Brendan O’Loughlin talks climate justice in Offaly, Michael D, and Mayo football
Changing Ireland rocked up to Banagher, Co Offaly, and crossed the bridge to the Galway side to interview Brendan O’Loughlin at his Shannonside home. He has just retired as CEO of Offaly Local Development Company and is the first person to feature in our Wise Heads Pilot Podcast series.
Community believes their homes deserve retrofitting
New report says multi-agency approach needed to address disadvantage for people living in draughty homes in Waterford estates
Church in Fethard-on-Sea is probably Ireland’s first to install solar roof panels
Heating bills now negligible, say volunteers. Voluntary effort to install solar panels renews church’s place as a community hub
Liffey Partnership is new name for organisation set up in 1997
The project formerly known as Ballyfermot/Chapelizod Partnership rebrands
Green Paper campaigners now want government to repeal Disability Act
Following a strong campaign by disability activists over proposed changes to disability allowance payments, the Government in April scrapped its Green Paper on Disability Reform. From a disability activist perspective, events have since moved onto a more positive footing.
What makes social enterprises unique?
A strong local focus, fulfilling local needs, and driven by a sense of community are key elements of social enterprises, according to Dr Mary O’Shaughnessy
Learning shared from ERASMUS+ community enterprise project
– Includes 19 videos, five country reports, all learning materials
Local development companies can be leading lights in equality and human rights
Equality and human rights is a natural area where Local Development Companies (LDCs) can drive development, integrating it as practice across the community, state sector and in our local communities – to the benefit of those we serve.
“I’m only one person, what difference can I make?”
One question that often crops up during conversations about climate action is: “I’m only one person, what difference can I make?”. In Youghal, Co. Cork, a community network has harnessed the will of individual citizens to make a difference, by breaking down big issues into smaller, accessible projects with tangible results at local level.
Protests leading to boycott on Israeli firms
Successful student protests nationwide targeted universities’ Israeli investments. Some of the most high-profile protests include the student encampments at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD) and University College Cork (UCC).
Irish civil society’s calls for peace in Palestine grow stronger
All around the country organisations and solidarity groups have been ramping up their efforts in support of Palestine as Israel continues its campaign of what the UN describes as genocide in Gaza.
Moyross honours Paddy Flannery on his retirement today
After 31 years of employment and even longer as a local volunteer, Paddy Flannery retired today, Friday, June 28th, as manager of Moyross Community Enterprise Centre (MCEC). The Mayor of Limerick John Moran joined staff past and present, Paddy’s family and community, academic, Garda and local government agency representatives at a retirement celebration to honour his years of service.
“Deliberate” delays with regeneration are breaking up Dolphin House community
Community leaders and residents in Dolphin House and Park, located just off the South Circular Road in Dublin’s South Inner City, have had enough of broken promises, politicians saying money is no problem, and ministers saying planning could be fast-tracked.
“A fantastic idea” says user of new shared service model
With the Shared Services Model three organisations share one employee.
See inside Donegal Local Development’s swish new welcoming office
Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) moved premises one year ago. The organisation has outreach offices across the county, which it retains, but staff in Letterkenny were spread between three buildings, including a two-storey where each team operated from separate rooms.
‘It’s not your dog’s fault, it’s yours’ – new awareness campaign launched
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has launched a major national awareness campaign to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.
Measuring social impact: Learn from those who won €45k
Social enterprises need guidance. One of the aims of the Social Enterprise IMPACT Awards competition was to capture key learnings from those that do it best and here is some advice from the winners:
The Football Co-op gives a €17.60 social return on every €1 invested
Research finds that Dublin-based men’s health social enterprise represents “incredible value for money”.
Trustworthy social enterprises essential to combat greenwashing and pinkwashing
The national Social Enterprise IMPACT Awards ceremony, held on February 20, in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, took place amidst a rise globally in greenwashing and pinkwashing, where the public need reassurance and social enterprises need to show they are hitting their targets.
