‘Youth Rising’ in print

Youth Rising

Spunout.ie has published 20,000 copies of a new youth magazine called ‘Youth Rising’ and if your local youth group wants copies, they’re available for free.

 
The magazine has already gone out to schools, colleges, youth centres, cinemas, cafes and other youth settings throughout the country.

 
‘Youth Rising’ features the voices of young people covering topics such as unemployment, sexual health, emigration, protest, politics, music and humour.

 
It features a full directory of youth organisations and help services throughout the island of Ireland.

 

To request bulk copies email: info@spunout.ie

It’s time to measure the value of volunteering

Conor Hogan

-       EU Year of the Volunteer report

BY CONOR HOGAN

It has been said that for every euro spent towards volunteering, the yield is between €5 and €8. Such arithmetic is crude, however, for in reality they are priceless for those who need their help. 

Perhaps then there is some karma in the fact that altruism is good for you, as a US report published in 2007 found that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease.

As well as its health benefits, volunteering is also a definite way to express a person’s active citizenship. “With our sovereignty in this country currently compromised, volunteering is a way of making yourself involved in the decision making process,” Dr Yvonne McKenna of Volunteer Ireland told us.

Despite all these positives, only about a quarter of the European population gives of their free time to help others. It is thought that the Irish participation rate is below the European average, although no national volunteering records are kept.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE: Mary Lee Geary

Mary Lee Geary

As chairperson of the Community Development Association in Broadford in 2005, Mary Lee Geary turned activist and led the community in opposition to a proposed mobile phone mast in the village. 

It would have overlooked the site where the community had just secured planning permission for a crèche, social housing and after-school facilities.

The community marched and campaigned to oppose the mast for health reasons and because it would take away from the area’s scenic value. 

Mary is currently chairperson of West Limerick Radio among other voluntary positions.

What are you reading at the moment? A biography of Liam Cosgrave.

What’s the last film you saw? ‘The Guard’ starring Brendan Gleeson.

Person you most admire? Enda Kenny - because of his ability to bring people together.

How long are you volunteering in your local community? Since the early ‘90s.

VOLUNTEERS RESTART 'FAIR DAYS' - for (very) small businesses

HELENA DEANE, business consultant and volunteer, explains the resurrection of the 1990s concept of Open Fair Days and gives some valuable information on how to set one up:

 

The Open Fairs idea from 20 years ago is being revitalised and broadened as a counterbalance to the current recession. This year, fairs were held in Clare and Mayo. Further Fairs are planned for 2012 in counties Roscommon, Kerry, Kilkenny, Dublin and Donegal.

 

‘Open’ is shorthand for One Person Enterprise and the aim is for the fairs to evolve into a national movement of free, community-based talent exchanges, organised by volunteers.
  

Haggling in 2011 at an Open Fair Day. The concept is spreading.