platform for change was established in 2009, following initial research funded by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust on how best to promote a renewal and realignment of politics in Northern Ireland. The evidence from public-attitudes surveys, interviews and focus groups was that there was frustration with political deadlock and disengagement from participation. The solution which emerged was to prepare a platform for change which could attract widespread public support and set a new common political agenda.

Initiated by a group of non-partisan activists and thinkers, Platform for Change was constituted as a democratic organisation, following a well-attended meeting in Belfast in March. This set an agenda for further discussions over subsequent months, on the tough challenges which face the region. These comprised the deadlock on academic selection, sustainable economic development and embedded sectarian division. A management committee was elected at the first of these expert-led discussions, which each pointed towards a policy consensus.

The ideas emerging were distilled into a draft platform, which was subsequently debated and refined. It was decided to have a summary version affirming the aspirations of Platform for Change and an extended version with more argument and policy detail.

The success of this initiative will however depend not just on the strength of the platform but also on the breadth and depth of the support it enjoys. Please sign up to join the growing list of signatories.

 

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