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Tar Éis Óir Contact Details
Tar Éis Óir -‐ Gaisce Alumni NetworkGaisce -‐ The President's Award, Ratra House, North Road,Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.tareisoir.ie (Coming Soon!)
TwiMer: @TarEisOir
Facebook : www.facebook.com/tareisoir
LinkedIn : Tar Éis Óir Gaisce Alumni
Previous ediUons of our NewsleMer: hMp://www.issuu.com/tareisoir
Winter 2012
CHAIRPERSON’S WELCOMEI am delighted to welcome you to the winter edition of our newsletter. I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas holidays and are geared up for an
exciting year with us in Tar Éis Óir. A
lot has happened since our last edition.
We had an AGM in December where I was elected Chairperson with an 18 strong committee! This gives us an
extraordinary opportunity to achieve a
huge amount this year with committee members from across Ireland having fantastic potential to contribute to a
growing alumni organisation.
This December we attended the Silver Award Ceremony in Trinity College Dublin where we supported Gaisce in
what was a great evening of celebration.
Well done to everyone! We also attended
the conclusion of President Michael D.
Higgin’s seminar series ‘Being Young and Irish’ in Áras an Uachtaráin. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to all
those Tar Éis Óir members who
volunteered for the seminar series across Ireland.
Lastly I would like to offer my greatest thanks and warm wishes to Christine Carty, our former chairperson, who has done such a fantastic job guiding this organisation over the past year. She is an
inspiration and did a fantastic job in
growing TÉÓ over the past 12 months. Christine will be travelling the world next year and I hope she will have time to
check in with us periodically!
Thank You to all those who made 2012
such a success and I really hope you will
join with us in the year ahead to make Tar Éis Óir, the Gaisce Alumni Association, an organisation which
continues to grow and develop for YOU!
Finally I want to wish you all a very
happy new year. I hope to see you soon!
Karen x
Inside this issueGold Award Ceremony 2012 Page 2 International News Page 8TÉÓ Merchandise Page 3 Leinster Silver Award Ceremony Page 9Chairperson’s Report 2012 Page 4 Upcoming Hike Page 10Committee 2013 Page 5 International Scout Moot Page 11Upcoming Events Page 6 Until Next Time Page 13Being Young & Irish Page 7
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Tar Éis ÓirThe Gaisce Alumni Association
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Gold Award Ceremony 2012, Dublin Castle
The Gold Award Ceremony for 2012 took place on Thursday 27th September in St. Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle. This was President Michael D Higgin’s first Gold award ceremony as Gaisce Patron. 70 Gold awards were presented to young people from all over the island for their endeavours in completing the hardest of all challenges set by the President to the young people of Ireland. Participant activities included volunteering in charity shops, hiking part of the Camino de Santiago, volunteering in a Belorussian orphanage, attending a Gaeltacht course, training with the Reserve Defence Forces and learning how to cook. Prior to the ceremony, entertainment was provided by the band of An Garda Síochána.
In his address, President Higgins said that “Today I am reminded of the great wealth of talent and creativity that our young citizens have to offer...You are proof that strength of character, commitment and the
determination to see a task through to the end still lives on."
Some participants were interviewed by national media with articles appearing in the Irish Independent, Irish Times and report featured on The Mooney Show on RTÉ Radio 1.
TÉÓ had a strong presence at this year’s ceremony with volunteers assisting with seating guests and escorting dignitaries to their seats. TÉO members were also on hand to answer questions regarding the alumni network and gold award recipients had the opportunity to sign up to our newsletter and our mailing list on the day.
The President met with all recipients and TÉO volunteers afterwards for a reception in Dublin Castle. TÉO also organised our own reception for gold award recipients later that evening in the Trinity Bar and Venue where a good night was had by all!
