People

Gabriel O’Connell, CEO of Monaghan Integrated Development, retires this autumn and after 26 years working in the community and voluntary sector we thought - correctly - that he may have some wisdom to impart. He gave a fascinating interview to OWEN RYAN recently, including advice for people engaged in community development, for policy-makers and all who believe in the importance of community development. Of interest, Gabriel does not see the need for commercial tendering for the services delivered by local development companies on behalf of the State. He also reveals his current reading, his liking for Clint Eastwood, and how his work influenced his own journey.

Pat Mellon from County Wicklow grew up on the family farm in the Vale of Avoca, which he now runs, and he has firm views around poverty, which is especially harsh for older people living in rural areas. For years, he worked in rural recreation, social inclusion and social enterprise and this has equipped him well for his current role as national co-ordinator of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP). The national organisation has 200 affiliated organisations and 50,000 members advocating for the rights of older people and one of Pat’s priorities is to improve the lives for seniors living in rural areas.

The Secret Community Development Worker is alarmed to see that the Government’s warm welcome for Europeans fleeing war seems to be waning; Ukrainians are being displaced across the country, weekly payments have been reduced to €38.80, and the €800 per month Accommodation Recognition Payment (for hosts) was cut to €600. This is against the backdrop of Trump’s pro-Putin stance which is distressing for Ukrainians.

Changing Ireland introduces a new contributor: The Secret Community Development Worker will in time become known as the Banksy of Community Development, the Roy Keane of Social Inclusion. They abhor stereotypes and protect their identity like a Cavanonian protects their communion money.

Colm Croffy is the editor of community magazine Ballinasloe LIFE. He spoke to Changing Ireland about the challenges currently facing local community media.

In a world designed to keep us busy and distracted perhaps the true work of humanity is building solidarity. Dr Noreen Byrne suggests some antidotes to the forces that suppress the human spirit and prevent us from connecting with others and with our own innate wisdom.

Why can’t people in wheelchairs or who are almost immobile go to the gym? Answer: They can, as the No Barriers Foundation in Letterkenny has proven. The cost – a tenth of what private providers would likely charge. A radical transformation would unfold if the Government and wider society embraced the rights based model of disability, argues Allen Meagher in his editorial. Our spring edition highlights three rights-based projects that show how change happens when we remove barriers to disability. Meagher also talks about the value of social enterprises. He points to volunteers filling gaps when it comes to food poverty. And he asks – what else should we be doing about Israel’s genocidal attacks on Palestine?

Bernadette McAliskey says that people who have mixed feelings about campaigning for peace, including community and youth workers, should practice their ethics now and “stand up for what you believe in”. People must choose between ethics and their career, she said. Speaking directly to Ireland’s community workers, and particularly to some who may be fearful of consequences from condemning Israeli aggression, she said, “If you’re afraid to speak out about injustice (now)… you will fail when the chips are down to defend your own community”.