Ariadne News & Events

NEW PUBLICATION! 2021 ARIADNE FORECAST: Last month, we announced the release of the 2021 Ariadne Forecast for European Social Change and Human Rights Funders! To create the Forecast, 275 Ariadne members and friends of the network filled in surveys, participated in interviews, and attended online forecast meetings to share their insights into trends in European social change and human rights philanthropy for 2021. The report looks at the challenges and opportunities this year might bring for grantees; how funder practice could change; which political events are likely to affect their work; what will become more important in the months ahead; and – perhaps most importantly – what to feel hopeful about. There are chapters on France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, and the UK, plus a broader, Global focus. You can download the report, join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #2021AriadneForecast, or get in touch with Hannah Stevens to write a blog for us.

SAVE THE DATE: GRANT SKILLS WEEK – FUNDING WITH A RACIAL JUSTICE LENS: What does the call for greater racial justice mean for European social change and human rights funders? How can funders help promote racial justice, even if they don’t have a dedicated funding programme on racial issues? In this Grant Skills Week on funding with a racial justice lens, we will explore how funders can build a racial justice perspective into their work. We will examine what ‘structural or systemic racism’ means and how that concept might be relevant to your work, regardless of the primary focus of your funding, and we will explore the particular challenges facing anti-racism work in Europe. During the event, you will have the opportunity to hear from leading racial justice campaigners from across Europe and the UK and connect with peers who have been grappling with similar questions. This event is jointly organised by Ariadne and the Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity (PRE). Save the date, 23^rd & 24^th June 2021.

REGISTER: HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT – THE NEXUS BETWEEN MODERN SLAVERY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION: Modern slavery and environmental destruction are concurrent crises – but what if they are more interrelated than we ever imagined? This session is the first in a series curated by the Freedom Fund exploring the nexus between modern day slavery and environmental destruction. From the devastating deforestation of the Amazon, and the mining industry’s decimation of protected areas in the Congo, to the fishing sector in South-East Asia, slavery is inextricably interwoven with some of the worst environmental destruction on the planet. Yet, this connection remains one of the most under-researched topics. Join Ariadne, Freedom Fund, and the Environmental Funders Network for a discussion exploring how modern slavery and environmental destruction weave together, and how by better understanding the interlinkages, we have a possible route to protecting both the most vulnerable people in the world, and some of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems. Join us on Tuesday 20^th April, 15:00-16:15 CEST (world clock). Click here to register.

REGISTER: STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR PROGRESSIVE SOCIAL JUSTICE: What do foundations need to advance a progressive social change agenda at this time? Is there a collective vision for that change? How does philanthropy need to adapt, and how can philanthropic infrastructure support foundations towards transformational change? We are creating the space for reflection on these questions, hosted by consultant and friend to the network, Barry Knight, and we invite you to join the discussion. These discussions will provide the opportunity for you to reflect on questions about the future, the challenges you are facing, and your ideas for advancing social change with a group of like-minded peers. We hope these will be spaces for you to develop deeper relationships with other funders and gain inspiration, while also helping us shape the tools and services that we provide you in the future. Click here to register for Tuesday 20^th April, 12:00 – 13:00 CEST (world clock) or, click here to register for Wednesday 28^th April, 16:00 – 17:00 CEST (world clock).

REGISTER: TECHNOLOGY TOUCHPOINT ON OPEN-SOURCE RESEARCH: Join us for a panel presentation and discussion on the ins and outs of open source research. What does it mean and who is doing it? What are the ethical considerations? In what contexts can it be used for advocacy and human rights investigations? What could a feminist approach to open source research look like? We will dig into this trendy, timely and complex topic at our second Technology Touchpoint as part of the Digital Power initiative here at Ariadne. Speakers: Gabriela Ivens, Head of Open Source Research, Digital Investigations Lab at Human Rights Watch; Brad Samuels, Director, SITU Research; and Jeff Deutch, Director of Operations and Research, Mnemonic. Join us on Thursday 22^nd April, 15:00 – 16:10 CEST (world clock). Click here to register.

