On the fantastic community-led Sunny Govan radio station, the show provides a platform for people on the streets making the links between poverty; inequalities, welfare reform and climate change. A series of ten 1 hour programmes consisting of a ‘vox pops’, with local people in each area expressing their views on the issue up for discussion and connect the local to the global -with the inspirational Cathy McCormack. Cathy and myself have both been working together since last year building an empowering radio show. The radio show and our work in general is our opportunity to open dialogue on the hidden forces at play as we strive for social and environmental justice. Re-framing the poverty/ inequality/ climate debate in terms of power, and if course the power of resistance, is exactly what we need to do in order to pull ourselves out of superficial politics. And also explore whose views normally counts and gets listened too in the media.
'I never thought that when I became active in the campaign for healthy housing that I would end up in the international struggle for justice, but that’s what happened when the people in my community in Glasgow started to make the links between our sick houses, our sick children, and the sickness of the planet.' Cathy McCormack, Easterhouse
For more of Cathy's work click here
The show is a form of a 'Listening Project' [see resources for more info] an organising tool especially useful in exploited communities where one-on-one interviews address issues of concern. Interviewers take time to build trust and understanding so that people interviewed can go deeper into their fears, hurts, hopes, needs, feelings and ideas. As citizens begin to understand that their feelings, opinions and actions can matter, they respond in dynamic ways. Some offer creative ideas and solutions. When we truly listen to people, no matter how different they are from us, we increase communication and mutual understanding. This can be the foundation of an effective, heart-centred community organising process.
