Young people in Longford-Westmeath urged by Youth Council of Ireland to apply for Local Champions programme

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is calling on young people aged between 18 and 29 in Longford-Westmeath to apply to be Local Champions, as part of programme that supports young people to speak up for youth work and make a difference in their communities.

Now in its third year, the programme supported by Community Foundation Ireland, has helped young people across Ireland develop advocacy skills, share their experiences, and influence decision-makers.

As they expand the programme in 2025, NYCI wants to make sure that young people from Longford-Westmeath have the chance to take part, learn new skills, and highlight the importance of youth work in their local area.

READ NEXT: Deputy Micheál Carrigy calls for electricity credits for Longford residents hit by severe Storm Éowyn damage

Why get involved?

The NYCI said as a local champion people will gain hands-on experience of how politics works, learn how to speak up for issues that matter to them, and build confidence in public speaking and advocacy.

They said it also offers the chance to show the impact of youth work in the community and connect with other young people who are passionate about making a difference, explained Grace McManus, Policy and Campaigns Manager at NYCI.

Ms McManus, encouraged young people in Longford-Westmeath to apply. “Local Champions from all over Ireland have already met with politicians, shared their experiences, and helped push for better support for youth work.

READ NEXT: Roads tragedy: Gardaí launch investigation after man (50's) dies in Midlands crash

"We want to make sure that local youth voices from Longford-Westmeath are heard. With Minister Peter Burke recently appointed as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, now is the time to get involved and make sure youth work in this area gets the recognition it deserves.”

Franek, a Local Champion from Carlow-Kilkenny, shared his positive experience: "The Local Champions program has allowed me to develop skills that no other youth program or group has over many years.

"It's unique workshops and training days allowed me to become more confident in my lobbying skills and being able to consult TD's about issues that matter the most to me and the youth of Ireland.

"For anyone interested in learning new skills and expanding your network whilst working for an increase of funding for youth work in Ireland, I couldn't recommend the LC more," he added.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, added:

“The Local Champions network is giving young people a platform to share their voices and show how youth work changes lives. We hope to see young people from Longford-Westmeath getting involved in 2025.

"These empowered young voices are essential for Community Foundation Ireland is to achieve its mission of Equality For All in Thriving Communities.

"On behalf of all our partners, including our philanthropists and supporters, I want to wish every success to all future Local Champions," he added.

Apply now

Applications are now open and will close on 14 February 2025.

For more details and to apply, visit: https://www.youth.ie/articles/applications-now-open-become-a-local-champion/