GOLD AWARD CEREMEMONY 2012
Don’t forget to use #tareisoir to keep up to date with events on Twitter
Report: Peadar Ó Lamhna
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Breaking News: London Fashion Week reveals must have accessory for 2013London Fashion Week revealed this
week that the latest must-have fashion accessory for 2013 is none other than our very own Tar Éis Óir hoodie! We're giving you all the opportunity to have a little piece of TÉÓ to wear in your day.. that is.. we have a limited number of TÉÓ Hoodies and T-shirts available for you all to purchase. If you would like to purchase a
TÉÓ Hoody and/or T-Shirt, email [email protected] with Hoodie in
the subject line and we will send you an order form. Hoodies cost €35 and t-shirts €20. If you would like us to post your items to you, please advise us via of
your postal address and include an additional 5 Euro towards
postage and packaging. Alternatively, collection may be arranged by contacting any committee member.
Tar Éis Óir Social Night
TÉÓ are organising their next social night on Saturday 26th
January in Solas, Wexford Street. We will be there from 9pm and we hope to see you
there!
Hurry!Limited Stock
available
HOODIES
Have you a picture of you wearing your TÉÓ hoodie or t-shirt in a far flung destination? If so, send it on to [email protected] and we will publish some of them in the next issue!
Are you following us on Twitter?
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In 2012, TÉÓ focused on creating a concrete base for development by introducing a central committee structure of core volunteers. The goal of our new central committee is to give a focal point of contact for all Gaisce and International Award stakeholders now and into the future. It is my intention that the Central Committee will also help develop a succession plan for award volunteers to “continue their journey” with both Tar Éis Óir and Gaisce.
We have had an extremely successful 2012, highlights of which include:-Representing and volunteering for, and on behalf of Gaisce at the “Being Young and Irish” Presidential Initiative at both a regional and national level
-Active rebranding of our association to Tar Éis Óir – Gaisce Alumni to allow for a more inclusive brand across all award levels and encourage buy-in from a wider range of Gaisce stakeholders.
-Providing more than 20 volunteers for the annual Gold Award ceremony to aid with the smooth running of Gaisce’s yearly flagship event.
-Creating a President Award Leader Coordinator position to provide assistance in processing the many committed long-term award
leaders to Independent PAL requests received by Gaisce.-Representation by our Chairperson as an NAA Youth Delegate at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum 2012 in Malta in conjunction with both the CEO of Gaisce (Barney Callaghan) and Chairman of gaisce Council (John Concannon).
-Running Royal Geographical Society accredited “Off Site Safety Management” Training and American Heart Foundation accredited “CPR Training” for our members
-Holding voluntary days at the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter in Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin
-Creating an active social media presence through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Issuu to both build our network and ensure a two-way communication process with all Gaisce stakeholders
As a voluntary group, TÉÓ is entirely self-funded and relies heavily on the efforts of members for funding. We do not charge for membership of our network. With this in mind, we set about formalising revenue streams through the sale ofTÉÓ branded hoodies and T-shirts, which are for general sale throughout the year. Part of
the cost of our merchandise is profit to allow for continued growth and activity of the network.
For our 2012 rebrand to Tar Éis Óir – Gaisce Alumni, we also enlisted the help of award-winning advertising team Rob Frewand David Higginbotham. With their help, we have now a full range of promotional literature at our disposal from business cards and flyers, to pop up stands, all of which allows us to more readily promote ourselves and market our brand effectively.
Our vision for 2013 and beyond is to continue to grow and give back to Gaisce. Although currently a small group of dedicated and extremely hard-working volunteers, we continue to strive to help Gaisce become a household name; to create a central focus for enthusiastic volunteers who hold the Gaisce ethos closely; and most importantly, develop TÉÓ into a world-renowned and respected Alumni Network.
Congratulations to all newly award Gold, Silver and Bronze award holders for 2012 and we look forward to welcoming you all at events in 2013.
Chairperson’s Report 2012Below is an extract of our annual report presented by TÉÓ
Chairperson 2012 Christine Carty to the board of Gaisce
Christine Carty
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13 Our AGM took place on Saturday 1st December, 2012 in the Central Hotel, Exchequer Street.
