Chicago’s Irish American community is gearing up to support the development of the Mary Robinson Centre. The prospect of developing the Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina as a world-class centre for research and education on human rights, equality, women’s empowerment, and climate, recognising Mary Robinson’s stellar reputation has captured the imagination of the local Irish American community, who are preparing a series of events in Chicago in September, including a lunch in the Hilton Chicago on September 15 to support fundraising efforts for the centre in the US.
The Irish Fellowship of Chicago, the American Ireland Funds, the Mayo Association, and the Irish American Heritage Centre are among the organisations planning the events. Former president and current UN Special Envoy for El Niño and Climate Ms Robinson will speak at the events and will outline how important the centre will be for Ballina and for Mayo, in particular its vital role in attracting students, researchers, and the wider public from around the world to the Ballina Centre. All of the Irish Americans in Chicago are invited to attend the lunch on September 15.
In addition to events across the pond, The Mary Robinson Centre’s autumn programme of events begins this month. Following a summer break, the highly successful schools programme resumes this month, with students across Mayo bringing current human rights issues to life in their classrooms
Culture Night sees The Mary Robinson Centre back at Ballina Arts Centre on September 16, this time for an interactive workshop with Dr Ann O’Mahony and Jane Dunn. Based on the VOICE exhibition showcased at the recent international symposium, participants will follow in the footsteps of Chile’s human rights activists, the Arpilleristas, creating their own multimedia collage honouring an inspirational woman in their lives. Further details and booking for all events is available at www.maryrobinsoncentre.ie/events
