Event 4 Creative Lens: Photography & Evaluation
This practical training workshop will explore photography as an exciting creative medium for engaging young people in youth work and youth arts settings.
This practical training workshop will explore photography as an exciting creative medium for engaging young people in youth work and youth arts settings.
Join us for an online celebration of youth arts projects happening around the country. Spark your interest in youth arts by hearing from some inspiring youth workers, young people, youth arts practitioners and artists!
DESCRIPTION Following last year's voluntary audit, NYCI’s Child Protection Programme is partnering with Tusla again to share the information and learning from the audit that will […]
DESCRIPTION We are delighted to launch the Artist and Youth Work in Residency Grant Scheme 2023 on Friday, February 24th. We will be hosting two online […]
DESCRIPTION We are delighted to launch the Artist and Youth Work in Residency Grant Scheme 2023 on Friday, February 24th. We will be hosting two online […]
This training will explore practical advice and approaches to creating strong funding applications for Youth Arts projects in youth work settings. Participants will delve into best […]
DESCRIPTION This 2 hour online training is for all who would like to explore the potential of the digital Skills Summary tool for your youth work […]
DESCRIPTION This 2 hour online training is for all who would like to explore the potential of the digital Skills Summary tool for your youth work […]
After the success of the Developing Digital Media Literacy Courses in 2021 and early 2022, CyberSafeKids has partnered with NYCI's Child Protection Programme again to offer […]
This training workshop is designed to help youth workers and youth arts practitioners build their understanding and experience of youth drama and add to their creative […]
Do you work with young people who want to change things for the better? Do you sometimes wonder where to start or how to ensure they […]
A free one-day, north-south, practice sharing and knowledge exchange conference for youth work practitioners, managers and stakeholders. Date & time 18th May, 10-4.30 Cost Free! Venue […]
The Artivism Summer School 2023 is now sold out. In the event that we have cancellations, we will contact people on our waiting list to let […]
NYCI's Child Protection Programme would like to invite you to an Information Session with the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána on Monday 29th May […]
This interactive one-day training aims to support youth workers to feel confident and competent to address the concept of consent with young people in their organisations. […]
Mindout: Promoting Social and Emotional Wellbeing: A Programme for Young People in Youth Work Settings This 2-day interactive training is based on the evidence-based MindOut resource […]
Last year the National Youth Council did two consultation events with Minority Ethnic young people. One issue that emerged strongly was racism in schools, and the […]
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is developing a new Action Plan for Youth Services to support strategic youth service development and to […]
Join visual artist Jane Cummins (co-founder of Studio ID-11) and the National Youth Arts Programme team for a special workshop to explore the cyanotype printing process! […]
Are you a youth worker supporting young people in the international protection system (young asylum seekers or refugees)? If so, our new network for youth work […]
Event Description This is a 4-hour training programme delivered by the NYCI Child Protection Programme in collaboration with NYCI's Youth Arts Programme. This child protection awareness […]
It’s the European Year of Skills and we need you! Young people gain essential life and people skills through youth work and volunteering – do […]
About the Event: Join us for a transformative event where talent meets opportunity! Are you an employer or HR professional eager to tap into a diverse […]
NYCI's Youth Arts Programme invites participants to this training to get a taste of how to bring a fun, meaningful and inclusive facilitated process of spoken […]
You may have heard of Léargas, Erasmus + or ESC funding, but are unsure of who it is for or how to access it. Léargas are […]
Are you a youth worker working with young Travellers? NYCI’s Equality and Intercultural Programme is bringing youth work practitioners together to share information, practice, and insights […]
Join us on Dec 4th to meet, connect, explore and be creative together. NYCI are committed to support emerging artists and youth arts practitioners from minority […]
Our national conference will unite youth workers, managers, and other stakeholders in a shared vision for the future of youth work. Together, we'll empower and motivate each other to drive change and create the conditions for a brighter tomorrow for the young people we work for and with.