It was an excellent opportunity to review the activities we engaged in during the year. We were fortunate in that we had Barney Callaghan, Chief Executive of Gaisce in attendance and two Gaisce executive council members. We had a number of presentations and then we had an election of officers. Barney Callaghan spoke briefly to those in attendance and
thanked TÉÓ members for their support of Gaisce during the year. Cian Timmons, Gaisce Council representative spoke about TÉÓ’s important role in supporting Gaisce and award
participants. The following were elected to serve on the committee for 2013.
1. Chairperson: Karen Doyle
2. Vice Chairperson: Benny King
3. Secretary: Oliver Clare
4. Head of Events: Ronan Friel
5. Treasurer: Steven Cull
6. PRO/Social Media: Rachel Hearne
7. P.A.L. Liaison Officer: Helena McGee
8. Webmaster: Barry Kennedy
9. Munster Rep: Karen O’Sullivan
10. Expeditions Officer: Neil Ledwith
11.Ulster Rep/Newsletter Editor: Peadar Ó Lamhna.
12. Photographer/ OCM: Lorna Sweetman
13.Merchandising/OCM: Orna Collins
14. Ordinary Committee Member: Christine Carty
15. Ordinary Committee Member: Aideen Fallon
16. Ordinary Committee Member: Deidre O’Rourke
17. Ordinary Committee Member: Sean O’Brien
18. Ordinary Committee Member: Kathleen Foster
Have you liked our Facebook page yet?
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Gaisce����������� ������������������ Residential23rd-����������� ������������������ 28th����������� ������������������ September����������� ������������������ 2013As part of The Gathering 2013
festivities, Gaisce have organised
an international residential to take
place next September in Swords Co.
Dublin.
A full programme of activities is
planned to stimulate the mind and
body. Themes relating to Being
Young in the modern world will be
discussed. The Residential will
explore subjects such as leadership,
teamwork and group dynamics.
Expedition safety will also be
covered during the course. Evening
activities include a traditional
music and dance night.
This residential is aimed at
Gold participants over the age of 18
and a certificate of attendance will
be provided to verify completion.
Registration fee is €200 and
further information can be
obtained from John T Murphy,
Director of Development, in the
Gaisce Head Office or by emailing
Ulster & Munster events
This year, two committee members will oversee organising TÉÓ events in both Ulster and Munster. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and the next edition of the newsletter for further details.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CPR CourseOur next CPR course will take place in Foxrock Dublin on Saturday February 2nd at 11am. This is an Irish Heart Foundation and American Heart Foundation certified course. The course lasts approximately 4 hours. For further information and to book your please email [email protected] asap as places are limited
Have you joined our LinkedIn group?
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED BECOMING A PAL?Our PAL Liaison Officer Helena Mc Gee is on the lookout for new PALs that would be willing to help develop the award in 2013.A PAL offers guidance and support for those that are participating in all levels of the award. Being a PAL is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the award.A PAL can be absolutely anybody from all walks of life who enjoy working with young people and can offer guidance, support and motivation throughout the participant’s award journeyThe next PAL training session will take place on Saturday January 26th 2013 in Ratra House in the Phoenix Park. Cost is free and places are booking up fast. To book, email [email protected] as soon as possible
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Being Young & Irish National Seminar, Áras an Uachtaráin
On the 17th November, 6 Tar Éis Óir volunteers from all over the country volunteered to help with the running of the Being Young and Irish national seminar in Áras an Uachtaráin. Four regional workshops had been held in Dublin, Monaghan, Cork and Galway and from these 100 participants were selected to help draft the “Take Charge of Change Declaration”. The declaration was presented to President Higgins, Minister for Children, Ms Frances Fitzgerald TD and other senior policy making figures in Irish politics. The following are some of the key priorities that young people in Ireland want to see acted upon as soon as possible.
1.A renewed dual approach to teaching Irish at Leaving Certificate level; the first (compulsory) subject focused
on speaking, the second (optional) subject focused on literature, driven by the foundation of Gaelscoileanna.
