Anti-Racism in Action: How Wörgl Inspires Other Small Municipalities
From October 24 to October 26, 2024, the City of Wörgl (Austria) proudly hosted Evein Obulor, Director of the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism (ECCAR), marking an important step in promoting equality and inclusion in Tyrol and beyond. As the first ECCAR member city in Tyrol since 2022, Wörgl has emerged as a leader in implementing innovative initiatives that align with ECCAR’s 10-Point Action Plan. Under the leadership of Vice Mayor Kayahan Kaya together with Teresa Fuchs and Peter Warbanoff from the city-funded association komm!unity Wörgl implements innovative actions to protect human rights at the local level.
During her visit, the ECCAR director engaged with local officials and organizations, beginning with a networking meeting hosted by Vice Mayor Kayahan Kaya and the Youth, Family, Women, and Integration Committee. This session focused on the tangible benefits of ECCAR membership for the city and its residents.
Parent-Child Group for Black Children
One of the standout achievements is Wörgl’s Parent-Child Meeting for Black Children and Their Parents. This program, implemented by the local association komm!unity and funded by the City of Wörgl, offers a safe and empowering environment for Black children to experience majority-group dynamics. It serves as a model of good practice for small municipalities across Europe for equal participation of Black people and their children. Families from the surrounding region participate in these unique gatherings, demonstrating the program’s regional significance. The initiative contributes directly to the ECCAR Anti-Black Racism working group and reflects Wörgl’s commitment to equality and representation for people of African descent.
Commitment to the 10-Point Action Plan
Wörgl’s dedication to ECCAR’s 10-Point Action Plan was further underscored by the city’s collaborative project with the European Training and Research Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (ETC) in Graz in the framework of the EU funded project ACTION. Through this partnership, the city has prioritized awareness-raising and anti-racism education in its local action plan against racism, helping to cultivate an inclusive community in Wörgl and beyond.
Fostering Collaboration and Inspiration in Tyrol
On the second day of her visit, Ms. Obulor met with Tyrol’s municipal integration officers in Innsbruck to share insights into the advantages of ECCAR membership and its role in strengthening local integration policies. She also engaged with Innsbruck City Councilor Janine Bex to explore the potential for Innsbruck to join the coalition, signaling a growing commitment to anti-discrimination initiatives across Tyrol. The networking meetings and exchanges in Tyrol emphasized how ECCAR membership benefits cities of all sizes by providing resources, visibility, and a platform for sharing effective solutions.
Wörgl as good example for the fight against racism in smaller municipalities
The City of Wörgl’s engagement with ECCAR underscores its leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The visit of ECAR director Evein Obulor served as a testament to Wörgl’s progress and its commitment to meaningful change. With initiatives like the Parent-Child Meeting and active implementation of the 10-Point Action Plan, Wörgl continues to set an example for small municipalities across Europe in building inclusive and resilient communities.