New dog control group to tackle issue of restricted breeds
Restrictions on certain breeds of dogs will be one of the issues discussed by the newly-established Dog Control Stakeholder Group, which will hold its first meeting this month.
Rob Nicholson gives heads up on new social enterprise policy
Rob Nicholson works as a principal officer in the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) with responsibility for the development and implementation of Ireland’s National Social Enterprise Policy and – speaking at a recent awards ceremony – he gave “a heads-up” on what to expect in the second iteration of that policy.
‘We Are Human Too’ book launch celebrates disability activists
The Clare Leader Forum has launched a new book that puts the spotlight on the work of disabled activists.
Charity sector calls for engagement on changes to legislation
Irish charitable organisations say that while some proposed amendments to the Charities Act will deliver long-awaited legislative advances, others require “significant clarification or strengthening”.
Stand Strong to support women experiencing domestic abuse
Women’s Aid, Allianz Insurance and the GAA are calling on people across Ireland to take part in a powerful demonstration of solidarity and support this February for those subjected to abuse.
€45,000 for social enterprises that show their impact – Deadline this Sunday, Dec 10
The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) is running a competition with €45,000 in prizes for social enterprises that best demonstrate their social impact. The application process was designed to be as straight-forward and user-friendly as possible and the deadline is coming fast – Sunday, December 10th.
Trustworthy social enterprises have never been more important
– ILDN’s Dec 10 social impact competition taking place in “a world of greenwashing, pinkwashing” where public need reassurance
Survey reveals “restrictions” by some funders on advocacy by community-based groups
A survey undertaken by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has highlighted how contractual clauses restrict certain groups within the community and voluntary sector from advocacy and speaking out on behalf of their communities.
Darndale and Drogheda see positive knock-on effects from participating in new programme
BY DEARBHÁIL BUTLER, who writes – At the beginning, there was no communication between residents and Gardaí – by the end of this new programme they both had a much deeper understanding of each others challenges and a mutual respect was formed. Also, residents are now much more confident referring locals to any of the agencies that were involved.
16 Days of Action 2023 puts focus on employers and maternity services
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign that runs from today, November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until December 10 (Human Rights Day).
This year, Women’s Aid’s 16 Days of Action campaign will raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic abuse in Irish society.
Names of dead children read out at Shannon Airport peace rally
Around two hundred people took part in a rally at the entrance to Shannon Airport on Sunday, November 12, at which the names of children killed by weapons that may have passed through the airport were read out by peace activists.
An Icelandic solution to an Irish problem
During the 1990s, Iceland had some of the highest figures for substance use among young people in Europe. The alarming statistics sparked the development of the groundbreaking Icelandic Model for Primary Prevention of Substance Use, which has since been implemented in 30 other countries, including Ireland.
Updated guide launched to assist inclusive community engagement
An updated second version of ‘A Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making’ was launched this week.
Take 6: Circular economy projects and businesses around Ireland
Circular Week 2023 is currently taking place from October 23-27 to promote the circular economy. More and more businesses and community projects worldwide are embracing the concept of recycling, refurbishing and repurposing items and materials rather than maufacturing new ones. Here are just a few homegrown initiatives around the country
Circular economy keeps the world going round
Circular Week 2023 is currently taking place from October 23-27 to help promote sustainable business practices. The circular economy may be a relatively new term to most people, but it is a concept that has been around since the turn of the century.
Join the Climate Conversation to have your say on the future of the environment
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has launched the Climate Conversation 2023, a forum that gives members of the public the chance to share their thoughts on climate action.
Communities invited to apply for EV charge point funding
Community facilities in the wider Midlands region are being encouraged to apply for funding to provide electric vehicle charge points under the EU Just Transition Fund Community Facilities EV Charging Scheme.
Honey co-ops could transform Irish landscape and fill producers’ pockets
UCC students’ modelling shows the potential, says Laura Byron, who is studying for a MSc in Co-operatives, Agri-Food and Sustainable Development in UCC.