REGISTER: INDEPENDENT HUMAN RIGHTS ACT REVIEW: The 1998 Human Rights Act incorporates the European Convention of Human Rights into UK domestic law and places a legal duty on public bodies to respect these rights. It is a framework that for over two decades has given citizens and communities the power to protect their rights and freedoms and seek justice if these are breached. The Government created an Independent Human Rights Act Review in December 2020, and subsequently launched a call for evidence which closed in March 2021. While the terms of reference of the review focus on the operation and enforcement of the Act rather than the rights it contains, any potential changes to the Human Rights Act have great implications. Join Ariadne and the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) for an event exploring the background and implications of the Act and its review, and what this might mean for funders and their work. Speakers: David Sampson, Deputy Director at the Baring Foundation; Louise Whitfield, Solicitor and Head of Legal Casework at Liberty; Martin O’Brien, Executive Director at Social Change Initiative; and Paddy Kelly, Director at the Children’s Law Centre. Join us on Tuesday 27^th April, 13:30 – 15:00 BST (world clock). Click here to register. 

REGISTER: NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US – PARTICIPATORY GRANT-MAKING TO ACHIEVE DISABILITY RIGHTS: In global and European philanthropy, participatory grantmaking (PGM) approaches have come towards the forefront in recent years while the asymmetric impact of Covid and related lockdowns on vulnerable communities have reminded us how ‘one size fits all’ approaches don’t cater for the various dimensions of inequality. By listening to the perspectives of philanthropy and civil society professionals with lived experience of disability and participatory approaches, this webinar will share insights on questions such as: How can PGM be used to achieve disability rights? How do we understand what has and can be achieved when disabled people are in decision-making processes? This webinar will look at how to shift narrative and funding from the charity model to the social model of disability with a justice lens and a rights-based approach. Speakers: Alberto Vásquez, Disability Rights Fund; Nikki Brown-Booker, Disability Inclusion Fund at Borealis Philanthropy; and James Lee, City Bridge Trust. Moderator: Hannah Paterson, The National Lottery Community Fund. Join us on Thursday 29^th April, 17:00 – 18:00 CEST (world clock). Click here to register.

REGISTER: WORKSHOP SERIES – TAKING A DEI APPROACH TO ADDRESSING DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT: Drawing on the experiences of Ford Foundation and Open Society Foundations, as well as research collected by Ariadne and the Funder Safeguarding Collaborative, we are offering European foundations a peer-learning space to explore how they can address and support the prevention of harm within the philanthropic and civil society sector by better integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values and principles into their work. Following the rise of the #metoo movement, allegations of sexual harassment with the civil society sector, including philanthropy, were brought to greater prominence. These issues were explored in Ariadne’s funder guide to preventing and responding to sexual harassment. Similarly, civil society and philanthropy are now reflecting on the racial discrimination and inequities brought to light by the Black Lives Matter movement. As these matters have come more into the open, foundations have had to respond to a growing number of allegations of discrimination and harassment, internally but also among the organisations they support. What are the obligations and responsibilities of foundations to promote work environments free from discrimination and harassment? How can they equip themselves to respond to allegations when they arise and – more important – prevent them from arising in the first place? Participants will have the opportunity to work through case studies, hear from foundations that have developed comprehensive policies and procedures, and share their own challenges in a supportive environment. Click here to register for ‘Introduction to the DEI approach’ on Wednesday 5^th May. Click here to register for ‘Dealing with serious allegations of discrimination, harassment, or other misconduct’ on Wednesday 19^th May. Click here to register for ‘Crafting your own approach’ on Wednesday 2^nd June.

*To register for Ariadne events, your institution must be a member organisation of Ariadne. For questions regarding your membership status, please contact Hannah Stevens.

New Research, Articles and Judgements

Safwat Saleem for Fine Acts

Seeing hope: A visual communications guide for human rights: This guide from Thomas Coombes of hope-based comms offers strategic guidance on the kinds of visuals – with accompanying messaging – we can use to activate support for pro-human rights values: empathy, togetherness and above all a sense of shared humanity. It complements the bank of free, hopeful artwork created with Fine Acts.