2.Legislate for the X Case and hold a referendum in abortion
3.Make marriage equality and adoption rights a reality
4.Legislate for absentee voting for citizens outside of the constituencies and abroad.
After the declaration was published a reception was held in the Áras for all participants and volunteers. Everyone had the opportunity to meet with President Higgins and his wife Sabina. Ryan Sheridan performed a private concert for all present. It was a very enjoyable evening and was a wonderful opportunity for young people to come together to share their ideas for the future.
BEING YOUNG AND IRISH
Some of the TÉÓ Volunteers
at Áras an Uachtaráin
Report: Peadar Ó Lamhna
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International Award Forum 2012 - Malta
The 11th Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Forum, held in Malta from the 21st to 25th November 2012.
The Award Forum covered a selection of themes over the course of the 4 days with a focus on the new updated constitution changes for ratification, including workshops on the new licensing agreements, and the unveiling of the new international award symbol.
Life after gold and award holders networks
For award alumni members, the most relevant workshop was held on life after gold by award holders Felicia Pickard from Canada and Katie Hulmes from Australia.
The life after gold workshop allowed for group interaction and group work on the current interactions of alumni with their national award programme. Ideas were shared on what has worked in certain countries such as Singapore, and Challenges that are faced by those wishing to either grow or be set up.
The workshop came from the growth at IGE Kenya for a linking together of global award networks and was a follow on of the innaugural Gold Award Holders Network forum in Singapore in 2012. Positive aspects to this
workshop was a strong motivation from all present Youth reps to link and grow globally in a global award holders network. Many felt a strong global connection through the international award will give a renewed focus to NAAs to aid the set up of Alumni.
Online media and presence
Of ever increasing relevance to award authorities and award networks worldwide is the usage of online communication methods. The newly designed international award website was briefed to the attendees; more intuitive and user friendly interactive web experience in conjunction with the importance of a clear and strong online message.
Attending the International forum on behalf of TEO and Gaisce was not only a privilege but also a fantastic opportunity to network with our international family and in turn spread the good news of the work of TEO internationally. My sincerest thanks must be expressed to the international award family for a well thought out programme.
Christine Carty
International Award Social Media linksThe International Award is on Twitter - @intaward & on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/intaward Like and follow these pages to keep up to date with our award family spread throughout the world!
International News Round up
L to r: Christine (Ireland), Sophie ( Netherlands), Katy ( UK), Elena ( Finland) at the International Award Forum in Malta
Are you following us on Twitter?
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Leinster Silver Award Ceremony,Trinity College Dublin
On the evening of 13th of December, Tar Éis Óir supported Gaisce at the Silver Award Ceremony. It was a great evening where more than one hundred Silver Award parEcipants from across Leinster received their Silver medal from the Gaisce CEO Patrick Callaghan. We were lucky to have a number of TÉÓ volunteers who were there to lend a hand and the evening went very well. Well done to all Silver Award holders!
We really hope they will conEnue their journey and go for Gold!
VOLUNTEERING
Report: Karen Doyle
Have you ordered a TÉÓ hoodie?
As part of Tar Éis Oir's commitment to helping in the community we are hoping to volunteer with the DSPCA in February. The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a registered charity, established in 1840 to prevent cruelty to animals and is now Ireland's largest animal welfare organisation. Their centre is located in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 where they look after neglected, ill-treated and abandoned animals including dogs, cats and horses. Keep an eye out for further details about this event on our facebook page!
If you know of other charities which you would like us to volunteer with please let us know by contacting us at [email protected].
As with all TÉÓ events, you must be over 18 to attend. This is for insurance purposes.
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Tar Éis Óir Upcoming HikeAte too much turkey over Christmas? Has the 4n of Roses been reduced to a 4n of empty wrappers? If so, why not join Tar Éis Óir on our first hike of 2013 through the Wicklow Mountains!
