What is the Conference?
The Foróige Leadership for Life Conference is an annual event which usually takes place at the end of July/early August each year. The conference is a 5 day residential that is held in Maynooth University. The conference gives young people, involved in all areas of Foróige, the opportunity to complete one module of Foróige's Leadership for Life Programme in a conference setting. The conference provides a unique, supportive and fun environment for over 300 young people to come together and learn valuable leadership skills. The conference also has an international element to it as each year we welcome groups of students from India, UK and the US. Last year we had 60 international delegates attend the conference.
What happens at the conference?
You will complete a module of the programme. This will be done in small groups of usually about 15-20 people. The groups will be facilitated by 2 Foróige staff or volunteers. The workshops will take place throughout the day. There will also be guest speakers who will inspire you with their own personal leadership stories.
It’s not all work though! In the evenings there will be lots of opportunities to have fun, meet other people and get involved in lots of activities. Activities include karaoke, team building, quiz night, novelty sports, gala dinner etc. You will have lots of time to mingle and get to know everyone.
Check out the highlights from last year!
Who can apply?
Anyone aged 15-18 that is involved in Foróige. This can be a club, project, youth service, Big Brother Big Sister etc. You need to be currently and actively involved in the organisation.
There are three levels of participation at the conference. Module 1, Module 2 and Advanced. You should only apply for the module you are eligible for.
How do I get a place?
You need to apply for a place on the conference, and registration is now open! The application process will ask you why you would like to apply for a place at the conference, what you would like to gain from being involved, what leadership skills you think you have etc. You also need to be nominated by a Foróige staff person or volunteer who knows you and is happy to put you forward for a place at the conference. Numbers are limited and each year more people apply than there are places.
The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight Monday 14th May 2018. Applications will be marked the next day, therefore late applications or nominations will not be accepted after the deadline.
Applications can be made online using the following links
All those applying for a place at the conference must be nominated by a Foróige staff person or volunteer that is happy to verify that the applicant fulfils the eligibility criteria. Nominations can be made using the Nomination form.
Information and links to the online application forms are sent to all Foróige staff and volunteers once they become available. Everything will also be available on the Foróige website and social media.
Do we stay on campus?
This is a full residential, so you will be staying on the campus for the 4 nights. Accommodation is provided in apartments. You will share an apartment with 5 others. Everyone has their own room and bathroom with shared living accommodation and kitchen.
Is there a cost involved?
The cost of attending the conference is €280. This covers all of your costs, including accommodation and all meals, transfers from Dublin city (if needed) programme resources & materials, Leadership t-shirt, all evening activities, Gala dinner and entertainment etc.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of attending the conference are huge. Not only do you get to complete a module of the leadership programme, you get to experience life living as a student, you get to meet loads of new people from within Foróige and overseas, you get to have so much fun and be inspired by others. Above all you will leave with so many happy memories.
