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WELCOME TO UNITY IN VISION'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Unity in Vision was
born when three individuals met in a car park after a meeting and
became friends. They are Ms Sayma Ahmed (our current Chair), Ms. Denise Wootten (our former Chair) and Ms. Afsaneh Pracha (our current Events Organiser). They became our founders.
Their initial vision was to establish a centre of cultures where
individuals from diverse backgrounds could meet in a spirit of
mutual understanding. A centre that would promote a wide range of
social, sports and educational activities aimed at cultural integration
and supporting diversity without loss of cultural identity.
Although the centre of cultures has yet to be established it has
nevertheless become the hub around which much of Unity in Vision's activities
rotates. It is our inspiration. Until the happy day when it becomes a reality we conduct activities at a variety of
venues. However, the aims are aways the same.
To bring individuals from diverse cultures together in cooperative
projects intended to benefit the entire community. The UK is a
multicultural society that has grown organically. The idea of
"invasion" by "foreigners" so beloved of some in the media is a myth.
Multicultural UK is in great part a natural consequence of our
Empire experience. To paraphrase Ian Hislop - we had an Empire; it
collapsed; we came home and part of the Empire came with us. In a very
real sense these are our people we are talking about. We also have some long-established ethnic minority
communities pre-dating the end of Empire. Additionally others were established by refugees and more recently by EU migrants.
By bringing individuals from these diverse communities together Unity
in Vision hopes that we can move a little nearer to a fully
integrated and inclusive society that is uncompromisingly committed to
equality, diversity and
equal opportunities.
We also recognise the need to enable individuals to acquire the training and
confidence to fully grow and participate in society. For some people
being a member of an ethnic minority in 21st century UK can be a
serious disability to social interaction and integration. Fear of
saying or doing the wrong thing. Past or current experiences of
discrimination. The feeling that you do not "fit in" because of the way you
dress or simply the colour of your skin. Name calling or abusive
comments in the street. Feelings of alienation - of being made to
feel that you are not really welcome or appreciated in the country
of your birth, adoption or residence. These sorts of issues can have a
debilitating effect on some people. Much of this abuse goes
unreported to anyone other than, maybe, close friends or relatives. In
a very small minority of cases alienation can lead to radicalisation
with occasionally the unfortunate consequences we know too well. We
hope that by participating in Unity in Vision projects and interacting
with individuals from a wide diversity of cultures and backgrounds
individuals who feel the need will grow in confidence and learn to
integrate without being bullied into abandoning their cultural heritage.
Unity in Vision will also develop other services that will build
confidence and social integration by providing support, advice and
guidance about the most appropriate educational and training
opportunities. Thus enabling individuals to realise their full
potential. We also hope to act as an exchange for such enabling
information.
If you would like to join us click here for a
membership application
form. Be sure also to download and read our Constitution by clicking
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FROM UNITY IN VISION'S CONSTITUTION
"The
promotion of racial harmony for the public benefit of Bournemouth,
Dorset
and Poole by:
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promoting knowledge and mutual
understanding between different racial groups;
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advancing education and raising
awareness about different racial groups to promote good relations
between persons of different racial groups;
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to further or benefit the residents
of Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole without distinction of sex, sexual
orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by
associating together the said residents and the local authorities,
voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance
education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare
for recreation leisure time occupation with the objective of improving
the conditions of life for the residents.
In
furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall
have power:
To
establish or secure the establishment of a centre of cultures and to
maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the
maintenance and management of a such a centre for activities promoted
by the charity in furtherance of the above objects."
Download a full copy of
Unity in Vision's Constitution by clicking here.
Integration or Assimilation?
Two
of the most confused words in the English language. Integration in the
national/social sense is to bring together separate ethnic/cultural
groups to form a whole. The separate groups remain distinct but
they are united in a common national identity. Assimilation is an
altogether different process. This aims at an homogeneous society (or
as near as one is likely to get) the nature of which is set by a
dominant culture. Thus individuals from "foreign cultures" are expected
to "fit in" and abandon the culture of their birth.
Some social commentators and politicians I am sure, listening to what
they say, really mean assimilation when they use the word integration.
When we use the term integration we really mean - integration.
An integrated and inclusive society compared to an assimilated one
is like a stir fry compared to baby food. It is like a beautiful
mosaic compared to a plain cement floor. It is both the UK and Europe's greatest
strength and asset for a successful future.
Unity in Vision advocates a society that is strong; stable; productive; inclusive; culturally diverse and fully integrated.
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