[...]The Spartacus Story… « We are Spartacus[...]…

on September 13 2011, the Home Office published its response to “Access to elected office for disabled people: A response to the consultation”, and stated the Governments intention to take forward 5 of the 6 proposed plans arising from this exercise.

I would like to know exactly what stage the Home Office is at, in terms of implementation of these proposals; the time line for implementation, including the target date for implementation, and which MPs are involved with the implementation including the lead member for the plan.

Many Thanks in advance of your support

Lets see what we get back, wlil keep posted

Maybe its about defining the aims and principles and way of working for the postive change but its not necessarily about being an organisation – doesn’t mean it has to have none they are two different things. Perhaps to work out the where we need to work out the what. Once that’s an aim people can grasp and get hold of then for some it will be small bits of flexible work to respond to specific things, for others will be more direct, and others will be challenging stereotypes etc. but if we all can work out what the direction is then we become a movement for change.

That conversation needs to be owned by everyone who wants to do stuff colectively – a very kind supporter has created a forum amd while there are many forums out there perhaps one that is focused on this very topic will allow people the space to spark ideas and discuss. My later post talks about some of the work being done around the Welfare Reform Bill is important and what it’s doing. But its bigger than the Welfare Reform Bill.

Thats how I read your questions – I’m happy to discuss it and see what’s needed to bring about postive change for people

What I’m seeing and hearing is about what next? Where does this amazing energy go beyond the Welfare Reform Bill and immediate tasks that is a discussion to be had – there is space for the conversation about what a disability rights movement needs to look like in 2012 – that for me is the essence of what I understand the question to be – the answer will be different for different people – from non-violent direct action, to a more measured apprach to one a little more forthright..

But let’s have that conversation – the work that’s begun around the bill hasn’t been finished yet and I’m comfortable and willing to be part of the structure as it exists to get an important task done under the guidance and leadership of Sue and Kaliya. It is what it is – and cannot possibly work with more fingers in the pie at a strategic level. There will be work to do and sometimes it may be quiet but that is one part of this and by its nature it has needed the work to be done in the way it has.

The conversation that leads to links and doing something that begins to be a force for positive collective change from scroungers with no voice to ones who do and are heard, seen, accepted and where it has become acceptable to see two gay people kiss in the street – well I’d like to see the same happen for two disabled people. That for me is what Spartacus can be about – the next step

How the story is wrttien from here on is about us – me, you and others. I have no problem accpeting some of this has to be lead and coordinated. As a movement for change we each own that bit and will find the space where we fit – could be DPAC, Disability Rights UK, Black Triangle or a group that hasn’t even been formed yet…we can though exist under the banner of Spartacus

This is purely how i see it – I am not a spokesperson I’m just excited to have the conversation about what next and how.

I wonder whether George Potter has any ideas or information on this? He may well have links into the Lib Dem part of the coalition and could find out. See The Potter Blogger in the Blogs links on the right hand side of this website.

As you say, TUC might also be helpful.

And we’d be taken more seriously if we were an organisation. We’re too easy to dismiss as a “crackpot minority” at the moment. Look at the way Sue Marsh was treated on Newsnight.