Volunteer FAQs

Thinking about volunteering with Foróige? Here are some common questions and answers to help you out:

How do I start volunteering with Foróige?

Reach out to us or fill out our volunteer enquiry form. Our Regional Youth Officers (RYOs) support Clubs and can guide you. You can also call our Head Office for assistance.

Volunteer enquiry form

What support will I receive as a volunteer?

Every volunteer gets induction training covering child protection, insurance, health and safety, and activity planning. We also offer optional leader training and additional workshops on topics like managing challenging behaviour. Your RYO or Project Worker will keep you informed about training opportunities in your area.

Is Foróige an Irish language organisation?

No. While “Foróige” comes from the Irish “forbairt na hóige” meaning “development of youth,” most of our Clubs and Projects operate in English. However, groups can choose to operate through Irish if they wish.

What’s the difference between Foróige Clubs and Foróige Projects?

Great question! Both aim to support young people, but:

Foróige Clubs: Run by volunteers and open to all young people for general activities, community involvement and fun.
Foróige Projects: Led by staff (with volunteer support) and often focus on providing extra assistance to young people who might need it to address specific challenges or goals.

What training will I receive?

All volunteers start with induction training, covering Foróige’s mission, child protection, and practical club management tips. Beyond that, we offer training and workshops on topics like games facilitation and handling challenging behaviour.

Do I need specific experience to volunteer?

Not at all! We provide all necessary training. If you have skills in areas like sports, arts, or music, that’s a bonus and can enrich the club experience, but it’s not a requirement.

There’s no Foróige Club near me. Can I start one?

Absolutely! We’ll assist you in setting up a club, including finding a venue, recruiting volunteers, and attracting members.

How is a Foróige Club different from other youth clubs?

Foróige Clubs are youth-led. Members elect their own committee to manage club affairs, promoting leadership and responsibility. This structure gives young people a real sense of ownership and belonging.