New project to retrofit homes in rural counties passed over by private sector providers
Private sector companies are not beating down the doors in County Leitrim to convince householders to retrofit their homes. Nor is it happening in neighbouring rural counties. In the meantime, the earth is burning up due to climate change and householders are losing out on a chance to save on energy bills.
“Community development saved my life” claims Senator
Senator Eileen Flynn says now is the time to invest in community development.
She thanked Department she had “many run-ins with” for platform to speak.
Legendary lessons in rarely told stories of grassroots struggle and change
“Younger disabled people are unaware of what went before, of the struggle, the heroes and the torch that is being passed on”
49-member network has new team
The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) has a new team of four. The network represents the country’s 49 Local Development Companies as they work to create real and lasting change with marginalised communities.
AI will push communities in new directions
Community groups should prepare for coming opportunities…and also hope that AI doesn’t wipe out humanity
Speed-dating for not-for-profits seeking board members
October 4th will see the return of a match-making event with a difference in Dublin city centre. People will not head to the Custom House Quay building on George’s Dock seeking romance, but to become part of something bigger – by joining a not-for-profit group or charitable organisation.
Connecting Communities – week of celebration recognises the power of volunteers
National Volunteer Week is a week-long celebration of volunteering that takes place from Monday, May 15 to Sunday, May 21.
Each year across Ireland, National Volunteering Week features a range of events that showcase all that is great about volunteering, from yoga to coffee mornings and seminars.
220 time-travelling volunteers welcome diaspora visitors
A Cork man had a woman in tears recently, yet it was a joyful occasion, one of many facilitated by local volunteers who welcome people of Irish ancestry through Ireland Reaching Out. The community-based, not-for-profit organisation provides three services, all without charge, and, this year, they aim to double the number of people availing of their meet and greet service.
White House baffled by scale of voluntary input to welcome ‘Mayo Joe’
A fortnight on from US president Joe Biden’s visit to Ballina and on the eve of Mayo Day 2023, it’s worth acknowledging the voluntary effort that makes such events possible.
It certainly impressed The White House which was taken aback by the “calibre and number” of volunteers who stepped forward to welcome home Ballina’s famous son.
“They couldn’t understand how we could mobilise over 200 people within a couple of days,” said Sheila Garvin, volunteer co-ordinator for Ballina 2023.
Comrade Dermot Hayes to publish his memoirs
Nationally known disability activist and community campaigner Comrade Dermot Hayes is about to publish his memoirs under the title ‘The Road That Rises – a memoir by Dermot Hayes, a boy from Kells’.
Like many activists and volunteers, Dermot is a force of nature.
Minister stresses State and sector both want empowered communities
Officially launching the values and principles document, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien, said: “The publication of these values and principles copper-fastens the renewed relationship and partnership between government and the community and voluntary sector, which has been central in addressing the crises of recent times.”
Moate volunteers transform cow park into major visitor attraction
Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park is a true community endeavour – what was once a cow park has become one of Westmeath’s and the Midlands’ most popular visitor attractions.
An hour from Galway and 75 minutes from Dublin, it rates highly on Tripadvisor. Remarkably, the park which opened in 2015 is run by a dedicated community group and over 100 volunteers play their part annually – alongside staff – to keep the park running smoothly. KATHY MASTERSON spoke to three people deeply involved in the project.
Probably Ireland’s biggest pear tree
Has Killarney Men’s Shed got Ireland’s biggest pear tree? Show us a bigger one then!
Plus – the five magical steps you need to take to open a Men’s Shed.
Offaly takes Welsh path to forging community resilience
– Green Offaly is the only organisation of its kind in Ireland
Community workers operate in somewhat strained atmosphere as refugee supports publicly questioned
The welcome towards Ukrainian refugees is not as universal as it was in February, as shown by hostile comments from Irish people regarding refugees who were living in tents in a recycling centre.
21 reasons why Ireland is BETTER today for taking in refugees – ON THE OTHER HAND…
Here are 21 reasons why Ireland is a better place today for taking care of refugees. And – ON THE OTHER HAND – there are 8 major concerns/challenges. What have we missed, good and bad?