Do you want to shape society, your future, democracy and the future of Europe? Does Democracy depend on YOUth? Share your ideas and be part of […]
Do you want to shape society, your future, democracy and the future of Europe? Does Democracy depend on YOUth? Share your ideas and be part of […]
Join us for the SPARK Youth Arts Festival launch 2023 as we invite guest speakers and participants to explore how youth arts can make a difference in young people’s lives.
For the third year running NYCI's Child Protection Programme is delighted to partner with CyberSafeKids and offer their Developing Digital Media Literacy course to the youth […]
NYCI’s SPARK Youth Arts Festival 2024 takes place Feb 19th – 24th. As part of the training element, we will head to Cork and are delighted […]
Join us for the SPARK Youth Arts Festival launch 2023 as we invite guest speakers and participants to explore how youth arts can make a difference in young people’s lives.
Join us for the SPARK Youth Arts Festival launch 2023 as we invite guest speakers and participants to explore how youth arts can make a difference in young people’s lives.
This 2 hour online training is for all who would like to explore the potential of the digital Skills Summary tool for your youth work practice […]
We are delighted to launch the Artist and Youth Work in Residency grant scheme 2024. The deadline for applications is Friday March 29th . In advance of […]
We are delighted to launch the Artist and Youth Work in Residency grant scheme 2024. The deadline for applications is Friday March 29th . In advance of […]
Are you an ethnic minority youth worker or youth leader working or volunteering in the youth sector? If so, this may be of interest to you […]
This training will explore practical advice and approaches to creating strong funding applications for Youth Arts projects in youth work settings. Participants will delve into best […]
This 2 hour online training is for all who would like to explore the potential of the digital Skills Summary tool for your youth work practice […]
Do you think young people should be having conversations and influencing decision makers about things like- The value of the youth voice Diversity and inclusion On […]
NYCI's National Child Protection Programme is partnering with ASSC following 2022's successful pilot providing training workshops on Responding to Disclosures. This year we will offer an […]
NYCI Summer School 2024 Climate Creativity: Using stories and art to explore climate justice with young people Are you interested in the role creativity can play […]
Would you like more opportunities to share innovation and good practice in youth work at a National and European level? Would you like to see more […]
Would you like more opportunities to share innovation and good practice in youth work at a National and European level? Would you like to see more […]
Would you like more opportunities to share innovation and good practice in youth work at a National and European level? Would you like to see more […]
Join us on a two-day residential STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) School taking place in Maynooth. Participants will take part in immersive, hands-on workshops […]
Safeguarding Risk Assessments is a key part of every Child Safeguarding Statement. It's important we consider the ways in which young people may be harmed so […]
The Youth Arts SPEAKS group invite you to join us for The Ripple Effect Webinar! We are a bunch of young people who are passionate about […]
This 2.5 hour online training is for all who would like to explore the potential of the digital Skills Summary tool for your youth work practice […]
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL. PLEASE CONTACT EIMEAR@NYCI.IE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST. This youth-led event was created by young people, for young people. […]
Are you a minority ethnic young person living in Ireland? Do you think you should have a say on your experiences as a young person growing […]
NYCI's National Child Protection Programme is looking to run Hubs for DLPs and Deputy DLPs to provide spaces for shared learning, support, and to build knowledge […]
The 2024 NYCI Conference brings youth workers, managers, and other stakeholders together to focus on two critical aspects of the sector’s Vision for Youth Work: Aspect 5 - People: Capacity, Support, and Diversity and Aspect 7 - Recognition and Resources.
