A dozen useful websites - find out more about Community Development in Ireland

There are a number of useful websites worth recommending to anyone interested in the Community and Voluntary Sector in Ireland and in Community Development.

1. http://www.activelink.ie

If you haven’t already signed up for Activelink’s weekly e-bulletins, do! They cover events, courses, jobs, volunteer-positions, charity announcements, appeals for help and offers of assistance. Pay to advertise.

2. http://www.changingireland.ie

Find out about the work of the Local and Community Development Programme and access 11 years of archived magazines about community development in Ireland. An online map links to every Local Development Company and there are links to the ‘Changing Ireland’ news blog and social media outlets.

3. http://www.wheel.ie

A well-established national network of NGO and charity organisations. The Wheel produces a print magazine called ‘Le Cheile’ thrice annually which is also downloadable from the website. The site offers visitors a choice of resources that would interest anyone working in communities be it as a worker or volunteer. Courses regularly advertised.

4. http://www.cwc.ie 

The Community Workers Co-op provides political, academic and community insight into what’s happening in particular to State-funded community development in the Republic. Informed commentary and analysis. The CWC produces a regular e-bulletin. Member-driven.

5. http://www.spunout.ie

A lively, interactive site with tonnes of content. For and by young people. Current homepage topics cover everything from “My Volunteer Experience” to “Foreskin and Circumcision”.

6. http://www.ildn.ie

This is the network for the Local Development Companies whose work CHANGING IRELAND is funded to promote. The rural LDCs are also tasked with dispensing funded from the EU’s Rural Development Programme (aka LEADER). Note that the website is still in development.

7. http://www.craol.ie

CRAOL is the official network for the ever-expanding network of community radio stations in the Republic. Links to every station and much more.

8. http://www.volunteer.ie/

Does what it says on the tin - learn more about how you can get involved as a volunteer anywhere in the country. Tips for volunteers and links to volunteer centres around Ireland.

9. http://www.tascnet.ie/

A thinktank and policy-driver that seeks to identify and confront national elites. Has made an impact nationally. According to columnist and almost-ran politician Fintan O’Toole, "TASC challenges the existing consensus and offers new thinking and fresh ideas."

10. http://effectiveservices.org/

The Centre for Effective Services website looks at best practice in the implementation of national programmes designed to support children, families and communities.

11. http://www.nicva.org/

Forget the ROI! Find out what’s happening in Northern Ireland’s community and voluntary sector NICVA is the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action.

12. http://europa.eu/ey2012/

Finally, European-wide and with the year that’s in it, you should check out the official website of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. Lists events across the continent.

It might also help to scan through the organisations ‘Changing Ireland’ has “liked” through our Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/L7rCON

Also, check out the websites of Government Departments that play a major role in social inclusion.

And finally, do let us know what we’ve left out!

- Compilation by A Meagher