Foróige’s Communications Department is continually curating Foróige stories to be shared online and in the media. Here is a short guide to creating content which Foróige can share on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube on our website and more. Frances Macken is Foróige's Online Communications Officer (email [email protected]) and Cathy Gray is Foróige's Media & Marketing Officer (email [email protected]). We are continually seeking good Foróige stories. Why? Because they depict the transformative nature of Foróige. The spirit of volunteering. The confidence and belief provided to young people. Communities brought together and strengthened.
In February 2014 we conducted our first major volunteer survey for many years. It was designed to give a voice to volunteers across the organisation, from Foróige Clubs to Big Brother Big Sister to Project Volunteers and 7 other roles. Some 1,042 people completed this historic survey. This was the biggest single action ever by Foróige volunteers. In it we heard from leaders we don’t usually hear from – as about 50% of those who answered it are with us for less than 2 years.
The results of the survey will enable the organisation to best respond to volunteer needs in their role with Foróige. A big thank you to all those who filled it in and those who encouraged others to do so. The analysis will take some time, but here are some of the early findings.
We are asking our volunteers to participate in an anonymous survey of Foróige volunteers. We’d like to get your views on your involvement in Foróige. This major initiative is designed to enable us to better support you in your role. You are part of a huge team of c. 5,000 volunteers nationwide in Foróige Clubs, Big Brother Big Sister mentoring, Foróige Juniors Clubs, Youth Projects, as Friends of Foróige and volunteer coordinators...the list goes on!
Killian O’Kelly, a Foróige volunteer in Bundoran, Co. Donegal has won an award in the category Youth & Children at the Volunteer Ireland Awards. Killian donated his own business space to the Foróige Bundoran Neighbourhood Youth Project when there was no room for the project to operate due to budget cuts. He has also offered surfing lessons to over 30 young people every summer over the last 5 years.
Foróige’s Christmas single was recorded on Sunday 10th November at Finnstown House in Lucan. Volunteers, staff and young people arrived in their droves to participate. The song is entitled “Calling you Home for Christmas” and has an emigration theme. The song will be in aid of Foróige youth services in Tallaght and Blanchardstown. It was composed by Gavin Byrne who is a Youth Worker at Foróige’s Computer Clubhouse in Blanchardstown. The cover art was created by Richard O’Connor who is a former member of the clubhouse.
Daniel Cronin, Foróige volunteer is one of 6 finalists in the hotly contested Calor Community Champion competition. He has received thousands and thousands of votes to get him to this phase of the competition. In 2011, Daniel set up the Ballineen Foróige Club in Co. Cork and also acts as Public Relations Officer for the West Cork Foróige District. We caught up with Daniel to find out more about his volunteering experience with Foróige.
