OPINION/ADVICE
Monaghan’s Gabriel O’Connell wants more young people involved in community development
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.
OPINION/ADVICE
Senior Citizens Parliament co-ordinator Pat Mellon has solutions to rural poverty
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.
OPINION/ADVICE
It’s 2027 and we are refugees abroad – being Irish in Ukrainian shoes
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.
OPINION/ADVICE
Community media is battling a democratic deficit, says Colm Croffy
Colm Croffy is the editor of community magazine Ballinasloe LIFE. He spoke to Changing Ireland about the challenges currently facing local community media.
OPINION/ADVICE
Solidarity for the sake of humanity
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.
OPINION/ADVICE
If you’re afraid to speak out now, you will fail your community – Bernadette McAliskey
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”.
OPINION/ADVICE
Sanctuary running opened my eyes to Direct Provision
"A lot of young people are into ethical approaches to doing business such as upcycling and people-based services. They’re telling me there‘s a real opportunity here for credit unions to reach out to that mindset," says Olive McCarthy.
OPINION/ADVICE
The one art form missing from youthwork is humour
“When you’re meeting a young person for the first time and they perceive adults as something not to trust, humour can be a great tool.”
Cork teenager Cai Desmond-Sadd interviews Derry youth worker Fergal Barr who is campaigning to have humour recognised as a valid tool for engaging young people.
Community
Putting the ‘human’ back into human rights and social justice organisations
The pandemic has shown us more than ever the importance of self-care, writes Nicola Browne. She asks - why are social justice organisations so slow to practice what they preach when it comes to wellbeing?
OPINION/ADVICE
Horace’s Diary – no masking the truth!
I went to the shop to buy a mask and then realised I couldn’t enter the shop without a mask. While I was wondering how I would enter a shop without a mask to buy a mask, a fellow gave me his mask as he left the shop.
I wiped it on my sleeve for safety’s sake and put it over my face, delighted that I could now enter the shop - then I realised that now I had a mask I no longer needed to go into the shop to buy a mask.
