Launching the new-look ChangingIreland.ie, Minister Michael Ring was effusive in his praise for the project: “Changing Ireland is a unique publication… a high-quality news magazine which has encouraged all involved for nearly two decades to work harder for the betterment of our communities.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring, TD, yesterday launched our new-look website – www.changingireland.ie – designed to complement the work by Changing Ireland, the most popular magazine published in the community and voluntary sector in Ireland.
At the launch, Minister Ring said: “Changing Ireland is a unique publication which is based in a community-setting, in Moyross, Limerick. It is a high-quality news magazine which has encouraged all involved for nearly two decades to work harder for the betterment of our communities.
“Changing Ireland is supported by a voluntary board and it provides mentoring to aspiring young journalists, from Moyross residents to refugees fleeing Yemen. And well before it became popular, the magazine began going green.
“Good practice nationwide has been enhanced by Changing Ireland’s work. Now, with a fabulous new website at its disposal, the project should be able to increase its output and reach more people in the community and voluntary sector.
“Community is at the heart of what my department does, and I am pleased to officially launch the new website and to congratulate Changing Ireland for collaborating with eTownz to build this website at no cost. May you make good use of it!
“For nearly two decades, Changing Ireland has kept the flag flying at community level for grassroots organisations, volunteers, workers, and local and central government bodies and agencies working in communities. Long may you continue to catalogue and report on the good work going on nationwide that we might otherwise not hear of,” said the Minister.
Welcoming the development, Cathy Jones, chairperson of Changing Ireland Community Media CLG, said:
“In Changing Ireland, we believe in the principles of community development: seeking social change, empowering people, encouraging participation, collective action, and campaigning for equality and social justice.
“We believe Changing Ireland has captured much of the good that happens across Ireland. Being locally based, we try to reflect views on the ground and, while we promote the positive and best practice, we also provide a platform for people who will call out local or central government – among others – when the need arises.
“I would like to congratulate all who support Changing Ireland, past and present: our readers, contributors, occasional volunteers, our host community, fellow board members and, equally importantly, the Department of Rural and Community Development,” she said.
Some of our board members – (l-r) Jude Meaney, Cathy Jones (chairperson), George Clancy (vice-chair) and Andrew O’Byrne – with editor Allen Meagher (on right). Photo: Kirsty Tobin.
Changing Ireland editor Allen Meagher said, “Community development by its nature seeks to confront power imbalances in society, so this is an interesting space to work in. And, for me, nothing matches the spirit of activism and volunteering that shores up so many vital services in this country. Those who engage in community development perform a critical role in pushing at local and national level for social change.
“I invite you – if you haven’t before – to start reading or following Changing Ireland in print and online and find out more about the fabulous work being done by community and voluntary organisations in Ireland.”
Adam Jackman and Pat Kennedy of eTownz with Kirsty Tobin from Changing Ireland at a website planning meeting. Photo: Allen Meagher.
Background
Changing Ireland magazine has been publishing quarterly for 18 years. The publication shines a spotlight on good practice in the community and voluntary sector and challenges community work practitioners to always strive to do better. It also provides a platform to debate and challenge government policy.
This year, the community media project moved, with financial support from the Department of Rural and Community Development, to new offices in the community centre in Moyross.
Management: Established in 2001, Changing Ireland is a national magazine focused on community development and social inclusion. It is published and managed by the not-for-profit Changing Ireland Community Media CLG.
Voluntary Board of Directors: Cathy Jones (chair), George Clancy (vice-chair), Seamus McGiff (secretary), Jude Meaney, Andrew O’Byrne, Jason Craig and Danielle Hickey.
Editor: Allen Meagher.
Sub-editor/digital editor: Kirsty Tobin.
Editorial Team: Viv Sadd, Jude Meaney, Kirsty Tobin, Robert Carey, Joe Saunders, Paul Geraghty/Bernie Reape and Allen Meagher.
Support and Funding: Changing Ireland receives support and funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Interested in learning more about news from the community and voluntary sector? Check out our latest print issues.
