TASC Newsletter 5 September 2024
Civil Society Under Duress
Join TASC as we launch our latest report, which explores the challenges faced by civil society organizations (CSOs) in Ireland. It reveals how CSOs, while working to advance a progressive society, struggle with funding issues, governance demands, staffing shortages, and increased service needs due to housing and cost-of-living crises. They also face criticism and harassment, making them more vulnerable and less effective in supporting democratic engagement and addressing inequalities. Using these insights, the report offers recommendations for CSOs, the government, and funding bodies to strengthen resilience and improve outcomes.
Report Launch: 5 September 2024 - 12 noon to 1pm (Online)
Towards an ecological community of communities
TASC Senior Researcher in Climate Justice Matt York warns of a planetary emergency as human resource consumption, described by the Hopi term Powaqqatsi, depletes vital life systems. This has led to rapid biodiversity loss, with 60% of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles disappearing in 50 years. Without immediate action, up to half of all species could go extinct soon.
Matt discusses the shortcomings of current political systems, which he argues have failed to effectively address the ecological and climate crises. Instead, community-based models like Ireland’s People’s Transition offer hope by engaging local communities in climate action and development. These models could help build the political will needed to drive meaningful change.
General Practitioner Access to Community Diagnostic Scheme
TASC is recruiting research participants to contribute to a project on the General Practitioners Access to Community Diagnostics (GPACD) Scheme. The GPACD scheme has been set up to improve access to diagnostic tests and thus decrease patient waiting times.
For this independent evaluation of the scheme, we are currently inviting patients, healthcare workers, insurance companies and private providers to participate in one-to-one interviews.
To participate, please contact us at research@tasc.ie.
Dublin City Community Co-operative Healthy Communities Project
TASC is a member of the Community Platform, which will launch its latest report, What Would it Take to Eliminate Consistent Poverty by 2030?, at 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 17, at the Carmichael Centre in Dublin. This report, developed with input from 31 leading organizations in the community and voluntary sector, highlights the groups most affected by consistent poverty. It offers key insights into the root causes and structural factors driving poverty and presents actionable solutions and recommendations for its eradication.
TASC Staff Update
TASC welcomes Molly Newell, Digital Policy Researcher. She will lead TASC’s coverage of emerging technology policy challenges, addressing concerns related to labour, human rights, and economic inclusion.
Prior to joining TASC, Molly studied Digital Policy at University College Dublin and led research teams analysing technology and cybersecurity policy in Washington D.C.
Upcoming September Events
We have a busy and exciting September ahead, with a variety of events in our calendar.
Family Peer Support Workers report launch - 30/09/2024
Migrant Community Needs Assessment report launch - 30/09/2024
Cost Rental with NUI Maynooth & UCD launch
Registration details will be provided in future newsletters.