With over 700 voluntary and community groups we in County Louth, though small in size, punch well above our weight when it comes to community spirit.

Louth Volunteer Centre is calling on members of our community to step up and make a difference by joining local voluntary boards or committees. If you’re passionate about giving back and want to use your skills and experience for the good of your local area, this is an opportunity to create lasting change.

Being a board member of a charity, community or voluntary organisation can be a wonderful opportunity to share skills, experience and perspective for the good of our community. It can be hugely rewarding and offers opportunities for personal and professional development.  Voluntary board members play a vital role in the Not for Profit sector, responsible for public benefit; governance; oversight and strategic direction.  

However, 4 in 10 Irish charities find attracting new board or committee members to be one of their greatest challenges. A major study published in 2023 found 40 % of people who considered stepping up, didn’t follow through due to simply not being aware of what’s involved or knowing how to go about it. As many of these voluntary groups are essential to Louth, addressing this gap is more important than ever. 

To help meet this challenge, Louth Volunteer Centre is once again offering the “Empowering You, Empowering Our Community” programme. Now in its fourth year, this initiative is designed to equip individuals with little or no experience on a board or committee with the knowledge and confidence needed to step into these roles. 

Past participants have praised the programme for its comprehensive and practical approach. Here is some of their feedback, “The programme shows how to create a board that remains fresh and innovative and continues to carry out its mission even when founders are no longer directly involved.” Others shared “What I found most useful about this programme was the relatability of the information shared.” and “I liked the format and the delivery of the course.” Many participants have since taken on enjoyable and satisfying leadership roles within community and voluntary organisations both in Louth and beyond. 

Given the high demand for the programme, which was oversubscribed last time, Louth Volunteer Centre is encouraging those interested to register as soon as possible. Spaces are currently available, and the programme is seeking new applicants from the local community who are eager to make a difference. 

The programme begins on September 25th and will be delivered via Zoom in six bite-sized evening sessions, making it accessible for those with busy schedules.

To express your interest, please email Kayleigh@volunteerlouth.ie or click here 

Programme Overview:

• Wed 25th September 6:00-8:30 PM
  Our Community: An exploration of Louth’s community landscape and the role of Community & Voluntary organisations.
• Wed 2nd October 6:00-8:30 PM
  Leading Communities: Understanding governance, the role of a trustee, and legal duties in these organisations.
• Wed 9th October 6:00-8:30 PM
• Effective Management: A dive into the Charities Governance Code and its six principles.

• Wed 16th October 6:00-8:30 PM
  Effective Planning & Communications: Strategic planning and decision-making in voluntary organisations.
• Wed 23rd October 6:00-8:30 PM
  Leading People: Involving volunteers and promoting diversity & inclusion in volunteer programmes.
• Wed 30th October 6:00-8:30 PM
  Your Community: Finding the right fit as a trustee on a non-profit board in your community.

Contact

• Website: https://www.volunteerlouth.ie/
• Drogheda: Bolton Street, Drogheda A92DKR0 (Mon – Fri 9.30am - 5pm) 041 980 9008
• Dundalk: County Hall, Alphonsus Rd, Dundalk - by appointment (Mon, Wed & Thurs 9.30am - 5pm) 042 939 2934 / 086 043 1379
• Ardee: Ardee Library, Market Street, Ardee - by appointment (Thurs 10am - 2pm) 086 022 6577.