Community Development Advisory Group South Dublin Community Platform Member’s experience

Community work definition “ A developmental activity comprised of both a task and a process. The task is social change to achieve equality, social justice and human rights, and the process is the application of principles of participation, empowerment and collective decision making in a structured and co-ordinated way” All Ireland standards for community work

Background South Dublin Community Platform is a long standing member of the Community Development Advisory Group. The two organisations have a history of working closely together in developing initiatives and responses to issues of poverty in the county.

What does becoming a member mean to your organisation? Discuss issues of poverty, social exclusion and social justice that are effecting communities in the county. Inform ourselves of the core issues and engage at a county level. Access to the Community Work staff, who have excellent community work experience. Learn of projects, initiatives and work that the Community Work Team in the Partnership are involved within communities.

What does becoming a member mean to your organisation? Share realities experienced by communities that we work in. Seek support across the county for initiatives and projects that challenge inequality. 8 Community Directors nominated onto the Board of the Partnership from the C.D.A.G. Community Directors make up half of the Board.

What does becoming a member mean to your organisation? Ensuring social inclusion continues to be central to the Partnership’s work. Important that this space is held, with the current changes in the sector. Network and develop strategic alliances in the county. Collaborate on joint projects and initiatives that support the alleviation of poverty in the county.

Level of commitment As with joining any group, there is a level of commitment required. Attend maximum of 8 meetings per year, read documents prior to meetings, support other organisations and the staff in work. After one year, members can be nominated onto the Board of the Partnership.

Moving forward The C.D.A.G. has changed considerably over the years and it is space that can influence and make a difference in the lives of those most marginalised in the county.