Calling all young changemakers! What are you doing during Mid Term?! A brand-new cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue is kicking off under the inspiring theme: […]
Calling all young environmental defenders! Join us as we debrief what happened last November at COP29, the UN conference on climate change. We will be joined […]
This 2.5 hour online training is for all who would like to explore the potential of the digital Skills Summary tool for your youth work practice […]
Peer abuse is an ongoing issue in Ireland, affecting young people across various social settings, including online platforms. The impacts of peer abuse can be long-lasting, […]
Due to the level of interest, NYCI's National Child Protection Programme has decided to run our Responding to Disclosures training again! We would like to invite […]
Calling all young changemakers! We kicked off in Cork, now it’s time for Dublin! Join us as we continue our journey of Connecting EU with Youth! […]
Are you a young person who wants to make a difference? Do you want your voice to be heard? We want to make inclusion a reality […]
You’re Invited to Young Voices Summertime – it’s young people's time to shine! 🎤 Join young changemakers, creative voices and decision-makers from across Ireland for a […]
PLEASE NOTE, THIS CONSULTATION IS NOW CLOSED. For more information or to ask any questions, please email eimear@nyci.ie. Want to have your voice heard by the […]
You are invited to a day of critical learning, reflection and connection with fellow youth workers across Ireland. This event is designed for those supporting young […]
We all know there's a problem so let’s act in solidarity to be part of the solution! Inspiring future youth workers is a collaborative initiative between, […]
These revised QQI youth work standards are the result of a collaborative process between key stakeholders including youth work organisations, Further Education and Training (FET) providers, […]
This 3 hour online training is for all who would like to explore the potential of the digital Skills Summary tool for your youth work practice […]
A practical, dynamic session for youth workers and youth leaders Are you working to increase youth participation in your project, group, or organisation? Do you want […]
This World Mental Health day, October 10th, join the National Youth Health Programme for a powerful and engaging conference exploring the vital role the youth work […]
Join us on Friday, October 17th to celebrate Black History Month. This special online gathering of the Global Youth Work Learners Network will bring together youth […]
This interactive two-day training programme is designed to equip Youth Workers and others supporting Young People with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address the complex […]
You’re Invited to have your voice heard at the EU level! Take part in our Critical Consultations, with a focus on Climate Change & Connecting EU […]
As we reflect on the announcement of Budget 2026, prepare for the upcoming Youth Night, and look ahead to Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026, this forum […]
This interactive two-day training programme is designed to equip Youth Workers and others supporting Young People with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address the complex […]
Welcome to One World Week 2025 This November, we're exploring the power of connection, community, and celebration. We're bringing together young people, youth workers, volunteers, leaders, […]
Welcome to One World Week 2025 This November, we're exploring the power of connection, community, and celebration. We're bringing together young people, youth workers, volunteers, leaders, […]
Welcome to One World Week 2025 This November, we're exploring the power of connection, community, and celebration. We're bringing together young people, youth workers, volunteers, leaders, […]
Ready to turn your passion for youth work into powerful policy influence? This interactive masterclass is designed for youth organisations who want to make their voices […]
NYCI’s Equality and Intercultural Programme is thrilled to invite you to an event dedicated to building and strengthening anti-racist practice in youth work. Join us in […]
Calling all young changemakers! What are you doing during Mid Term?! Young Voices/EU Youth Dialogue is coming to Cork! We need young people to come together […]
As we reflect on the allocations of Budget 2026 and what they mean for the sector, prepare for Budget 2027, begin the research on the socioeconomic […]
Do you work with young people who don’t usually put themselves forward? Young people who: don’t sign up to consultations, forums, or events. are unsure of “opportunities” […]
Join us for the first webinar of Identity & Belonging series designed for youth workers who want to move beyond “fitting in” and build spaces where […]
This 3-hour online training is for everyone who would like to explore the potential of Skills Summary for your youth work practice. The session will help you to support your young people in recognising the strengths they have and in finding a language around their transversal skills.
