to welcome refugees

We still have lots to do to make sure the words are put in practice and that civil society has roles in the resettlement and consequently integration of those who are resettled.  

What makes organising distinct is the fact that we don't only campaign for the sake of campaigning. Rather we want to win and consequently put in place proper strategy to win the win. We thus come up with alternative solutions and campaign in a consistent way. This reminds me one of the maxims of community Organising in Saul Alinsky’s book Rules For Radicals, “Keep the pressure on. Never let up”

When Organised People Speak, The Government will be made to listen. 

WE THE PEOPLE ARE READY TO WELCOME REFUGEES

On Tuesday 13 October around 900 people gathered at Old Palace Yard, Westminster, London for a vigil and to ask David Cameron's government to resettle 1000 Syrian refugees before Christmas. This vigil was organised by Citizens UK, which is the home of community organising in the United Kingdom and the largest civic alliance in Europe. 

In the run up to the 2015 general election, community leaders organised by Citizens UK  approached prospective parliamentary candidates to seek support so that more Syrian refugees would be resettled in the United Kingdom. Further more, community leaders approached councils up and down the country to convince them to take at least 50 refugees in every council. 

In the past few months thousands of British people have shown their readiness and willingness to welcome refugees. They have offered their rooms, time, skills, friendship and money. Yet the response from the government has been too slow. As the Syrian crisis got from bad to worse and the public challenged the government, the British government announced that it would to take in 20000 Syrian refugees over the course of 5 years. 

Following the announcement, Citizens UK have been working all over the country to organise the civil society and secure pledges from more local councils and landlords, that they will house refugees once they arrive here in the UK. The response from the councils and the landlords has been encouraging and it was an indication that when the civil society acts in an organised way, the government and the market could listen. 

The October 13 vigil was attended by senior politicians, religious leaders and members of the public. Among the speakers was Tim Farron MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, who said, " You do not cling to the bottom of a moving truck risking everything if you are looking for an easy life." This is a powerful reminder to the government that people risk everything they have in their search for safety. Hence we cannot turn a blind eye to the crisis and therefore should play our bits as citizens of this world. 

The vigil which was entitled Resettle 1000 Refugees Before Christmas  was the first step to challenge the government to act in the sense of urgency and resettle the most vulnerable 1000 refugees before it is too cold.  

The people are ready to do what it takes to welcome refugees. It is down to the government to do what is right at the right time.

INCOME THRESHOLD HAVING IMPACT ON FAMILY LIFE

THE SPOUSAL VISA CAMPAIGN - JUSTICE FOR FAMILY LIFE!

Community leaders in different constituencies in London, Birmingham, Swansea and Cardiff are calling upon their MPs to support their call to peg the minimum income threshold in order to sponsor the settlement of a spouse or partner in the UK to the national Living Wage. 

The call from Citizens UK, national community organising charity representing over 350 civil society institutions, comes after the Government changed the rules in 2012 and raised the minimum income threshold to £18,600 per annum, placing the dream of a family life out of the reach of thousands of working people; 43% of British employees earn less than £18,600. The higher threshold was set in 2012, and increased dramatically, excluding a much larger number of people from bringing their spouses and children to join them in the UK.

The campaign to change the threshold level and peg it to the national Living Wage came out of thousands of face to face conversations with Citizens UK members from across the country who reported this as an issue affecting their communities.  A report from the APPG on Migration in June 2013 reported that family visas issued dropped by 16% and in some instances children and babies have been separated from a parent both in the UK and abroad.

The Revd Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James’s Church Piccadilly and Citizens UK member institution said: “We want the Government to review what we believe is an unfair and unjust decision that severely limits people from being able to live with their family, something taken for granted by most of us.

“We’ve heard story after story of husbands and wives separated because of this rule. We are asking for a compromise and for the threshold to be linked to the Living Wage. An annual Living Wage salary works out at £15,350 per annum and is recognised as a wage that allows people to support themselves and their family without becoming a burden to the taxpayer.

“Families would still bear the cost of the visa application and family visa recipients have no access to public funds. This isn’t about an open-door immigration policy, but about recognising what a fair figure would be. The Living Wage is a robust calculation that reflects the real cost of living in the UK.”

The campaigners from Citizens UK differ from some other groups, as they are calling for the threshold to be linked to the Living Wage, rather than the National Minimum Wage, and argue that the Living Wage calculation reflects the real cost of living.

Dilowar Khan, the Director of East London Mosque said: “The East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre fully supports this life changing campaign by Citizens UK. Families shouldn’t be separated because of the minimum income threshold set by government.”

“Many of our communities are built on spouses coming from abroad to support their families and children. It is a sad state of affairs to see many testimonies of families being kept separated, because they are unable to meet the income threshold.”

“Tying the threshold to the Living Wage makes perfect sense – and government really needs to take this into account, as it is a realistic figure. Strong communities and families are the backbone of all civilised societies, and we need to ensure citizens are supported to keep their families together.”

According to the Government’s own estimates almost 18,000 British people are prevented from being reunited with their spouse or partner in the UK every year as a result of the updated rules.

Professor Eleonore Kofman, Co-Director of the Social Policy Research Centre and Professor of Gender, Migration and Citizenship, Middlesex University said: "The level of income required is far too high and applied much too inflexibly so that many who have been caught by it are forced to live apart from their partners and their children; even though the family is clearly able to support itself without increasing the use of public funds. In fact, the reverse is the case; keeping the family apart makes reliance on public support more likely."

Campaigners recognise that linking to the Living Wage will still exclude a large section of the population but hope that this would be a step in the right direction and open up debate around the issue.

Nigel John, Senior Chaplin of Swansea University said of the campaign, “Families are meant to live together not apart. I support this campaign” 

Fellow Citizens UK member, Pastor Suzette Ashley, who is pastor of Taste of Glory Apostolic Ministry and also a health care assistant, explains: “My husband and I have been separated because my job as a health care assistant means I don’t earn enough to qualify for a spousal visa.

“I love my job, it is a real vocation, and you certainly don’t do it for the money. I work long hours and you are always being rushed from one job to the next, when all you really want to do is spend quality time with often lonely, vulnerable older people.

“I’m campaigning with Citizens UK because I believe that linking to the Living Wage is a much more sensible calculation. Even the Living Wage amount would be a struggle for me because of the sector I work in, but at least that figure makes sense to me.”

Citizens UK leaders across the country are sending Valentine cards to their local MPs this week and twenty delegations of Citizens UK members will be meeting their MPs armed with cards, flowers and chocolates to highlight the loneliness many separated couples are experiencing this Valentine’s weekend.

Pastor Ashley continues: “Everyone is talking about love and relationships this week which breaks my heart. The most important date I have this Valentine’s is with my MP to ask them to help us negotiate a change and give more people a chance at building a happy family.”

family is family

Family is family, we all agree,
Rich or poor, it still is family,
Race, colour, religion 
do not matter,
As in the eyes of others,
Family is family,
Why separate them from the loved ones,
From the loves of their souls,
For they don’t earn that much money,
£18600, £22400, £24800 are the numbers
Magic numbers that separate families,
Numbers that block reunions.
Numbers blocking family lives,
Bring down these thresholds
Align them at least to living wage,
To allow more families to live together,
The lives all deserve to have.