TÉÓ Head of events for 2013, Ronan is organising a 10km easy trek through the Wicklow Mountains for Saturday 26th
January. It’s planned to start along the river and climb up to Art’s Cross which commemorates the infamous prison break by Art O Donnell and Hugh Red O Donnell.
A`er that it is hoped to head back down the opposite side of the steep ground to the river. The walk is mostly on pathed areas but there will be some mucky and
muddy areas that will soak feet if not prepared for.
A full kit list for the hike will be posted on the TÉÓ Facebook page but the essenUals for this trip include:
Hillwalking BootsWaterproof Jacket with hoodWalking trousers /leggings Light or Mid weight hiking socks Sock liner Spare top or fleeceRucksack (size 25ltr – 35ltr)Waterproof Over trousersGaitors (recommended for all but the driest condiUons)HatGlovesFoodWater (about 1 litre)CompassAn ability to navigateWatchWhistlePersonal First Aid kitSpare gloves (if weather is wet and cold and/or windy)
*N.B. If you wish to aMend please email [email protected] before January 17th.
Saturday January 26th
Meeting at the Kilmacanogue Petrol Station on the N11
(Southbound)@ 9am sharp
The Committee and members of Tar Éis Óir would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Ian McKeever, a Gold Award Holder who was involved in the early days of Tar Éis Óir and who passed away while climbing Kilimanjaro on January 2nd 2013. He contributed so much of his time to engaging with young people and sharing with them his love of the outdoors. Ian presented Silver Medals to participants in Trinity College Dublin a few years ago.Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
Ian Mc Keever1970 -2013
Ronan Friel
Have you liked our Facebook page yet?
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Scouting Ireland & Gaisce seek Irish Delegation for World Scout Moot 2013Are you looking for a potentially life-changing Gold Residential project in 2013?
ScouUng Ireland has offered a limited number of places to Gold Award parUcipants and Gold Award holders to join its delegaUon to the 14th World Scout Moot to be held in Canada from the 5th to the 18th of August 2013. This event is one of World ScouUng’s two flagship events and will gather over 5,000 people from around the globe for a profound intercultural experience in a breath-‐taking locaUon.
What is the World Scout Moot?
An internaUonal event for 18-‐15 year olds, months ahead of their arrival in Canada for the event, each parUcipant will create his/her own Moot experience by making a series of choices individually or with their internaUonal patrol.
So if you choose to join us you will be at once part of the Irish conUngent but also part of an internaUonal
patrol in which you will do your acUviUes.
A copy of the iUnerary is on the next page.
I’m interested – What do I do next?
Send an email to [email protected] and one of the team will send you an applicaUon form. If you wish to travel to the event you will need to return this form and a deposit (refundable if not selected). If there are more applicants than places then a selecUon process will take place. Applicants should register their interest as soon as possible and not later than 25th January.
Important details-Participants must be between 18-25 on 01/08/2013
-No experience of Scouting/Guiding necessary
-The total cost of the trip before fundraising is €1950- this includes return flights, transfers, meals and full 8 day Moot programme
Closing Date 25th January
2013
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The itinerary:• A few days to seMle in to
Canadian life before the opening gathering at the University of OMawa.
• 2 days to welcome parEcipants to the base camp at Awacamenj Mino hMp://www.scouts-‐est.on.ca/camp_awacamenj_mino/index.html: opening ceremonies, team meeEngs, workshops and technical training, and conferences where you can prepare for your urban expediEon challenge;
• 3 days when half of the parEcipants will head for their pre-‐selected desEnaEon – Toronto, Montréal or Quebec City – for their urban expediEon challenge, while the other half of the group remains at base camp to take part in a series of outdoor acEviEes and adventures;
• 1 day of travel, as all parEcipants head for base camp for a cultural acEvity;
• 3 days when the other half of the parEcipants take their turn heading for Toronto, Montréal or Quebec City for their expediEon challenge, and the first half of the group remains at base camp to take part in a series of outdoor and adventure acEviEes;
• 2 days when everyone gathers at the Awacamenj Mino base to share their discoveries and for the closing ceremony.