Join young changemakers, creative voices and decision-makers from across Ireland for a day of powerful conversations, creativity, and action as we explore what the priorities are for […]
This interactive two-day training programme is designed to equip Youth Workers and others supporting Young People with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address the complex […]
The Inspiring Future Youth Workers initiative supports the sustainability of youth work as a profession by supporting collaborations between the Youth Sector, Youth Work Educators and […]
During Children First Awareness Week 2025, we launched a new resource from the National Child Protection Programme, highlighting the issue of peer abuse - When Young […]
As Ireland takes on the EU Presidency this year, inclusive employment for young people should be at the top of the agenda. Ireland is experiencing a […]
You’re Invited to Young Voices 🎤 Be part of European Youth Week, which celebrates and promotes youth engagement, participation and active citizenship all over Europe and […]
The National Youth Health Programme are delighted to launch our latest resource ‘Supporting Young People with Anxiety’ A Guide for Youth Workers’. Through conversations with […]
As we prepare for Budget 2027 with the NYCI Pre Budget submission, toolkit and lobbying day, continue the research on the socioeconomic impact of youth work in Ireland, and look ahead to Ireland’s EU […]
NYCI is proud to host Traveller Pride in Practice: Empowering Traveller Youth, an event that centres youth work practice as a space for identity, connection, and […]
NYCI is hosting an in-person training day on Gathering the Evidence: Youth Voice, Youth Rights, an event that centres around youth workers capturing youth voices across […]
The conference will feature a mix of keynote input and panel discussions, with a strong emphasis on interactive sessions and networking throughout the day.
There is a strong connection between wellbeing and planetary health. As part of the NYHP programme of work, we support organisations to make the most of […]
An online information session about the Bursary fund available to students accepted onto the MSocSc Community Work and Youth Work programme in Maynooth university Information session […]
Join us for a one-hour online “Thinking Together” session exploring LGBTQIA+ inclusion in youth work practice, drawing on learning from the recent North–South LGBTQIA+ Youth Work […]
Be part of the FIRST youth event of Irelands Presidency of the EU and contribute to the new Cycle of EU Youth Dialogue. Young Voices/EU Youth […]
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I have been involved with the voluntary and youth services sector for many years, first as a participant coming up through my local youth services, then as a volunteer and finally I took on a finance position over 25 years ago with Catholic Youth Care. Over the last 25 years I have seen much change and gained much experience within the sector.
I am a qualified member of Certified Public Accountants of Ireland. I am the Head of Finance of Youth Work Ireland National Office. Youth Work Ireland is part of a Federation with 20 Member Youth Services, that I have the pleasure of working alongside. Being part of a Federation, I also engage in looking at nationwide issues around financial, compliance and governance that may arise alongside my National Office & Federation colleagues. Given my current role, along with my years of financial experience within the Youth Sector, I believe I have the necessary skills to bring to the role of Treasurer of NYCI.
Youth work has played a significant role in my life, and its importance cannot be overstated. I consider myself lucky to be part of such a sector.
Carmel Walsh is the Youth Work Services Manager at Belong To, responsible for strategic planning and delivery of LGBTQ+ Youth Work in Dublin, as well as overseeing the Family Support Service and the National Network of LGBTQ+ youth groups in Ireland. With a strong background in youth work and European funding, Carmel brings extensive expertise in strategic implementation, research initiatives, and cooperation projects to enhance the quality of youth work for LGBTQ+ young people.
Michael Power is CEO of Involve Youth and Community Service, having worked within the organisation since 2008 where he held a senior role in the organisations national publication, Travellers’ Voice Magazine. In Michael’s time as Manager of the Travellers’ Voice CSP, he has brought to fruition various campaigns which highlighted Travellers in education and various employment settings in order to dispel the often negative stereotypes associated with the community. His most recent education campaign, “Degrees Ahead”, highlighted Travellers in third level education and the various paths to continued and adult education. He has also ensured the publication has become a platform for lesser heard voices within the community, highlighting individual’s achieving above and beyond the expectations imposed on them.
In Michael’s time as CEO he has been responsible for the development of Involves latest strategic plan which aims to improve the work of the organisation in the areas of Youth Mental Health and Employment, as well as putting in place structures to improve the collaborative work of the organisation to highlight and challenge educational disadvantages for the Traveller community.
