- Why?
Many people are feeling sorrow, anger, helplessness and shame over
the government's treatment of asylum seekers and the lack of compassion
shown by the Australian community. Some are experiencing heated conversations
with friends, family members and work colleagues over the issues.
We are at the coal-face trying to sustain our energies in being allies
to asylum seekers and refugees ... whether it be directly assisting
refugees coming out of detention, or indirectly by carrying their
suffering through our hearts.
- Who?
"Pakistan and Iran should be studied very carefully by many countries
who try to shut up shop when confronted with refugee caseloads a fraction
of the size of the Afghans," Sri Wijeratne UNHCR's current Chief of
Mission for Afghanistan said. "Both countries ended up with over three
million Afghan refugees, and both countries responded with a generosity
of spirit that has not been paralleled since."
-
What?
Two workshops have been organised for people to safely express these
emotions, to learn more about the facts, and to have effective conversations
with others that create a context for attitude change.
* 10am to 12:30pm ~ SUSTAINING OUR HEARTS AT THE COAL-FACE This workshop
will involve gentle yet powerful processes to help us maintain our compassion,
cope with our feelings of sorrow, fear and anger, and prevent burn-out.
It is suited for ~ people who work directly with or who advocate for
refugees and asylum seekers ~ people in the general community who are
feeling upset over the treatment of asylum seekers ~ people who feel
numb and are wanting to unblock their feelings about the issues
* 1:30 - 4:30pm ~ EFFECTIVE CONVERSATIONS AND ACTION Ways to have effective
conversations with others on issues concerning asylum seekers and refugees.
Learn how to avoid pitfalls of reacting out of frustration or anger
in ways that only reinforce other's attitudes, of not listening nor
seeing the positive intentions and value behind what other people say,
of requiring them to change their identities in order to accept your
message, and of treating them as objects whose attitudes need to be
manipulated. Basic information about the plight of refugees and asylum
seekers will also be presented to dispel the common myths and stereotypes,
and about actions that can be taken at the campaigning, lobbying and
street-action levels.
- Where?
Outback Centre, 315 Bagot Rd Subiaco (behind the pink church)
There
are both bus and train public transport options to get to the venue
· contact Transperth 13-62-13 or www.transperth.wa.gov.au for details
· You can attend either one or both workshops ~ for those participating
in the whole day, please bring your own lunch ... coffee/tea/fruit
will be provided
· Cost: for those on an income, a gold coin; concession
free