Gypsy, Roma And Traveller women in prison: This report from The Traveller Movement aims to highlight the experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) women in prison by bringing together sources of information and discussing how broader policy debates and discussions of wider reform can impact GRT women. It aims to highlight the diverse range of insights within the ‘GRT’ cohort and the varied and distinct experiences women who identify as Gypsy Roma or Traveller may have. The report pulls together research and provides examples of good practice and recommendations of reforms to benefit GRT women. It also flags inequalities, poor outcomes and barriers to essential services that define some GRT women’s experiences of prison.

Towards racial justice: How the EU can create lasting change for racialised people: Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice is a people of colour-led initiative working to advance rights and justice for all people in Europe. They work in solidarity with a coalition of racial and social justice leaders and organisations to influence European Union law and policy. Their recent paper outlines the fundamental changes the EU must make to achieve racial justice.

Behind the scenes of extractives: Money, power and community resistance: JASS (Building Women’s Collective Power for Justice) and their Count Me In! Consortium partners have launched a new toolkit for women land defenders confronting unwanted and damaging extractive projects. It’s available in French, Spanish and English.

The LGBTI movement’s spiral trajectory: From peace processes to legal and juridical gains and back again: Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice has released a new report; a case study of Colombia’s LGBTI movement. Colombia’s peace processes have brought the diverse Colombian LGBTI population together on two occasions: during the peace process initiated by President Andrés Pastrana in 1999-2001 and during the peace process initiated in 2012 by President Manuel Santos. Through their participation, LGBTI activists have been able to guarantee representation via inclusive policies and programmes and have set a global precedent for including LGBTI people as a key sector of the population. Although the current political climate has seen an increase in right wing attacks on LGBTI human rights defenders and laws recognizing LGBTI rights, LGBTI human rights defenders continue to advocate for the needs of the LGBTI population. The report offers a holistic overview of the movement’s priorities, progress, and challenges and provides a summary of LGBTI activists’ recommendations for researchers and international funders.

What unequal access to vaccines worldwide means for environmental activists: There is seemingly light at the end of the tunnel; across the world, COVID-19 vaccines are starting to roll out, offering hope after a year of despair. However, the rollout itself is yet another example of the injustices highlighted by the pandemic. Wealthy countries have scooped up millions of doses, leaving little for those in the rest of the world. Now, many could be left waiting months, or even years, for their first dose. This article from Global Greengrants Fund looks at how unequal access causes problems for all, including environmental activists.

Blogs and Other Sites of Interest

RECORDINGS: Stuart Hall Foundation conference: Racial inequality in a time of crisis: ‘Racial Inequality in a Time of Crisis’ was a week-long conference exploring the impact of Covid-19 on ethnic minority people in the UK. It was co-hosted by the Stuart Hall Foundation, the Centre on Dynamics of Ethnicity (CoDE) and Runnymede Trust. The sessions focused on: culture and cultural activism; employment and young people; health and well-being; and policing the crisis. The recordings are available online.

BLOG: When your oven breaks: New recipes from virtual workshops: Online spaces offer new opportunities to support creative experimentation in human rights work – but taking them seriously doesn’t have to mean being too serious, argue Ishtar Lakhani and Lucas Paulson in this blog for OpenGlobalRights.

VIDEO: Sewell Reports: Runnymede Responds: In this video of a livestream event organised by Runnymede, The UK’s leading independent race equality think tank, Lord Simon Woolley CBE; Dr Patrick Vernon OBE; Dr Halima Begum; and Michael Hamilton react to  a report from the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, which concluded that the UK does not have a systemic problem with racism.

PODCAST: Technology, philanthropy and civil society, with Nanjira Sambuli: In this episode of the Giving Thought  podcast,  Rhodri Davies talks to Nanjira Sambuli about technology, philanthropy and civil society. In a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion, they touch on: digital civil society; influencing the wider development and implementation of tech; power dynamics; automation and the fourth industrial revolution; the future role of philanthropy in society; and predictions and foresight in civil society.

TWITTER: Participatory Grantmakers: @PGMcomm is a new Twitter handle for you to follow; set up to provide a community of practice to share knowledge and promote funding models that work.