Michael is a member of the Traveller community, and brings first-hand experience of the benefits of youth work in influencing future development. Throughout his career with Involve, Michael has developed extensive experience in the youth sector which brings together his love of working with young people and his passion for the rights of his community and marginalised people.
Dear [constituency] TDs,
We are constituents from [Constituency] who are calling on you to support young people in Budget 2024 by investing €9.4 million in young people and youth work.
It is a hard time for young people. COVID-19 impacted their mental health and social connections, and now, the cost-of-living crisis means many are struggling financially.
Youth work organisations say that deprivation among young people they work with is on the rise, and the need for youth services is growing dramatically as young people and their communities feel the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.
Youth workers are often a lifeline for young people, particularly for those who have the least. The wide range of activities provided by youth organisations support young people in their personal and social development, positive mental health, physical wellbeing, job skills and much more.
The rising cost of living is also placing a huge strain on youth work organisations themselves. A recent survey by the National Youth Council of Ireland revealed that nearly 3 in 5 organisations struggle to deliver vital youth work services because of inflation.
The Government must provide the necessary resources for these organisations to meet the growing needs of young people in [Constituency], and to provide an Ireland where young people can live, grow, and flourish.
That is why we are supporting the National Youth Council of Ireland in calling on the Government to invest an additional €9.4m in youth work services in Budget 2024, to provide more supports and activities for young people and meet the needs of our growing youth population. The NYCI and its members across the country believe this increase is needed to help ensure the sustainability of the sector, and deal with current challenges facing many services.
We request that you act on this call and use whatever avenues available to you to ensure that we see a Budget 2024 that invests in our young people.
Your constituents,
[Your names]
My experience comes from my many years within the Irish Second-Level Students Union, chiefly as president during 2020-21 where I represented student’s throughout the covid-19 pandemic, working with the Department of Education and education stakeholders as part of the State exams Advisory group to do what was best for our young people through an extremely challenging time.
My other experience across other organisations such at Spuntout.ie national action panel or partnering with other organisations here such as ICTU on young workers rights gives me the necessary experience to bring a new perspective to the governance of the NYCI.
I have been a representative of young people for the last 5 years at a local, regional national and international level – with my particular focus on youth representing and how that can be best achieved – I hope you can put your confidence in me to work as a member of the NYCI board to deliver this for you and continue the outstanding work of the NYCI.
Garry McHugh is National Director of Young Irish Film Makers, Ireland’s national youth film organisation. Responsible for strategic planning, fund raising, artistic and programme development. Managing partnerships with national funding bodies such as the Arts Council, Dept. of Children & Youth Affairs, Screen Ireland and the Education & Training Board.
Since taking over the National Development of the organisation in 2014, Garry has worked with the team at YIFM to grow the capacity of YIFM programmes to work with double the number of young people over the past five years, delivering five times the number of contact hours with participants. Young Irish Film Makers now work with over 1500 young people annually across Ireland through the youth arts practice of film and animation. Demand is continuing to grow as YIFM film making and animation workshops are recognised for their ability to deliver high quality outcomes for young people from all backgrounds.
Garry is heavily involved in the programme design and delivery of informal education workshops delivering quality personal, social and creative outcomes for young people across Ireland. With a focus on film and animation workshops for secondary schools, youth development agencies and youth workers nationwide.
Before he became involved in youth development and youth arts work, Garry was a professional filmmaker, musician and enjoyed treading the boards as an actor. He believes this grounding in the creative industries led him to where he works now, with young people through youth film programmes. He has twenty five years of experience in film production, broadcast radio and informal education & training. His CV ranges from corporate communications and music video production to training and informal education programmes in film, animation and digital media production.
Rose Marie Maughan Is the National Traveller Youth Programme Coordinator with the Irish Traveller Movement. She has been working in the Irish Traveller Movement since 2004 on a local, regional, national and international level in different capacities such as Board member, National Accommodation Officer, Membership Officer, Education Officer, Project coordinator.
