Advocacy
Guided by the sectoral Vision for Youth Work and NYCI’s Strategic Plan, we advocate on issues which impact on the lives of young people, on our member organisations and on the youth work sector.
Browse our priorities & policies:
NYCI advocates on issues which impact on young people, on our member organisations and on the youth work sector.
We also use the collective experience of our member organisations to advocate on and seek to influence policy which impacts on the lives of young people.
Our policy and advocacy priorities are guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.
How to Talk About Youth Work in Ireland
A framing toolkit to help you explain what youth work is – and why it matters.
Members’ Election Campaign Toolkit: Manifesto 2024/25
To help you take action during the General Election – from engaging candidates to supporting young people to vote:
It’s now easy to register to vote!
The electoral registration process has changed. You can now register to vote, online, at any time.
Budget 2026 Toolkit for NYCI Members
NYCI and our members are calling for a €21.3 million increase in Government investment in youth work in Budget 2026. Add your voice and meet with your local TDs and Senators to ask for their support – when constituents speak, politicians listen.
Local Champions
Our Local Champions initiative aims to support our national campaign to increase investment in youth work funding – Youth Work Changes Lives. We are recruiting young people who have benefited from youth work and who will advocate in their communities to ensure youth work funding is firmly placed on the political agenda.
State of our young nation: A report into the lives of Irish 18-29-year-olds
This report provides in-depth insights on the financial, social, and other substantial challenges young people face, alongside their views on opportunities ahead; from housing and mental health, to work and study, and considerations about staying or leaving Ireland.
RedC/NYCI – Youth Work Organisations Research
New research published, carried out by RED C on behalf of the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), shows a near universal belief among the public that youth work organisations provide important non-formal education for young people in communities.
Legislative Process in Ireland
Apart from the European Union, the Oireachtas is the only institution in Ireland with power to make laws for the state. Most legislation is developed in the form of a Government Bill apart from Private Members Bills (which are presented by individual Oireachtas members or parties).
Advocacy & Research Publications
We publish research reports, policy papers and submissions on issues affecting young people and the youth work sector.