Solidarity is a widely proclaimed value in political discourses in Ireland and within Europe. However, there is very limited analysis of what is meant by solidarity. Is it a rhetorical device to appeal to moral sentiments in their absence? How does it differ from charity and from reciprocity? There are many questions.

Drawing on research undertaken on solidarity movements in Ireland, the Forum will explore what is meant by solidarity, what undermines it in its various forms, and what facilitates it. Through the engagement of experts in the field, it will also explore the operation of solidarity in practice, in terms of the housing, health and care crises, and the financial crisis.

This forum will be of interest to community groups, NGOs and charities, policy makers, academics and individuals and activists with an interest in social justice and equality. There will be time for questions and discussion.

9:30 Registration

10:00 Keynote: What is Solidarity? Professor Kathleen Lynch, University College Dublin

10:45 Models of solidarity in Ireland: Manolis Kalaitzake, Postdoctoral Researcher University College Dublin/ Trinity College Dublin

11:10 Q and A

11:20 Panel discussion

Solidarity and Health Care: Sara Burke, Health policy analyst, post-doctoral research fellow, Trinity College Dublin

Solidarity and Housing: Rory Hearne, Postdoctoral Researcher, Maynooth University

Solidarity in Practice: Louise Bayliss, SPARK campaign and Equality Budgeting campaign

12:20 Q and A

12:40 Closing comments

Forum Chair: Dr John Bissett (Researcher and Community Worker, Dublin)

Light lunch provided

Please register if you are interested in attending. Let us know in advance if you have any accessibility requirements including ISL. Any queries, please contact Margaret Crean on m.crean@ucd.ie