New Local National Board Member For Youth Work

By Jack Treacy

Joseph Burke, Youth Advocate

Joseph Burke has been involved with Youth Work Ireland (YWI) for many years, being active  in many different groups. Joseph has been involved in[projects such as the Get Lippy group, Comharla na nÓg and has made the step up through studying social care and undergoing student placement culminating with his recent election to the European Councils with the National Youth Work Ireland Board of Management. (NYWBM)
 
“The role of members of the Board of Directors is to ensure that Youth Work Ireland adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance. I look forward to my role of the Board and supporting the younger generation at a local, regional, and national level” states Joe.
 
Starting, Joseph found out about YWI many years ago in a time he felt very isolated and struggling to get out of the house. He was referred by his team to check out his local services and instantly became hooked partaking in many different groups.
 
Joseph stated: “I'm now on the highest board of management but I'll be looking through all the policies and making the big decisions nationally and YWI is a federation  so it has about 21 members of Youth Services throughout the county. So I'll be one of the group that is responsible for governing all of them.”

Members of Next Steps 6th Class Programme

There is a lot that Joseph can bring to the table in terms of his input for the NYWBM. He is urging to get back and support those who have struggled as a result of the multiple national lockdowns. A lot of work in the last 18 months has been online and virtual work but now Joseph is pushing for outdoor activities and meetings to aid those who feel isolated.
 
YWI Ballinasloe hope to follow these movements in increasing outdoor activity and hope to push for indoor meetings and securing funding for all the projects they have applied for.
  
An autumn programme will be released on their online on their Facebook page. August will allow for a well-deserved break but going into September kickstarts a new season. Re-branding to East Galway Youth Project (EGYP) the team will hold popular classes, lessons and activities including the popular Junior ‘FunAtics’ group aimed at pre-teens, The ‘Get Lippy’ committee targeted for those in their teens looking to push into leadership, and return of workshops including CV Building, Bike repair and maintenance and much more.
 
Volunteers do a lot of work for the organisation with a lot of one-on-one work being done, leadership training, counselling services and a whole variety of other services.
 
“My journey has been amazing and I have achieved so much and it hasn't even been 10 years since I started out. I have done everything with your local, your regional, and national youth groups even going on a European level as well but throughout this adventure, I would like to thank all the volunteers, family and anyone who has supported me throughout this journey. I think there is a lot more to come as I transform from a participant into a professional. Thank you everyone for all you've helped me with. My passion for youth work is what will drive me to do my best to develop the organisation I love so well, ” states Joe.
 
To find out what is on offer in your locality contact their Facebook Page below or email them at eastgalway@youthworkgalway.ie or phone at: 087 7707775.

Members of Get Lippy Youth Council