GMB National Congress Fringe Event
The education team talk to delegates about how best to fight racism in society
It was a privilege to be asked to sit, alongside Simon and Paul, on my first SRtRC panel on behalf of Simpson Millar Solicitors. My aim was to encourage and advocate on behalf of the Charity as to why Simpson Millar support such a great and well needed organisation. I hope by using the SRtRC Wales Schools Comp Winner’s poem, it demonstrated just how great results can be achieved if fellow Corporations and Unions also get on board and help the Charity too.’Jenine Abdo, Simpson Millar LLP
The education team delivered a Fringe event at the GMB National Congress in Plymouth on the 5th June, to a room of delegates from across the UK.
On one of the hottest days of the year so far Welsh Education Manager Simon Richards and Sessional worker Paul Mortimer descended on the South Coast in a bid to continue Show Racism the Red Card’s excellent relationship with the Union and also to garner further interest and Support.
Around 30 members of the GMB Union attended the hour long talk, sponsored by Simpson Millar LLP, enjoying a range of refreshments and a fantastic view of the City through the floor to ceiling windows in the footsteps room.
First to the floor was ex Charlton and Crystal Palace star Paul Mortimer, who now educates young people about racism across England. He spoke, to the captivated room, about his experiences of racism both in society and in the game as well as his current role of working with the next generation in schools.
Next Jenine Abdo, from Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors who are great supporters of the charity, spoke about her involvement with Show Racism the Red Card and the real need for unions and members of the corporate world to get involved with the campaign in the form of sponsorship.
Then Simon Richards spoke to the room about SRtRC’s work in schools and the training provision for teachers and other adults who work with young people. There was also mention of the real need to be proactive due to the recent rise in Islamophic incidents after the Woolwich incident a couple of weeks ago. Simon Said 'It was a fantastic event and gave us a chance to show case the fantastic work that Show Racism the Red Card does across the UK. Work that simply wouldn't be achievable without the support of Unions like the GMB.'
To finish the event delegates were invited to ask questions to the panel. Unfortunately the interest was so high the team didn’t have a chance to get through all queries, however those questions that were asked certainly showed a real level of support for the charities aims and a desire to ensure that the hard work can continue into the future.