She has both a lived experience of being a young Traveller in Ireland and issues facing young Traveller youth today alongside an in-depth analysis of youth work and issues facing the sector. She strongly believes in youth’s right to self-determination and meaningful participiation in finding solutions to issues affecting their lives.
In her current role as National Traveller Programme Coordinator, she is overseeing the implementation of the Irish Traveller Movement’s Traveller Youth 5yr strategy working towards giving Traveller Youth a voice in all sectors of society.
Niamh Quinn is a Manager with Foróige. Niamh has extensive direct youth work and management experience within the youth work and non formal education sector. With Forόige since 2004, Niamh’s previous roles include Outreach Youth Officer working with young people aged 14 – 18 years most at risk; Senior Youth Officer and Acting Area Manager.
Niamh’s current role is supporting the development, roll out and delivery of CPD training and processes for the national School Completion Programme.
Niamh is the current Vice President of NYCI. Niamh is also the current Chair of the NYCI HR & Governance Sub Committee.
Niamh is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin.
Originally from Canada, David Backhouse has been an active youth worker in Ireland since 2008. Chiefly through the YMCA, his involvement in many youth and community initiatives has brought him into partnership with Léargas, Cork City and County Councils, Irish Aid, CDYS, Youth Information, SpunOut, Comhairle ná nÓg, Foróige, Hub ná nÓg, Youth Work Ireland, CYPSC and many other local arts and community associations.
In 2016 David took up the role of Cork Regional Director for YMCA and in November 2019, began his current role as Deputy National Secretary, responsible for YMCA Ireland operations in the Republic of Ireland as well as providing support to all YMCA agencies north and south. He is passionate about Youth Participation, Creative Methodologies and the provision of high quality, well supported professional youth services to those in Ireland most in need.
Mick Ferron is currently the Regional Youth Services Manager with Sphere 17 Regional Youth Service.
Qualifications:
BA Social Science from UCD
Higher Diploma in Youth and Community work from NUI Maynooth.
Sphere 17 is a community-based regional youth service covering Dublin 17 and the Kilbarrack area of North Dublin. The service operates from four different youth centres in the catchment area providing a range of different programmes, activities and support for young people 10-24 years.
Sphere 17 believes all young people can achieve great things. Their mission is to support young people to be the best that they can be, and they do this in different ways for different young people, as they need it, through the varied services provided.
In addition to the UBU funded youth service activity, Sphere 17, in collaboration with local partners, also provides a youth counselling service – The Listen Project, manages the Woodale Youth Justice Project, and is the lead organisation behind Creative Places Darndale.
Prior to his 16 years in management with Sphere 17, Mick has worked in community-based youth service provision in Ballyfermot and in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. He has also worked in the homeless sector, and in a drugs education project in Cork.
Claire Anderson has been working with Scouting Ireland since October 2020 in the role of Communications Officer. She is an experienced journalist, marketing manager and communications expert. Claire graduated with an MA in Journalism and New Media in 2015. She is based in Cork and has worked with several high-profile businesses including the Irish Examiner. Working in marketing communications from 2017, Claire has created and implemented advertising and communications strategy for company expansion into eight new markets. She has worked closely with colleagues to build effective communication practices and systems. She has managed all content production from production to publishing and most recently developed a new central website for Scouting Ireland. Claire has over seven years of experience leading content production and successful marketing campaigns. She completed a Diploma in User Experience and User Interface Design this year. She also runs her own marketing business. Claire has been involved in dance since she was a child and is a keen supporter of the arts. She has volunteered with Cork Feminista and Husky Rescue Ireland, however, she is not actively volunteering at present. Claire lives in the countryside with her partner, dog, cats and hens. She enjoys sea swimming and hiking in her spare time as well as training for her first 10k race.
Eve is an active leader in her locality currently working with girls between the ages of 5 and 7, and previously worked with Irish Girl Guides’ older branch for 10- to 14-year-olds. Eve has previously represented Irish Girl Guides at the Erasmus+; Get Active! Human rights education among young people workshop.
