Comhairle na nÓg Induction Training

Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg (RCNN) began 2022 with virtual Comhairle na nÓg Induction Training. The training content included members’ hopes & fears, the role of a Comhairle member, leadership skills, listening skills, teamwork, programme planning, committee skills and Gaisce introduction.

Consultations and Collaborations

RCNN members took part in the following consultations, youth advisory panels and events:

  • GRETB Creative Youth Consultation regarding creative service development for children and young people in Galway & Roscommon.
  • DCEDIY Children and Young People’s Public Consultation Submission
  • Youth Advisory Group for the ‘Involving Student Voice in Anti-Bullying Policy Consultation’ First meeting: Workshop Methodology Consultation and reviewing of anti-bullying action plan, Consultation Preparation. Second meeting: Consultation and reviewing of anti-bullying action plan at DCEDIY, Miesian Plaza, Baggot St, Dublin
  • Involving Student Voice in Anti-bullying Policy Consultation
  • Participated in a ballot to determine if CNN would endorse the Irish Heart Foundation’s ‘Tobacco 21’ campaign.
  • Ulster / Connaught Comhairle na nÓg Members Regional Networking Event working on the topic of creativity.
  • Presentation to Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Committee
  • Youth advisory group for Night-time Economy Consultation.
  • Good Morning Roscommon Show interviews on RosFM.
  • Drug Use Consultation, DCEDIY – A paper was produced from this consultation and submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach for consideration as part of the discussions of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use.
  • Roscommon Longford Garda Youth Awards – won an award for 2021’s community work.

Mental Health Topic

In 2022 RCNN worked to implement their vision of supporting young people, schools and communities for a better future through the introduction of a non-clinical listening service, in every school in County Roscommon, with at least one appointment scheduled for every student during the school year, to provide support and early intervention for young people’s mental health. The youth committee developed a recommendation presentation for decision makers demonstrating the process of how the Comhairle came to be working on Mental Health, how the topic developed and their research to support the recommendation. This involved researching local and international mental health initiatives. Working with Jigsaw for guidance on local mental health services. Researching local and international listening services for young people. Developed infographics individually for each post-primary school and the whole county displaying a precise breakdown of funding required to introducing a listening service.

Seanad na nÓg

RCNN took part in Seanad na nÓg, the Youth Advisory that planned Seanad 100. In 2022 Seanad Éireann celebrated Seanad 100, the centenary year of Seanad Éireann. Seanad 100 brought about a celebration of senators over the past 100 years who have taken a stand, and championed issues and causes which would have been outside of the mainstream social, political, or economic thought. This celebration has been given the name Minority Voices, Major Changes.

Oireachtas Environment and Climate Action Committee

One member of RCNN directly engaged the Oireachtas Environment and Climate Action Committee on the issues of climate action and the environment. Seanad Chamber, Leinster House, Dublin. Roscommon’s representative gave an address on the topic of Energy Consumption.

Annual Youth Conference 2022

89 young people representing all 9 post-primary schools in County Roscommon attended this year’s Youth Conference in Castlerea Enterprise Hub. RCNN member’s planned, coordinated, scripted, and executed the entire event including transport, refreshments, registration, emceeing, presentation of past work, raffle, topic voting, event evaluation and facilitating discussions while recording young peoples’ views during the ‘World Café’. CNN members also liaised with school staff to coordinate and promote the Youth Conference and organise delegates from their schools.

Dáil na nÓg

Five young people represented Roscommon at Dáil na nÓg 2022 in the Convention Centre, Dublin. Delegates of Dáil na nÓg 2022 participated in workshops on the topic of Equality and voted car emissions to be the main issue arising from Equality affecting young people nationally which will be the work topic for the incoming National Executive 2020-21

Comhairle na nÓg Regional Networking Event

Five members attended this event to network with other Comhairlí in an informal and fun way. It also allows for a sharing of information on their topics.

Committees

RCNN members sat on the following youth-led and adult committees working on issues affecting young people:

  • Comhairle na nÓg National Executive working on the national topic of Relationships and Sexual Education in Schools
  • Youth Work Ireland Midlands Youth Forum.
  • Roscommon County Council Joint Policing Committee
  • Galway Roscommon Education Training Board Youth & Arts Committee
  • Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg Steering Committee.
  • Registered member of Roscommon County Council’s Public Participation Network