New centre tapping into spirit of volunteering in Offaly
Offaly Volunteer Centre officially opened its doors at Bury Quay, Tullamore, on Friday, March 4th. As chairperson Martin Buckley, founder member of Pullough Community Shop which recently won the ‘Unsung Hero of Offaly’ award, said, “The future of Offaly volunteering is well and truly established and I am proud to be part of something that is outstanding.”
Crime response in Darndale & Dundalk – 24 local leaders start course
In response to shootings and the activities of crime gangs in Darndale in Dublin and Drogheda in Co. Louth, a new place-based Leadership Development Programme was launched recently. It has high aspirations in areas beset by gang crime.
Local celeb couple applauded for volunteering since 1975: Back then driving 13 kids in a car was okay if you’d won a cup
“I had thirteen children hanging out of my car one time and the guards stopped us. ‘Where are ye going?’ one of them roared. Luckily, one of our team managers was a guard – he said ‘Do no more about it. He’s taking children off the road.’” – recalls Billy Grehan. Above: Billy and Margaret attending a match.
They’ve seen the light in West Limerick!
Lantern festivals are popular the world over – from Hong Kong to Banjul to the Rhineland – and now they’ve seen the light in West Limerick! Askeaton’s ‘Féile Laindéir’ brought the River Deel to life in ways never before seen.
“If you’re a social enterprise, be proud to identify yourself!”
“I’ve seen so many examples of resilience in towns and villages the length and breadth of the country in recent months. Many of those were social enterprises.” – Humphreys speaking at today’s 3rd national social enterprise conference.
Fox rushed into intensive care in country’s newest hospital
“My time volunteering is mostly spent in the ICU, cleaning hedgehog homes and doling out regular feedings to birds.” – Grace Barrett reports on her visit to Ireland’s first wildlife hospital, in Meath.
CALLS TO END “INCARCERATION” OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN NURSING HOMES
Minister Rabbitte agrees: €3m to go on independent living solutions
New online mag – ‘Develop’
Published on behalf of the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) the new magazine focuses on LEADER projects and work by the 49 not-for-profit Local Development Companies in the State.
€1m social enterprise capital grants scheme
A new one million euro funding for social enterprises nationwide was announced on September 6th by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
Dr Mike Ryan of WHO and Minister Joe O’Brien for community conference
Dr. Mike Ryan of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Joe O’Brien, Minister of State for Rural and Community Development are lined up to take part in this year’s Community Work Ireland conference. It is scheduled to take place (online) on September 28th.
You can now get a LEADER grant for HEDGE FUNDS
With a small LEADER grant – and some of their own hard-raised funds – a voluntary group brought hedgerow and biodiversity experts from near and far to meet and address locals about nature’s true value.
Hotelier Mary Mullen: “We never set out to build a hotel!”
The Sliabh Beagh hotel in County Monaghan is Ireland’s only community run hotel. It was set up by a group of visionary, committed locals who formed Knockatallon Development Group which spearheaded the entire project.
Local residents campaigning for over 50 years
Why has the community of Garryowen been left without a community centre? It is almost certainly the only community of its size and age in all of Ireland without such a facility.
LIMERICK: “These young people are crying out for a community centre”
“I am from the area and I work with over 60 young people from the area. These young people are crying out for a community centre.”
– Youth worker, Jonathan Collins
Why has Garryowen (pop. 4000) no community centre?
“The violence and anti-social behaviour that was endemic in Garryowen last summer stands as a bleak testament to the need for substantial investment in community space and community services” – John Buttery, Garryowen Community Development Project co-ordinator.
YOUTHWORK: DON’T LAUGH NOW, THIS IS SERIOUS!
Humour should be recognised by academia as a tool in non-formal education settings and for engaging youth. It should be part of the curriculum on courses purporting to teach youthwork and related subjects, say the organisers of a comedy festival with a difference, held in June.
