GAA SOCIAL INITIATIVE

Transcription

1 GAA SOCIAL INITIATIVE Initiative Logo The symbol visually associates the influence of the GAA with the dropping of a stone in water. The concentric circles spread outwards beyond the initial point of contact. As with the stone, the GAA connects with and influences an increasing circle of people. Seán Kilbride

2 Background 1. Started by President M. McAleese, who noticed a lack of men attending her official events; 2. A Forum was established in 2007 to explore problems and solutions; 3. A Steering Group was then established: it proposed that the GAA be invited to implement a social project for men; 4. This led to the development of the GAA Social Initiative ; 5. County-level Pilot Project in Counties; 6. Review Interim Report.

3 New Concept: Key Elements A Separate Organisation (Charitable Trust) established; Chaired by Uachtarán CLG; Advisory Board/Directors appointed; Project Manager employed; Administrative Support by Croke Park. Club Structure to be used rather than county; Visible association with and support by GAA (Office/HQ staff); External Funding.

4 Mission The mission of the GAA Social Initiative is to develop a social project for those men who may need encouragement to engage fully in their communities. (Eventually, this concept should become part of all our clubs basic philosophy and form an integral part of annual programmes of activity for all ages and genders)

5 3 -Year Plan Year 1: Island-wide Pilot Project based on Club Structure (93 clubs); Year 2: Project to be expanded to150 clubs and Review undertaken; Year 3: Depends on outcome of Yr 2 Review. Assuming the Initiative is continued, all clubs will eventually be invited to participate.

6 Pilot Project (Cont.) Timing: October 2010 to September 2011; Concept: Clubs to identify participants and organise suitable social activities and events;

7 Types of Activities Envisaged Simple social gathering; Honouring past service; Outings Local/Provincial/Capital (i.e., Croke Park); Attending games club/county; Team Re-unions (not limited to winning teams); Exchange visits;

8 Types of Activities Envisaged Physical Exercise (e.g.,club walkways/hf walks/trails/ tone zones ); Themed events e.g., Q&A sessions with famous players; Talks from HSE & Garda/PSNI reps; Capacity-building activities; Music sessions/talent competitions; Local/Club history projects (possibly in conjunction with Secondary Schools); Community projects.

9 Walkways

10 Issues & Challenges Volunteers/Convincing participants; Funding; Transport; Linkage to State and semi-state institutions essential; Good relations with other cultural and sporting organisations;

11 Issues & Challenges Organisational Structure is necessary. E.g., Provincial Representatives - particularly important in Ulster. Effective communications vital within the project (e.g., website/ newsletters/match programmes/briefings/media/etc). Co-operation with age-related organisations has great potential;

12 Partners Govt Bodies Garda Síochana/PSNI; Dept of Health and Dept of Community/ HSE; Local Government Bodies; N.I. Departments and Bodies.

13 IFA; GAA Social Initiative Partners: Non-Government Organisations Age Organisations; Irish Heart Foundation; Pobal (Rural Transport/Leader); HSE; Community/Mens Groups; Sports Council.

14 Identifying & Approaching Participants Identifying. Use all agencies and individuals in your area such as: GPs; Health Nurses; Postmen; local Priest, Mens Groups, etc. Approaching. All approaches should be carefully considered beforehand and the most appropriate person and method selected.

15 Conclusion It was a great honour for the GAA to be approached by President and Dr Martin McAleese to lead this initiative; We are determined to meet the challenge; It fits in with our objectives and ethos; We need partners to exploit its full potential; Active Retirement is a most appropriate partner and we welcome the relationship that is being developed between the two organisations.

16 Questions?