Activism & Volunteering

After serving for over 20 years as a voluntary board member and chairperson of Speedpak Group in Coolock, Dublin, Jim Lillis stepped down in August. We met him in Speedpak's HQ, where staff were busy packing boxes and making rosettes, to interview him for our Changing Ireland Together Podcast. This is also the place where Changing Ireland is packed for distribution. Originally from Co. Clare, Jim's days of hurling, squash and hillwalking have stood to him as he’s fit and sprightly at 80.

Community development workers and volunteers have been thanked for their "vital" work and their "staggering" output amidst unprecedented challenges.

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.

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).

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.

The Clare Leader Forum has launched a new book that puts the spotlight on the work of disabled activists.

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.

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.