ARTICLE: Picture this: An effective post-pandemic civil society organisation: In this article for The Skoll Foundation, Accountability Lab reflects on what an effective, post-pandemic CSO should look like, arguing that a translocal network approach, through bottom-up collaboration and mutual interdependence, offers a sustainable blueprint.

Do you have a great blog post, case study or podcast you’d like to contribute? We would love to feature it. Email Hannah Stevens at hannah.stevens@ariadne-network.eu.

Grant-Making

A quantitative analysis of the emergency funding to the UK Black and Minority Ethnic voluntary sector during Covid-19: Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter has led to an unprecedented shift in how we think about and fund race equality issues in the UK. The Funders for Race Equality Alliance, the Ubele Initiative and Future Foundations UK have been reflecting on the changing funding landscape and discussing the increase in emergency funding targeted at the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) VCS in the early stages of the pandemic. Their report captures a snapshot of 2020 and analyses the amount and purpose of 34 emergency funds awarded to BME organisations through different types of funding pots between March 2020 and November 2020. The aim of this research is to ensure that the much-needed increased support for race equality and BME communities and civil society organisations is not temporary but becomes permanent and sustainable.

Rising to the challenge: Charitable foundations’ responses to coronavirus and their forecast for the future: A new report from the UK’s Association for Charitable Foundations (ACF) has found that nearly all foundations are planning to maintain or increase spending on grants to civil society organisations in 2021 (86%), even though 40% are expecting a negative impact on their own finances. Many foundations plan to maintain or return to their usual funding programmes or areas of focus in 2021 but apply a ‘coronavirus lens’ to their work or offer additional support to particular groups that have been most affected. Half plan to create or renew coronavirus-specific funding programmes this year, while more than 8 out of 10 stated an ongoing commitment to increased flexibility for grantees and reduced administration for funding applicants.

It takes a system: The systemic nature of racism and pathways to systems change: A new report by Dr Sanjiv Lingayah and Race on the Agenda (ROTA) shines a light on systemic racism. The report provides a clear definition of this slippery concept and outlines an agenda for dismantling systemic racism. This includes creative efforts to bring to life how systems function, and the development, by advocates and activists, of blueprints to show what a system that centres racial and other forms of justice looks like. The report argues that, to move towards a system that advances racial justice, we need proper funding for both the ‘fast’ work to deal with the crises of racial injustice and the ‘slow’ work of addressing systemic causes.

The Covid-19 grassroots justice fund that invests in people-led justice solutions: In the shadow of the pandemic, injustices are deepening. Migrant workers are laid off from jobs yet unable to travel or access healthcare. Survivors of gender-based violence are cut off from the institutions that might ordinarily protect them. Entire communities are homebound, unable to stand up to unlawful corporate activities that threaten their lands and livelihoods. In this blog for Alliance Magazine, Abigail Moy writes about the Covid-19 grassroots justice fund that invests in people-led justice solutions.

The resilience of people in community-facing organisations: What’s the role of funders? In this report, London Funders proposes a shared goal for funders, Trustees, managers and workers: Community facing organisations in which staff and volunteers are resilient. There are a series of building blocks for moving towards this goal which include firstly, ensuring organisations have good HR practice to support mental health, secondly, enabling organisations to build resilience through being reflective and adaptable, and thirdly, challenging the context by investing in organisations seeking to influence policy and practice.

Brexit and the implications for philanthropy and cross-border giving: In this recording of a Philanthropy Impact webinar, John Pepin, CEO, talks to Simon Weil, Partner, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP; Jaime McLemore, Partner, Withers Worldwide and Edward Finch, Partner, Buzzacott about the potential implications of the UK leaving the EU on philanthropy and cross-border giving.

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust: A statement from trustees on the origins of their endowment: The Trustees of Joseph Rowntree Charitable have issued a statement of apology in response to evidence linking the origins of their funding to the Rowntree Company’s abhorrent practices overseas in the 19th and 20th Centuries. They’ve also published a Twitter thread summarising their research, their response, apology, and next steps. The statements from JRCT and other independently endowed Rowntree trusts have been met with much positivity from voices across the sector.

