Activism & Volunteering
We’re close to No.1 in the EU for volunteering
Ireland's presidency of the EU runs from July to December, which means that officials from the 27 EU-member countries will be attending meetings here. So let us remember what we excel at when it comes to social inclusion and supporting communities. Some government programmes in these areas also receive EU support. Take volunteering:
Enterprise
Time for a new deal for social enterprise – Richard Bruton
Irish social enterprises can do wonderful things for the country, if only the appropriate supports from the State are allowed to flow.
That’s the view of former Fine Gael cabinet minister Richard Bruton, who was named the new chair of Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI) last year.
Events
No Name Club seeks volunteers nationwide
If you would like to volunteer with or set up a No Name Club in your area you are invited to attend an informational webinar about Ireland's network of alcohol-free youth clubs on Thursday, July 16 (7.30pm).
Refugees/Ukraine
Armen’s journey from volunteering in Ukraine and being injured to volunteering in Ireland
Having suffered serious injuries as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Armen Galstyan – now aged 52 - arrived in Ireland two years ago from Odessa and immersed himself in community work in Donegal.
Refugees/Ukraine
Catherine Lane upbeat about national pilot project to counter misinfo
“Everyone is susceptible to misinformation,” says Catherine Lane, national co-ordinator of the pilot Community Connection Project which was created in 2024 in response to visible disharmony in several parts of the country. Here she explains how the project has made a difference in communities.
Events
Pride in the community – take 4: Longford, Monaghan, Carlow and Limerick
Once the preserve of larger and more traditionally liberal centres, Pride is now celebrated right throughout Ireland, something that is evident this summer. Here we look community-organised events in two towns and one city outside Dublin for this year’s Pride celebrations.
Enterprise
Cambodian REFLECTIONS
Recently, a group of Cambodian visitors travelled to Ireland on a learning exchange, exploring Irish co-operatives with the aim of further building their own co-operative movement at home. While they undoubtedly returned with valuable insights, I found myself reflecting on something equally important: how much we, as hosts, learn from such exchanges.
Events
What’s On? Here’s 2 events and a podcast for you!
Owen Ryan reports here on two upcoming events and new podcasts that will be of interest to anyone in Ireland’s community and voluntary sector.
Activism & Volunteering
Kerry Social Farming going strong, seeks more farmers
Over 70 participants and 40 farms are now active in Kerry Social Farming (KSF) with five new host farmers joining last year.
Éamon Horgan, a...
Refugees/Ukraine
Ireland now has 25 “Libraries of Sanctuary”
At least 25 of the state’s 330 public libraries have taken agreed steps to welcome refugees and people seeking asylum and all newcomers to an area.
Known as Libraries of Sanctuary they have committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion.
Community
All 26 winners of this year’s community and council awards named
This year's Council of the Year Award went to South Dublin County Council, while Helen O’Donnell from Limerick was named as Community Volunteer of the Year. We have all the award winners here!
