OPINION:The economic downturn has resulted in an extraordinary rise in the number of volunteers, writes MARY DAVIS
WHILE WE gained much in the boom times, there is a perception that we also lost something of ourselves; that we built an economy not a society. Certainly, for many people in Ireland, modern pressures like long commutes and big mortgages have left little spare time to engage in anything other than the business of making a living and snatching some quality time with the family.
However, community spirit never died in this country. And, while the economic downturn has brought new challenges, it has also delivered opportunities for civic engagement. People are regrouping and re-evaluating the sort of society they want for themselves and their children.
To a large extent in this country, the community and voluntary sectors are partners with the State in the delivery of public services. While cutbacks are affecting these services, the recession has resulted in an extraordinary increase in the number of volunteers. Volunteering Ireland reports a 100 per cent increase in inquiries to some of its centres by prospective volunteers in January this year compared to the same time last year.
The first report of the Office of Active Citizenship, to be presented to the Dáil next week, will confirm that many people are making the time to connect with others for the wellbeing of their communities. And it will detail real progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship, which reported to the Government two years ago.
The taskforce set out a number of worthwhile but realistic recommendations which we felt could facilitate, encourage and support greater participation by citizens. Many of the public policy recommendations were based on what people told us of their experiences and, more importantly, the changes they considered would encourage more people to participate in issues that affect their daily lives. Of course, the taskforce also stressed that greater participation and active citizenship is not only for government – it is for everyone to play their part.
Therefore, in our progress report we not only outline some public policy measures that are being taken, but also some inspiring initiatives under way in universities, volunteer organisations and businesses. These are encouraging stories.
As recommended by the taskforce, an office has been established under the Department of the Taoiseach and special responsibility for Active Citizenship has been assigned to Chief Whip, Pat Carey TD. I have been asked by the Taoiseach to continue the work begun as chairwoman of the taskforce by chairing the steering group which will oversee the implementation process. Our role is to work with the relevant stakeholders – Government, business, community and voluntary interests – to encourage volunteering and to make it easier for people to participate in the democratic process.
The Government is already implementing a number of our recommendations. For instance, work has begun on the feasibility of establishing an independent electoral commission whose aim would be to encourage greater voter participation. To this end, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has engaged consultants to assess options based on international models.
In line with the taskforce’s recommendations for fostering citizenship among school students, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is developing a syllabus for a new Leaving Certificate subject, Politics and Society.
An audit of community, sports and arts facilities in every county has been completed by local authorities. The audit focused on identifying gaps in availability as well as opportunities for sharing existing facilities. The Department of Education and Science has encouraged schools to make premises available for community use outside school hours.
The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has initiated a new Training Grants Scheme, in which training is provided to help community groups comply with legal and accountancy rules. Since the taskforce reported, the department also has extended the number of volunteer centres around the country.
In The Irish Timeson St Patrick's Day, columnist Elaine Byrne wondered whether any of the recommendations of the taskforce had been implemented. I'm happy to have reported here that many are under way. Others are taking a bit more time. In the same article and even before the glorious Grand Slam lifted Ireland into collective orbit, Elaine called for State recognition of the achievements of people like rugby hero Ronan O'Gara. I, too, look forward to seeing a State awards scheme for outstanding contributions by Irish men and women, within their communities and for their country, as recommended by the taskforce.
In the meantime, the Office of Active Citizenship assisted by government and civil society will work to encourage and facilitate Irish people of all ages to get involved in the democratic life of this country. There is a collective spirit here and there are more people than ever willing to put their energies and skills into making things better for others, and for Ireland as a whole. Take business and media guru Aileen O’Toole’s Ideas Campaign, which has resulted in thousands of proposals for rebuilding the economy. This is a grassroots, independent initiative for citizens, by citizens. Together We’re Better is the concept upon which the Taskforce for Active Citizenship was founded. It has never been more true.
Mary Davis is chairwoman of the Steering Group on Active Citizenship and managing director of Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia. She is also a governor of The Irish Times Trust