What motivates you as a volunteer?
I see too many young people from my community dying. We need to change policy, practice and legislation so that it includes and is led by the marginalised.
What’s the last film you saw?
‘Fight Like a Butterfly’.
Person you most admire?
My mother.
The top four issues in Ireland today?
1. Racism.
2. Mental health of Travellers.
3. Lack of autism services.
4. Classism.
Nationally, we need more…
…Diversity in politics – meaning representation from people with different ethnicities and backgrounds.
And devolve all local Traveller accommodation powers to one national agency.
I strongly believe we need a State apology for the treatment of Travellers by the State; an acknowledgement of what that treatment was.
Then we need a peace and reconciliation process within the community.
Nationally, we need less…
…Parish-pump politics.
What’s the best thing about the project you volunteer with?
The solidarity here at Kerry Travellers’ Health Community Development Project and the common purpose of our team and volunteers. We all are passionate about human rights.
What could your project improve on doing?
Promoting our work and reaching families we currently do not work with.
How long are you volunteering?
I have volunteered with community groups and campaigns for 30 years.
How and why did you get involved?
I realised that if change is going to come, those afflicted by oppression have to be the ones to demand it.
What difference has being involved made to you?
It has influenced my life and exposed me to different communities.
Have things changed for your community since you became involved?
Traveller ethnicity is now recognised.
We have a stronger Traveller voice.
The recognition by UNESCO of Traveller language – Gammon – in July was a momentous achievement.
More young people are in education.
What motivates you as a volunteer?
I see too many young people from my community dying. We need to change policy, practice and legislation so that it includes and is led by the marginalised.
I love to see young people reaching their full potential and developing their skills and enterprise.
What inspires you?
Our youth is a very inspiring group; the discrimination that they face is much worse than the discrimination their parents faced. They are subjected to anti-Travellerism on social media, in schools and shops, when accessing services. They are constantly made to justify their existence as Travellers.
They are bright, educated, articulate, and they will be the ones to create a new Ireland.
How do you get new volunteers?
By telling our truthful story. We are credible. We know and love our community – that inspires people.
What brings about change?
People say they want change, but they do nothing to create that change; we collude in our own oppression. Civil rights are being impacted on every day, so why are we so silent? Change can only come when communities come together.
