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Mapping exercise on Anti Racist Organisations and Activities in Ireland

This exercise was completed in March 2001. Results may be seen on the website of the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia at http://www.eumc.eu.int/

Proposed methodology

We propose to carry out the work as follows, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods.

1.      Identification of relevant organisations

We envisage a broad approach to the identification of relevant organisations, with a view to subsequent filtering into the proposed three-tier typology: organisations where anti-racism is a core activity, key organisations with a defined anti-racist dimension to their work and other organisations of which anti-racist activities form a significant but not a primary part of their activities.

The identification of relevant organisations will draw upon existing sources such as Tools for Change (NCDE 1999) and the mailing list of the newly formed (title not confirmed yet) national network of organisations working with refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants in Ireland (53 member organisations at time of writing). The CDP sector is also involved in this field. Advice would also be sought from the Equality Authority and the NCCRI in identifying further bodies.

A very approximate calculation of the number of organisations over the six categories (Governmental, NGO, Specialised Body, International, Social Partner, Other) would suggest a figure of 120-150 bodies, although this may turn out to be higher. However, we would anticipate that only a relatively small number of these bodies would be regarded as members of the ‘first-tier’ category outlined above.

Once the initial information gathering is complete a mailing database will be compiled.

2                    Survey

The four RAXEN questionnaires will be sent to all of the organisations concerned. It is anticipated that in at least 80% of cases this will be done by email. All organisations will be followed up by telephone with a view to receiving early and comprehensive returns.

3                    Survey results analysis

Survey results will be tabulated using a database. Based on the information obtained organisations will be classified according to the three-tier typology proposed.

It is proposed at this stage to convene a modest number of focus groups composed of  a selective sample of Tier 1 and Tier 2 organisations. These focus groups would enable ideas to be explored (in consultation with the Equality Authority and NCCRI) as to how the National Focal Point might best be developed.

4                    Outputs

A hard-copy report will be compiled, in which organisations identified will be tabulated and the results of the four questionnaires will be presented with a commentary. The qualitative research on steps to be taken to develop the National Focal Point will be presented in the form of a commentary, analysis and proposals for action.