The next Thread will go out on Thursday 20^th May. We would love to hear from you! Please contact Hannah Stevens by Tuesday 18^th May if you would like to share announcements, events, or resources for the next issue.

Jobs and Tenders

Programme Officer (Non-Discrimination) – Sigrid Rausing Trust: The Sigrid Rausing Trust is seeking a Programme Officer to advise its Trustees on grantmaking related to non-discrimination. The successful candidate will work across the Women’s Rights, LGBTI Rights, and Xenophobia and Intolerance programmes, identifying organisations working on multiple and intersecting discriminations. Location: London, UK. Deadline for applications is 26^th April.

Programme Associate – The Ford Foundation: The Ford Foundation seeks a dynamic, curious and collaborative Programme Associate to support a team of programme staff who are implementing a shared global strategy. Programme Associates hold a variety of responsibilities related to the research, analysis and coordination of programmatic activities with a primary focus on the portfolio of grants made to support the teams’ strategy. They also serve as a strong conduit for shared learning within the team and across programmatic teams, and at times will play a leading role in these learning processes. Location: New York, USA. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

Programme Manager (Climate Planning & Laws) – The European Climate Foundation: The European Climate Foundation is hiring a Programme Manager to play a key role in co-developing the granting and fundraising programme. The successful candidate will provide strategic advice, deal with grant management, monitor and evaluate the progress of different workstreams and internal coordination. There will be direct engagement with other European Climate Foundation programmes, partners and funders in designing and aligning strategies. The post-holder will also help to shape the future direction of the programme in response to important developments related to climate and net zero governance in Europe and globally. Location: Preferably Brussels, but Paris, London or The Hague are possible. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Senior Global Operations Manager – Laudes Foundation: Laudes Foundation is recruiting a Senior Global Operations Manager to oversee its efficient and effective grant management lifecycle (from pipeline to exit) and the foundation’s global operations, ensuring the foundation works in a professional and globally aligned way. Location: Flexible. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Funding Officers (x2) – The National Lottery Community Fund: The National Lottery Community Fund is recruiting two Funding Officers. The successful candidates will assess requests for funding and manage grants using local knowledge, best practice, thematic expertise, and the experience of customers and stakeholders to improve the Fund’s grant making and inform its decision making. By working closely with people and communities from the defined geographical area, the successful candidate will understand what matters to them and where the Fund’s funding can make the biggest difference. Location: London and South East, UK. Deadline for applications is 21^st April.

Director, Creative Confident Communities and A Fairer Future – Esmée Fairbairn Foundation: Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is hiring a Director of its ‘Creative Confident Communities’ and ‘A Fairer Future’ work. The successful candidate will be a key member of the Foundation’s senior management team and will shape and drive impact in these two areas. The Director will play a pivotal role in implementing the organisation’s new approach, creating an ambitious road map, horizon scanning to identify gaps, joining the dots between people and opportunities, brokering ideas and convening to make the greatest impact. Location: London, UK. Deadline for applications is 26^th April.

*For more jobs, see the ‘Career Opportunities’ section on the landing page of the Ariadne portal.

Public Meetings

ONLINE 

April 19^th
A conversation with the 2021 International Women of Courage awardees: The U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award recognises women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. During this event, three 2021 awardees will share their stories, strategies for effecting positive change, and recommendations to human rights defenders around the world and the international community looking to support their work. The online event will take place on 19^th April.

April 19^th
The world’s most neglected conflict: Cameroon: This webinar will look at the escalating conflict in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. Massive human rights abuses are hardly reported by the media and largely ignored by the international community. France and the UK, the ex-colonial powers, hold back from pushing the regime of President Biya (in power since 1982) to attend inclusive peace talks. Are they more interested in trade than protecting human rights? Join this webinar to hear from experts, including two prominent Cameroonians, Juliette Paauwe from the Coalition for the Responsibility to protect, and Billy Burton from the Database of Atrocities. The online event will take place on 19^th April.

April 20^th
Women’s equality: How do we stop the clock turning back? The findings of research into the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on women are making it plain that gender equality risks rolling back decades. The next 12 months will be critical for addressing and challenging the failings of the government to consider the impact of key policies on women under the Equality Act. During this event, the panel will discuss the impact of the pandemic on women’s equality in the UK and explore what can be done to make a positive change. The online event will take place on 20^th April.

