Community

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.

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.

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.

Did you know there are specialist newsletters chock-full of great information and ideas of interest to communities? We choose three stand-out publications we think you should know about.

As the Irish government unveiled the country’s first national social enterprise policy, positive comments started rolling in from organisations throughout the sector.

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.

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).

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.