In addition, Eve sat on the Membership, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee for Irish Girl Guides. Eve is a primary school teacher and focused her college dissertation on the impact of period poverty in schools. Eve has been a NYCI Board member since 2021.
I am currently a Senior Manager with Crosscare Youth Services with over 20 years’ experience having started my youth work career in CYC in January 2000, and was part of the merger with Crosscare in 2013. I line-manage our 6 Dublin West and East Wicklow youth projects, and also have responsibility for Youth Information and Outdoor Learning in Crosscare.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies from Maynooth University, and last year I completed a masters qualification, gaining a (MSc) Master of Science in Innovation & Strategy in the Maynooth Business School. I feel there is a need to be innovative and strategic in future plans for the sector, as we seek to be sustainable and receive full cost recovery for the delivery of quality youth services.
I am currently a member of the Board of Adamstown Youth and Community Centre. This is in an area with broad cultural diversity and we are trying to develop some youth provision in this under-resourced area. We were recently approved for a new part-time youth worker and a dedicated Youth Diversion Project for Adamstown, to increase the Lucan Boundary. Greg has been a NYCI Board member for the last 3 years.
Nicola has been involved in Girl Guiding for over 44 years and has been employed in the CGI National Office in Dublin since 2013. Nicola has also been a volunteer leader with CGI in Wexford for the last 19 years.
In her role as National Office Coordinator, Nicola works closely with the NYCI and members of other youth organisations, through the Specialist Organisations Network and represents CGI at numerous meetings. Nicola also attends meetings with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs representing the uniformed bodies of the Youth Work Electoral College.
Nicola has held voluntary positions within CGI of National Secretary and National Commissioner for Ranger Guides and was a member of the National Executive Board. Nicola continues to attend CGI Board meetings in her current role.
Before moving to Ireland, Nicola worked for the UK Government and the Environment Agency in the nuclear industry regulation division and was also a youth member and then volunteer with the Guide Association UK.
I have over 30 years experience in the voluntary Youth Work and Youth Sector in Ireland.
I am currently the Volunteer Development Manager with Forόige. In this role I am responsible for key tasks such as managing, developing and supporting the involvement of thousands of Forόige volunteers in all aspects of the organisation. I also lead on the design, dissemination and implementation of best practice standards in volunteer recruitment, management and retention policies and procedures. I am a member of Foróige’s child safeguarding and protection internal working group. I also was a member of the Ministerial advisory group for development of the National Volunteering Strategy, launched in late 2020, and I am currently on the communications working group for the role out of the strategy.
I believe that youth work’s essential role in young people’s lives has been made all the more obvious as a result of the pandemic. The restrictions caused by the need to protect vulnerable people in particular from COVID 19, were imposed on young people without them having any say in the matter. They became takes of others rules and priorities, without input or choice. This, while necessary at the time, is the exact opposite of what we want for young people. We want them to be heard, to be helped to develop their own views and values (not just absorb ours). We want them to be involved in decisions that impact on them and to feel they have an influence, with which comes connection to society and hope for the future. The National Youth Council of Ireland plays a huge role in representing the shared interests of the organisations who are its members. These organisations, large and small, bring a range of youth work approaches arising from various traditions and a focus on particular youth needs. The diversity of organisations provides choice and opportunity for young people to pursue their own interests.
This diversity presents a challenge too, in identifying and agreeing their shared interests on which NYCI can represent, advocate and influence. This calls for a president who will listen support, facilitate. It calls for an NYCI which is effective, well governed and compliant with all relevant governance and financial, management requirements.
I believe I have the necessary skills for this role from my role in Foróige and my previous experience on the board of NYCI, including a term as its vice president. I am aware of the need to represent negotiate, assert firmly but respectfully, to act together in seeking to influence government departments and politicians. I understand the need for a strong working relationship between president and CEO.