April 20^th
Exploring Laudes Foundation Economic System Map: Laudes Foundation has launched its Economic System Map, a visual tool created to build a shared understanding of the economic system, how it needs to change, and to create dialogue on how we can work together to repurpose the system towards valuing all people, and respecting nature. You’re invited to join this webinar for a virtual walk through of the map and its functionalities. This online event will take place on 20^th April.

April 21^st
Launch of study on a Global Network of Human Rights Defenders Focal Points: Over the last 20 years, beginning with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, the international human rights system has developed a strong set of standards, norms and recommendations on the recognition and protection of human rights defenders. Yet a significant protection gap remains due to the lack of implementation at the national level. ISHR commissioned a study on the Desirability and Feasibility of a Global Network of ‘Human Rights Defenders Focal Points’, to explore whether and how such a Network could meaningfully contribute to the implementation of the Declaration in diverse national contexts. The report launch will discuss the study’s findings and bring together a range of stakeholders to explore and strategise about practical opportunities to establish National Focal Point delegations with the potential to effectively enhance the protection of human rights defenders. This online event will take place on 21^st April. 

April 22^nd
LitTalks: Asia and the Pacific: Is the world leaning East? HRFN LitTalks seek to bridge the gap between activism and philanthropy by bringing together global perspectives from the field to discuss solutions for the issues of today. This webinar will explore the role of China as a regional and global power and will analyse human rights issues in different nations such as Pakistan, India, Hong-Kong and Myanmar. The online event will take place on 22^nd April.

April 22^nd
The right to have rights? Perspectives on statelessness in the UK and beyond: It is estimated that at least 10 million people in the world are stateless. This event will examine contemporary issues in the UK and beyond, such as efforts to have statelessness recognised as a human rights matter, and the issues hindering the protection of stateless persons in the UK. The panellists will also explore the responsibility of legislators against the backdrop of the recent judgment of the Supreme Court in the UK in the case of Shamima Begum. Speakers will also consider the impact of statelessness on individuals’ lives, specific challenges to accessing rights, and the way forward for legal work and activism in this field. The online event will take place on 22^nd April.

April 22^nd
The human rights case against facial recognition: The growing use of facial recognition technology leads to chilling effects on the enjoyment of human rights: discrimination, mass surveillance and loss of privacy. This event will discuss the challenges to the protection of fundamental rights presented by the use of facial recognition technology and by the lack of regulation on its development, sale and deployment. The online event will take place on 22^nd April.

April 23^rd
What pressures face journalists under attack by their government? A free press is one of the key tenets of democracy, but it is under attack and faces censorship in many parts of the world. In this discussion, Maria Ressa, a leading Philippines journalist, will look at the future of freedom of expression. She was convicted of libel in June 2020 and sentenced to six years in prison before she was freed on bail. Ressa is now on trial again and human rights organisations around the world have been among those to condemn the charges as an assault on press freedom. How can journalists and a free press oppose such attacks and support freedom of expression? The online event will take place on 23^rd April.

April 27^th
The New Age of Empire: How racism and colonialism still rule the world: Coretta Phillips will be in conversation with Kehinde Andrews to discusses his new book, The New Age of Empire. A book that offers no easy answers to critical questions, The New Age of Empire presents a new blueprint for challenging age-old systems. Andrews argues that the “West is rich because the Rest is poor”, and that reforming a racist global order calls for radical solutions. The online event will take place on 27^th April.

ONLINE

April 29^th
Human Rights leadership: Local, national and international: This lecture will offer living examples from Scotland of combining human rights leadership at local, national and international levels. At a local level, it offers an insight into how tenants in Leith, Edinburgh successfully put human rights into practice to improve their housing conditions. At a national level, it demonstrates why and how Scotland is introducing a new human rights framework to improve people’s lives. At an international level, it places Scotland’s initiative in the post-Covid context of the UN call for all countries to “build back better” from the pandemic. The online event will take place on 29^th April.