“The Paths”Each parEcipant will choose to spend three days in either Toronto, Quebec or Montréal for an urban service project. In each city parEcipants may parEcipate in one of four “paths,” here’s what to expect:
• The Life Path is a partnership with the Messengers of Peace. The Messengers of Peace Program is a 10 years iniEaEve of the World OrganisaEon of the Scout Movement aiming to involve Scouts in projects that promote peace in the World. With this partnership, the Messengers of Peace will undertake their first large scale project together with hundreds of parEcipants to Life Path to spread a message of peace in the World through a collecEve acEon in ciEes visited by the Moot.
• Those choosing the Culture Path will parEcipate in a discovery acEvity in the Canadian Aboriginal Culture with Aboriginal groups. It will be a great opportunity to exchange and enhance each other’s culture. The NaEonal AssociaEon of Friendship Centres is a network of 119 centres from coast to coast in Canada. Friendship Centres enable the provision of a wide range of cultural programs to urban Aboriginal people. For more than 50 years, the Friendship Centres have helped Aboriginal People from the North and from reserves to make the transiEon to urban life while preserving their culture and values.
• ParEcipants who choose the Eco-‐responsible Path will parEcipate in an awareness acEvity related to the conservaEon of water. ONE DROP Canada develops access-‐to-‐water and sanitaEon projects in counEes where access to this vital resource is lacking. ONE DROP is involved in raising awareness on water-‐related issues to create a mobilizaEon for universal access to water and encourage people to adopt sound habits for preserving this precious resource.
• ParEcipants to Adventure Path will have the opportunity to take part in deployment of a Shelterbox Village in an urban environment. Shelterbox provides a roof and material to those who are in need when a disaster occurs in the World. Since its incepEon, Shelterbox has lead 200 urgent missions and brought help to more than 1,000,000 vicEms in more than 75 different countries. Each green Shelterbox supplies the equipment needed by a family to survive aier a disaster (tent, blankets, water containers, kitchen equipment, etc.).
Steven Cull
Don’t forget to use #tareisoir to keep up to date with events on Twitter
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We hope that you have enjoyed the latest issue of the TÉÓ newsletter and we look forward to seeing you at some of our events in the near future. Remember to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. If you wish to order a hoodie or t-shirt, place your order soon as stocks are limited.
If you have a story that you want to share with TÉÓ members for the next issue of the newsletter which will be published in the spring, email your article to [email protected] with “Newsletter” as the subject. Don’t forget to include a picture (or ten!)
We hope to have an action packed 2013 and would love to see as many of you get involved as possible. Remember that we are a network for everyone associated with Gaisce, whether they be bronze,silver or gold award holders as well as PALs.
Many thanks to all the contributors to this edition of the newsletter and to those who have attended our events in 2012. All the hard work we do throughout the year is for you, our members, so please don’t
hesitate to contact us with suggestions for what you would like to see organised.
We are constantly on the lookout for new, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us expand throughout the country. You can help in many ways from simply attending one of our events or help organise an event in your area to keep the spirit of Gaisce alive and kicking not only at a national level but also in our local communities.
Many thanks for reading,Peadar
UNTIL NEXT TIME...
EditorPeadar Ó Lamhna
Contributors Karen Doyle, Ronan Friel, Steven Cull, Christine Carty,
Tar Éis ÓirGaisce- The President’s AwardRatra HousePhoenix ParkDublin 8
The Small PrintIt is important that when
attending events run by TÉÓ that you are aware of your own
personal safety and that you take all possible steps to minimise your risk. It is important that you obey
the instructions of the dedicated
leaders and organisers. You may be turned away from an event if the leader/organiser feels you are a
danger to yourself or the success of the event. You must be over 18 to
attend Tar Éis Óir events. We cannot an will not entertain
individuals below 18 for safety and
security reasons. Any questions on
the above please contact us.Thank You