Islands embrace remote working – but need more hubs & houses
Remote working in the extreme: From Germany to Inishturk, Co. Mayo
Take a deep dive into a #SicapStory – From Malawi to Wexford
In Wexford – as featured in our long read here – community workers under SICAP made people welcome during a pandemic. The same good community work is happening across the country, from Inchicore to West Mayo. It is but one of many #SicapStories. It would make for an ideal television series, as amateur film-makers are proving.
Gov’t should amend climate justice definition or scrap it, say big NGOs
Oxfam, Christian Aid, Concern and Trócaire want changes to the definition of “climate justice” in the Government’s Climate Bill. Otherwise the definition should be scrapped, they say. They have written to all TDs and senators explaining why.
Putting the ‘human’ back into human rights and social justice organisations
The pandemic has shown us more than ever the importance of self-care, writes Nicola Browne. She asks – why are social justice organisations so slow to practice what they preach when it comes to wellbeing?
DUBLIN: Land values breed fear as locals displaced by inner city gentrification
Is gentrification stealing Dublin city from its people? “We have a great fear as this land is such rich land,” says Rita Fagan of Inchicore. “We see a hollowing out of traditional communities,” says Noel Wardick of Dublin City Community Co-operative. Both talk to journalist Laoise Neylon.
Can you really be at home in a hotel?
Short term transient forms of accommodation blur the lines between housing and hotels.
Student Accommodation is used for holiday letting in the summer and last year, Dublin City Council granted planning permission for some student developments to switch to short term letting year-round, during Covid 19.
Community pub hubs should be put to work ASAP
Pat Kennedy urges Government not to allow its plans for the use of pubs as community spaces to get stalled by bureaucracy.
Rebel County goes wild to help nature
Wild Work, a project now in its fourth year, is a not-for-profit initiative of South East Cork Area Development (SECAD) and it was among 200 projects from across Europe recently showcased online. The project proves that biodiversity is truly for everyone, says Ryan Howard, SECAD’s CEO. Read Beth Ardill’s report and you have to agree.
What have Trees, Transition & Housing got in common?
The following are stand-out, real-life examples of good co-operative work in practice, as highlighted by UCC’s Centre for Co-op Studies (on Twitter). This selection was chosen by LIT Community Development student BETH ARDILL.
Steo Wall – We’ve got our sense of community back!
Steo Wall graces the cover of this special edition (it’s our 20th year). “My songs are written for all the socio-economically deprived people of the world,” he tells Ben Panter. Steo is proud of his Dublin roots and his Traveller heritage. He believes the pandemic has strengthened our sense of community and he encourages everyone to keep the head up in these strange times.
What do you actually learn doing Biodiversity Leadership Training?
– with West Limerick Resources
Instagram activism on the rise – Wake up to the opportunities!
Instagram is a vehicle for real change, writes CHLOE CAREY.
The community’s desire to see Moyross progress
Devotion to the community emerged as one of the strongest features during Moyross’s #BuildOurRoad campaign.
Moyross speaks with one voice: ‘Build Our Road!’
The community of Moyross, Limerick, has launched a campaign to #BuildOurRoad on social media and across all political parties. It calls on the Government to honour a commitment in its programme for government to finish the road – already begun – that would help end the community’s ghettoisation.
Why Tasc’s report is good news for community development workers
What’s it like looking to the future of community development through youthful eyes?
‘The Peoples Transition’ sings of bottom-up development
A new report signals that we are on the threshold of a possibly great era for community development, local development and social justice. It explains how we can best tackle inequality from the bottom-up. The report by social justice think-tank Tasc and colleagues in Europe puts people and local communities at the heart of the transition. ‘The Peoples Transition’ points out that if the transition is not fair it will not be made at all. Davie Philip reports:
Ruairi’s serendipitous timing in offering communities hope
BOOK REVIEW – McKiernan has written “a compelling memoir”, says Aine Rynne. Published as the pandemic broke, it became a bestseller and could be the perfect gift for the community activist in your family!