May 6^th
Ending child food poverty: Developing a long-term strategy that leaves no child behind: In 2017, UNICEF estimated that 10% of British children under 15 live in households affected by severe food insecurity, the second worst affected country in Europe. The UK government has been criticised for the uneven rollout of its ‘free school meal’ voucher scheme during the pandemic and it has been accused of a reactive and ‘stop-gap’ approach to child food poverty. This symposium will provide an opportunity for policymakers, local authorities, child and family support services, charity professionals and other stakeholders to identify strategies to improve access and outcomes for food-insecure children and tackle the root causes of child food poverty. The online event will take place on 6^th May.

May 11^th
Weaving systemic alternatives from the Global South/Tejiendo alternativas sistémicas del Sur Global: As the world struggles to find ways out of multiple global crises (ecological, climate, inequality, health), we need to heed myriad voices emerging in the Global South from Indigenous Peoples and other local rural and urban communities that are working on thousands of alternatives covering the full range of human concerns (food, water, health, education, livelihoods, governance, culture, justice) while attempting to sustain all life on earth. These alternatives, grounded in specific ecological and socio-economic contexts, are based on diverse worldviews and ethics that are profoundly different from the currently dominant system, but unfortunately are often isolated and fragmented. Join this 90-minute webinar organised by EDGE Funders and the Global Tapestry of Alternatives. The online event will take place in Spanish and in English on 11^th May.

May 12^th
What is to be done about fake news in politics? The problem of fake news and other contentious online content is one of our most pressing challenges. The panellists for this event will discuss the risks of deceptive content (both mis and dis information) and will examine what a healthy and mature democracy such as the UK should do to combat those risks while protecting the rights of individuals and political parties to engage in open and free political debate. The online event will take place on 12^th May.

May 17^th
What went wrong? COVID-19, accountability and building back Better: This webinar, organised by Amnesty International in Scotland and the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, will reflect on the experience of human rights during the pandemic in Scotland. It will also address the future: what should COVID recovery look like if human rights protection is central to this? What about human rights accountability? This event will include the launch of a new report titled ‘A survey of public authorities, human rights and COVID-19′. The online event will take place on 17^th May.

May 19^th-20^th
2021 Tech and Racial Equity Conference: Anti-Racist Technologies for a Just Future: Rapidly developing technologies can be an unprecedented force for good, but too often codify and amplify existing forms of racial inequality, discrimination, and bias. This free, online conference brings together researchers, policymakers, technologists, and advocates to address technology’s new threats to racial equity and new tools for a more just future. Panelists will discuss smart cities and racial justice, built-in bias in digital tools such as Blockchain and Digital ID, community organising and accountability, and worker equity in digital food supply chains. The conference will finish with a keynote discussion with author and Princeton scholar Ruha Benjamin. This online event will take place between 19^th and 20^th May.

May 25^th
Developing a successful global vaccination programme: Vaccination against Covid-19 is currently the single biggest priority for most nations. Most western countries are underway with mass immunisation, but least economically developed countries (LEDCs) have been unable to secure enough doses to do the same. In this webinar, policy makers, healthcare professionals, and other international key stakeholders will discuss current challenges and opportunities in the rollout of the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access initiative (Covax) in LEDCs. The online event will take place on 25^th May.

17^th June
Ending conversion therapy: Supporting those at risk and addressing the drivers of conversion therapy: According to the UK Government’s National LGBT survey carried out in 2017, around 7% of the LGBT+ community had been offered ‘conversion’ or ‘reparative’ therapy, with 2% undergoing so called treatment. According to a UN report last year, conversion therapy is an umbrella term to describe interventions of a wide-ranging nature all of which have in common the belief that a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity can and should be changed. Only four countries in the world – Brazil, Ecuador, Germany and Malta – have banned the practice, whilst the WHO and more than 60 health professional associations from over 20 countries have discredited the practice. Campaigners have accused the UK government of not moving quickly enough towards banning conversion therapy. This symposium will provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to discuss government plans to ban the practice, as well as ways in which other stakeholders can help to clamp down on conversion therapies and support those at risk and vulnerable. The online event will take place on 17^th June.