Sue Redmond, Foróige Best Practice Unit ManagerColin Regan, GAA Community & Health Promotion Manager

Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative

Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative

• Partnership between NUI Galway, Foróige, Alan Kerins Projects, and Gaelic Athletic Association

• Dedicated to the memory of Dermot Earley, one of Ireland’s most inspirational leaders

• Programme developed from Foróige's leadership programme, tailored specifically for the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative

Foróige

To enable young people to involve themselves actively and consciously in their own

development and the development of society. • Established in 1952 as Macra na Tuaithe• Youth leadership a core programme since

1969. • 64,000 young people nationally, involved in

613 volunteer led youth clubs, and 150 staff led youth development projects

Youth Leadership

• Programme developed in 2009• Programme aims:– To enable young people to develop the skills,

inspiration, vision, confidence and action plans to be effective leaders

– To empower young people to make a positive difference to their society through the practice of effective leadership

NUI Galway

• Promotes civic engagement and leadership in children and youth

• Leadership programme was developed in association with UNESCO Chair in Children, Youth and Civic Engagement Prof. Pat Dolan

The GAA

• The GAA is a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture and lifelong participation

• The Association promotes individual development and wellbeing and strives to enable all members to achieve their full potential in their chosen roles

• GAA Strategic Vision & Action Plan, 2009-2015

• Young people can benefit from developing their leadership skills both on and off the pitch

GAA Values

• Community Identity – Community is at the heart of our Association. Everything

we do helps to enrich the communities we serve.– We foster a clear sense of identity and place.

• Respect – We respect each other on and off the playing fields.

• Teamwork– Effective teamwork on and off the field is the cornerstone

of our Association.• GAA Strategic Vision & Action Plan, 2009-2015

Programme Delivery

• 2 trained facilitators / 15 young people aged 15-18

• Module 1– 15 one hour workshops– 15 hours reflection / self directed learning

• Module 2– 15 one hour workshops– 15 hours reflection / self directed learning

• Module 3– 20 hours community action project– 10 hours group & individual reflection

Programme Content

Module1

• Understanding leadership; Team building and critical thinking; Communication skills; Self awareness and values; Global and community needs; Personal vision and goal setting; Planning; Presentations.

•Module 1 also involves setting personal and leadership goals

Module2

•Research skills, Leadership styles; Planning using the logic model; Self awareness and values; Communication skills; Debating; Critical thinking; Team research project; Presentations.

•Module 2 also involves a small group research project completed outside of group time.

Module3

•Module 3 is a self-directed Community Action Project, plus a reflective journal and portfolio.

Programme Structure

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Foundation Certificate in Youth

Leadership and Community Action

(NUI Galway)

Examples of Community Action Projects

• Volunteering in local nursing home• Organising grocery deliveries for elderly community

members• Organising charity fun run• Running anti-bullying programme in school• Coaching younger sports teams• Fundraising and travelling to Zambia with Alan Kerins

Projects• Community clear ups

Facilitators

• Training open to:– Foróige staff & volunteers– GAA staff & volunteers• Youth committee members/reps• County Development Officers/coaching officers• Club coaching officers / development squad officers /

other volunteers

• Must have interest in youth leadership development

Facilitator Requirements

• Garda vetted (can be completed during training or held with the GAA)

• Able to attend training in NUI Galway• Commit to completing Foundation Diploma in

Training and Education• Commit to running programme with young

people from September– June

Pilot timeline• June – August– Recruitment of young people by facilitators

• September– Youth leadership programme begins

• October– Facilitators graduate from NUI Galway

• June 2014– Completion of work by young people

• October 2014– Young people graduate from NUI Galway