Politicians, preoccupied with political rivalry, can forget the most important thing – the needs of people they represent
Read Ola Kasprzak’s fascinating and forthright report of her experience of shadowing two politicians in the Scottish Parliament and City of Edinburgh Council – she says they changed her negative opinion of politicians but her conclusions should be read by anyone standing for election this year. Or any other year. Continue reading “Politics out of the shadow”
Holidays are great but they can get in the way of a good story. A tantalising text from Alice brings news of the world cafe event on Friday. Unfortunately the cafe is in North Edinburgh Arts Centre and we (or at least some of the Leith Open Space Group) are in Amsterdam. Continue reading “All the world’s a kitchen (in Leith)”
What is an active citizen? If I was being very flippant I would say it is the kind of person who comes out on a Saturday morning to talk about the big news stories of the day. No, not just talk. Active citizenship in the ACTive Inquiry sense means moving, listening, looking, feeling and doing. At one point I found myself crouching on the floor connecting with the lives – and deaths – of people thousands of miles away. Continue reading “Meet Jo (or Joe) the active citizen”
Sadly, we missed the event in Leith last week when performance poet Mark Thompson carried poetry to the Library, for an evening about life and learning with adult learners and tutors from CLAN Edinburgh. But there’s still two weeks to go in the Carry a Poem campaign with free events all round town – not least the snowdrop walks in the Botanics every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in February. And look for the poetry planted in St Andrew Square. Continue reading “Carry a poem all around town”
Zawadi, African women’s choir at the Diversity event in West Lothian.
“It’s getting busy,” emails Agnes Holmes in her new year greeting from Africa Centre Scotland. As always the diary is full of events and activities which is why ACS is looking for volunteers to join the management committee. Specially welcome are people skilled in money matters, media and marketing. If you have time and experience to offer, please contact info@africacentrescotland.org.uk by 12th February. Continue reading “Volunteers wanted at Africa Centre Scotland”
Are we really heading for a future of conflict between Islam and the West? Is faith a cause of conflict or can religions help to promote world peace? A very topical interfaith event at Annandale Street Mosque on at 7.30 pm on Saturday 30th January invites you to grapple with some of the most challenging questions of our age – not least the argument which led to the so called ‘War on Terror’. Continue reading “Annandale Street Mosque: interfaith harmony or conflict?”
Here’s your invitation to host a traditional Burns Supper – with pipes, poetry, speeches and song – for a very inventive fundraising campaign during January and February. “It’s a credit crunch Burns supper”, says Mary Millar of the Meningitis Research Foundation who has teamed up with Clan Radio to provide you with the essential DIY kit. The only thing they don’t do is cook and eat the haggis for you! (click below to hear a taster). Continue reading “Your DIY guide to the Burns Super Supper”
A quick update – Mercy Corps say they have had a fantastic response from Edinburgh, ” our Haiti appeal total currently stands at £100,000.” But much more is needed and you can help by donating online (click here) or by calling 0845 245 0686 between 8am and 8pm.
Bankers narrowly lost out to Afghanistan in the first Newsgroup workshop when Gavin Crichton asked people what news stories were making them angry. What will be the burning issue for the second Newsgroup? Come and find out at 10 am on Saturday 30th January in Pilmeny Youth Club. Be sure to bring your cuttings with you! Continue reading “Bad bankers lose out (if only)”
Welcome to Leith Open Space website, hosted by Leith Open Space Group, organisers of multicultural discussion events in Leith. We hope you will join in and look forward to hearing your views.
Ola Kasprzak with Malcolm Chisholm