Activists positive despite Climate Action bill falling short
EXCERPT: “This Climate Bill substantially improves the 2015 law, but substantial weaknesses remain that must be fixed by TDs and Senators.” – Oisín Coghlan
WANTED! People experienced in community development – Deadline Friday!
Pobal’s voluntary board of directors meet nine times a year and you could be taking part in those meetings if you have a community development background, a good internet connection, and get in an application for board membership by this Friday afternoon. Meetings currently take place via Zoom.
“Let the begrudgers at it, but keep going” – say Western pioneers
“The M50 is something I hear about on the radio,” says Kristian Sheridan. He works for a global business you might never imagine setting up its Irish HQ in a small town in the West. Yet, it did just that.
Volunteers patrol with Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention
Last night, on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, ‘Changing Ireland’ met volunteers patrolling with Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention (LTSP).
No sanctuary in West Clare: Why peace-loving people turn to activism
• A voluntary group set up last year to welcome asylum-seekers to West Clare welcomed the Department of Justice and Equality’s decision in August to close the emergency Direct Provision centre.
• On August 12th – the day the closure was announced – the Miltown Malbay Welcome Group thanked Minister Helen McEntee for her prompt action.
• Civil society voices who welcomed the move included Clare PPN’s Sarah Clancy, author Ruairi McKiernan, and human rights activist John Lannon.
Follow the Covid-19 diaries of two experienced volunteers
The Covid-19 diaries of two experienced volunteers:
New support, helpdesk and advice for community groups from Department
There has been a surge in people volunteering and the Government and the Department of Rural and Community Development has issued guidance and advice to volunteers and community groups.
Changing Ireland in a time of Coronavirus – Three books to read
We’re one week down. Listen to editor Allen Meagher’s take on the changed landscape.
Jim Finn is new chairperson of the Irish Local Development Network
“Many of our communities and disadvantaged groups are still reeling from the impact of disproportionate cuts over the past decade.” – Jim Finn
Meath River Rescue is speedier and safer with new LEADER-funded equipment
Last year, 133 people drowned, the majority of them men in tragic circumstances.
When a drowning occurs, bodies are usually recovered thanks in no small part to the many voluntary search, rescue and recovery groups.
Meath River Rescue is one such group and it has twice benefitted from LEADER funding.
Online grinds provider ‘JumpAGrade’ shows value of social enterprises to Ireland
The best way to learn the value to Ireland of social enterprises is to hear about it from the horse’s mouth, as heard at the country’s first government-organised national conference about social enterprise.
What can communities do to help battle climate change?
As the Irish government declares a climate and biodiversity emergency, Patrick Kelleher asks what communities can be going to lessen their impact on the environment.
INSPIRE A NATION: Awesome People – Brigid Quilligan Community worker & activist
What motivates you as a volunteer?
I see too many young people from my community dying. We need to change policy, practice and legislation so that it includes and is led by the marginalised.
How is Wicklow PPN’s Community Wellbeing pilot driving change?
At the tail end of last week (10-11 October), representatives from across Ireland convened in Carlow for the National Public Participation Network Conference. In celebration, we’re highlighting a story from our latest issue, which shows the great work being done by the Wicklow Public Participation Network.
YouthOpia: Can social enterprise help level the education playing field?
Not everyone is fortunate enough to get the same opportunities and support in life. When it comes to third-level education, YouthOpia hopes to help close the gap.
Ireland’s first national social enterprise policy welcomed by sector
As the Irish government unveiled the country’s first national social enterprise policy, positive comments started rolling in from organisations throughout the sector.
ReStart: The social enterprise helping asylum seekers feel at home
Amid ongoing discussions about the Irish direct provision system, one student-run social enterprise is working to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are able to integrate in their communities.
Different Strokes for Different Folks: A guiding light in stroke recovery
Sometimes, when tragedy befalls someone, it makes them stronger. It makes them see the value in linking with others in the same boat to take collective action. This is how Larry Masterson responded when he joined others in Co Donegal in setting up the support group ‘Different Strokes for Different Folks’ (DSDF).
