SpunOut.ie's 2nd Academy of Activism Set to Cultivate New Generation of Change Makers

national | miscellaneous | press release Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:41 by Volunteer - SpunOut.ie

Academy of Activism’ summer school

This June, SpunOut.ie, Ireland’s leading online youth organisation is once again hosting its hugely popular 'Academy of Activism’ summer school. This year’s Academy will take place in Dublin between June 17th and 19th and is completely free of charge for 15 selected applicants. The weekend is aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 25 who have a passion for social justice. It will once more, feature a jam- packed and innovative programme.

Over the intensive weekend these young activists will be given the opportunity to question and learn from a panel of guest-speakers in a series of informal workshops and discussion sessions. The panel includes people with first-hand experience in leading media, campaigning and social change organisations such as RTE, The Irish Times, Hot Press and Amnesty International. The weekend will also feature a session during which participants get to engage directly with politicians and decision makers from across the political spectrum.

The whole course will be engaging, practical, and tailor made to equip participants with the skills and confidence to set about working for positive social change in their communities. Speaking on the motivation behind this initiative SpunOut.ie's Founder, Ruairí Mc Kiernan, pointed out:

“It's time for a revolution in how young people are involved in changing Ireland. We know from countries like the U.S, Egypt and Tunisia that young people can play a leading role in transforming social, environmental and political issues. Ireland can’t afford to rely on the same old ideas and systems for solutions. Our huge youth population, who are struggling with unemployment and emigration, represent one of our greatest and most overlooked assets. Our Academy of Activism is designed in partnership with young people and campaign experts in Ireland and internationally. It provides much needed support to a new generation of change makers to become informed, inspired and active on the social justice on the issues that they are passionate about.”

The weekend's seminars and workshops will cover topics including media, social networking, campaigns planning, lobbying and motivation. It will be facilitated by Michael McCaughan and Sarah Clancy, who both bring with them years of experience in media, community and campaign development work. Sarah, who currently organises SpunOut.ie’s civic engagement programme, is an experienced campaigner and workshop facilitator who holds an MA in Activism. She has worked and volunteered with leading social change organisations both in Ireland and abroad. Michael is author of 3 books on issues of social justice and is a freelance journalist; he worked for many years as Latin America correspondent for the Irish Times and Guardian Newspapers.

Applications are now open and can be completed online at the link below:

http://www.spunout.ie/about/Blog/SpunOut.ie%2527s-Acade...-2011

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday May 30th 2011.

SpunOut.ie is a registered charity and is part funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies - www.atlanticphilanthropies.org

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About SpunOut.ie >>>>

SpunOut.ie is an independent youth powered national non-profit working to help young people create personal and social change.
SpunOut.ie combines an interactive online community providing health and lifestyle information, signposting to help services, an alternative youth media space, dynamic discussion forums, and a platform for youth participation, campaigns and advocacy. SpunOut.ie reaches over 500,000 users online each year, millions more through the media and has won numerous awards including a Golden Spider Award and a Net Visionary Award. SpunOut.ie also runs the Academy of Activism, which provides free practical 'tools for change' training, a 'SpunOut Super Heroes' mini grants scheme, and a 'SpunOut Youth Summit' gatherings for young people to come together, get informed, inspired and organised. We are partially funded by a mix of philanthropic, foundation, state and community funding and rely on the support and involvement of people from across Ireland to make what we do possible. More info:

http://www.SpunOut.ie

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