OPINION/ADVICE

The official opening of the Moyross Youth Academy was more than just a launch – it was an opportunity for local participants to tell their stories.

Two years ago, the Advocacy Initiative (AI) examined how civil society groups in Ireland were advocating for social change.

The importance of independence and autonomy for third sector organisations is vital to their work. Yet, challenges are emerging in the State’s interaction with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). For us, since the introduction of the new Child and Family Agency, Tusla, increasingly we are seeing amendments to contracts, with paragraphs added placing restrictions on our advocacy capacity.

“I never imagined the volunteering would lead...

"I’ve discovered that things are a lot harder to change than I previously thought. There’s a great power imbalance in Ireland and that needs to change." - Martha Griffin