Stroke activist Larry Masterson on why he volunteers
The drive to volunteer can come from anywhere. For Larry Masterson, it was something he was already committed to, but his volunteering took him in a new direction after he suffered a stroke.
ILDN Awards: No new business can succeed without support
There are 6,500 people currently receiving support through two schemes set up to help unemployed people to start small businesses. At the ILDN National Enterprise Awards, Ray Lucey caught up with a few of them.
Struggling to read this? Social enterprise Dyslex.ie can help
Enactus DCU’s Dyslex.ie project aims to make it easier to read online content. But how does it work?
Notions: Margaret O’Connor wins big at ILDN Enterprise Awards
Following the 2019 ILDN National Enterprise Awards, Ray Lucey spoke to outright winner Margaret O’Connor about Notions, Lady Gaga and entrepreneurship
Dark clouds of climate crisis DO have a silver lining
Every dark cloud has a silver lining and the threat of climate change could see the rebirth of strong forces for community development.
Ceangal: Can social enterprises help asylum seekers integrate?
When it comes to supporting asylum seekers, there’s a sense that governments can only do much. That leaves it up to communities and social enterprises to close the gap.
Can social enterprise help combat workplace discrimination?
With unemployment levels among those with disabilities far higher than in the general population, could the solution lie in social enterprise?
‘Social enterprise solves the problems that otherwise go unsolved’
With levels of education and employment among people with disabilities significantly lower than they are among the rest of the population, one of the Enactus NUI Galway projects hopes social enterprise can make a difference.
Social enterprise: ‘If you have the ability to change the world, you should’
As the number of refugees and immigrants in Ireland grows, questions about integration continue to be raised. What if the solution lies with a group of Enactus students?
‘When social enterprise thrives, society thrives too’
Last week saw the Irish government release its first ever national social enterprise policy, which will give companies around the country additional supports as they launch and grow. It can only be good news for the next generation of social entrepreneurs, including the team behind Enactus’s BeetBox.
Publication of new National Social Enterprise Policy welcomed
The Irish government has published its long-awaited social enterprise policy, with positive feedback coming in from community development-focused groups.
Draft social enterprise policy heading for cabinet approval
As the release of the final National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland looms, we take a look at some recent social enterprise activity in the South East.
Sustainable Gastronomy: Would you take Lisa Fingleton’s 30-Day Challenge?
On the UN’s Sustainable Gastronomy Day (18 June) and one day after the Irish government released its Climate Action Plan, we revisit a story from late last year that examines Ireland’s over-reliance on imported food and the carbon impact of those imports.
Forget for-profits: It’s volunteers who make communities work
At a South Dublin County Partnership open day, one speaker highlighted the impact local volunteers can have.
Family-friendly anti-Trump protests planned for Shannon
In advance of Donald Trump’s arrival in Ireland, peaceful protests are being planned in Shannon.
Minister Ring wants to expand Department amid SICAP success
As SICAP 2 sees continued successes, programme providers are starting to showcase their work. At a recent South Dublin County Partnership open day, Minister Ring applauded their enthusiasm.
How Community Futures built one village’s community space
As Straide Community Development Group prepares to reopen the Mayo village’s hall, they credit a process called Community Futures for making it possible.
Who are 2018’s Volunteers of the Year?
Last year (2018), the 11th annual Volunteer Ireland awards honoured a dozen people for their voluntary contributions, but who took home what prizes?
Who is Volunteer Ireland’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year?
As part of Volunteer Ireland’s annual awards, a dozen people and organisations were honoured for their voluntary contributions – but who went home with the coveted Volunteer of the Year crown?
Got milk? How a community shop is bringing Pullough back to life
For most of us, running out of milk is a mild inconvenience. For Martin Buckley – and the eight volunteers he recruited – it was a game changer for Pullough, Co Offaly.
