Alice Public Relations empowers Mayo activist at prestigious 'activist bootcamp'
A Mayo woman was amongst a group of just 21 people selected for a prestigious 'activist bootcamp' that took place in recent weeks.
Latisha McCrudden, who is based in Belmullet, was selected to participate in the Alice Academy for Activists due to her work on social justice campaigns.
Latisha advocates for women and children who experience domestic abuse. As a member of the Irish Traveller community, Latisha has spoken on panels as a Traveller youth changemaker and highlighted the need for better supports for the community. She is currently studying law at the University of Galway.
The Alice Academy for Activists was established and run by Alice Public Relations, a communications agency that works to create positive change across Ireland and further afield. The agency brought together 21 activists from across the island of Ireland to improve their skills and knowledge in areas such as campaign strategy, polling and research, fundraising, coalition-building, political engagement, media relations, and digital communications.
The bootcamp took place in Dublin over the course of four days last week. Several well-known campaigners appeared as special guests over the four days, including Ailbhe Smyth, who led Ireland’s campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment; human rights lawyer and social justice campaigner Noeline Blackwell; migrant rights activist Teresa Buczkowska; and Senator Lynn Ruane.
The Alice Academy for Activists was the brainchild of Martina Quinn, CEO and founder of Alice Public Relations.
Reflecting on the event, Martina said: “Alice Public Relations works to create change that makes Ireland and the world a better place. Since we were established in 2015, we’ve worked on campaigns on gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, healthcare, access to education and training, children’s rights, integration, and lots more.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, issues such as polarisation, disinformation and misinformation, and the rise of the far right have increasingly impacted on our clients and wider networks. There are negative forces in the world today that are seeking to sow hate in communities across Ireland and further afield.
“Against that backdrop, I believe it is crucially important that we have a vibrant activist community – and that progressive campaigners have access to the skills and information they need to run effective campaigns – to stop this tide of hate and negativity. And that’s what the academy is all about.
“We had an incredible time over the four days of the academy. We learned as much from the group of activists – including Latisha – as they learned from us. The passion and commitment from Latisha and the 20 others who joined her have left me with renewed hope for the future.
“These are people who are committed to working to make sure Ireland is a welcoming, safe, inclusive and fair society for all.”