Community Services Programme to be reviewed for first time
The Community Services Programme was set up to provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people. After 13 years, we’re about to find out if it’s working.
Who were the winners at the 2018 Pride of Place Awards?
In November 2018, community and voluntary sectors representatives descended on Cork to honour their best and brightest at the Pride of Place Awards.
Jim Ife: Fighting a defensive war has made us conservative
At this summer’s World Community Development Conference in Maynooth, activist Jim Ife spoke about why community development workers have to stop pulling their punches.
Bernadette McAliskey rings alarm bells for community development
At the World Community Development Conference in Maynooth, veteran activist Bernadette McAliskey told those gathered that, if we have nothing to say about wealth, funding and the rise of the right, it’s time to go home.
WCDC 2018: Sweating, singing and speaking up in Maynooth
At this summer’s World Community Development Conference in Maynooth, enthusiastic attendees sang, danced and made their feelings heard.
WCDC: Bernadette on target, but Jim hits the bullseye
Following this summer’s World Community Development Conference, editor Allen Meagher reminisces about as past encounter with two of the headline speakers.
What is the role of LCDCs in your community?
Communities are frequently at loggerheads with their local authority. Naturally so. Call it constructive tension. However, to know more about how communities and local authorities work well together – and, increasingly, they do – we focus on the role of the local community development committee.
View from Abroad: Community development in lion country
We’re all aware of the stresses on people and the environment in Africa. The human population is expanding and wild animal numbers are declining. Reporter Cian Kearns heard about an impressive project in Tanzania that aims to protect both people and nature. He was curious to see for himself. Could the livelihood of farmers and their families be secured, while still protecting lions?
Horace: ‘Want to do some real social work? Head to the pub’
Struggling to find fulfilment in your job? Frustrated by lack of progress? Let Horace show you the way.
As Brexit looms, cross-border projects need more support
As the prospect of a post-Brexit hard border continues to loom, Allen Meagher asks whether the threat Brexit poses to communities is being taken seriously.
Coveney briefs community reps on new development framework
Community groups and interests can work outside formal structures or within them. In many cases, they are obliged to do the latter. In practice, many do both.
5 award-winning social enterprises to empower Dublin communities
As the awards for Dublin’s Social Enterprise Grant Scheme were given out, who were the lucky (and hard-working) winners?
Who are the winners of this year’s Pride of Place?
In the 2016 nationwide Pride of Place competition, which shines a light on the work of communities across the island of Ireland, who came out tops?
SIERRA LEONE: Surfing and Community Development
EXCERPT: Even when things were difficult during the Ebola outbreak the club did not disintegrate; it hibernated.
Enclude: Who supports the support services?
As reporting requirements increasingly land community workers in a seemingly endless cycle of funding reports, Enclude CEO Eamon Stack explains that there is another way.
Further perspectives on ‘Alignment’
– Excerpts from reports by Dr Brendan O’Keeffe, Niall Crowley, Debra Mountford, Seán O’Riordan:
INTERVIEW – Minister Carey says ‘no’ to national forum proposal, but ‘yes’ to some local proposals
‘Changing Ireland’ interviewed Minister Pat Carey yesterday on a range of topics, including a key question over changing structures for State support for communities within the framework of the Local and Community Development Programme.
2 PROGRAMMES TO BE MERGED – CURRAN IN CAVAN
The Community Development Programme, first established in 1990, is to be absorbed into a new unnamed programme that also incorporates the Local Development and Social Inclusion Programme.
Galway Travellers Movement want alternatives to evictions
As most of Galway celebrated the City's arts festival, an Irish Times news report yesterday highlighted the work of one of Galway city's CDPs - the Galway Traveller Movement - to stand with the community against cultural oppression. While thousands of people planned...
Cutbacks to CE places reversed
Volunteers, workers and SIPTU mounted a successful campaign to have cuts to Community Employment Schemes reversed. At a time of rising unemployment, the Schemes need to be expanded if anything. €10m was due to be cut. Thankfully, the CE schemes will survive for now....
