Thursday, 2 May 2024
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Charities Call on European Election Candidates to Pledge for the Future of Community
The Wheel, Ireland’s national association of charities, has today (2 May 2024) called for European Union election candidates to sign a pledge to champion the work of the community, voluntary, charity and social enterprise sector at EU level.
The ‘Future is Community’ - European Elections pledge is centred on the sustainability of communities. It asks MEP candidates to commit to working with the sector around the themes of collaboration, accountability, inclusivity, and courage, and to support and represent their needs at EU level.
In addition to this campaign, The Wheel is hosting two online EU election hustings, the first on 3 May and the second on 16 May where members of the sector can engage directly with a variety of candidates. More information about these hustings, the candidates involved and how to sign up is available at www.wheel.ie.
There are currently over 34,000 nonprofit organisations nationwide working in areas such as healthcare, social care, sports, community development, outdoor recreation, and the environment. One in every eight employed people works in a charity, and, according to the latest Census data, more than 700,000 people volunteer regularly. The capacity of the sector to create and support vibrant, resilient communities has never been higher. Working in partnership with local organisations allows MEPs to ensure that their needs and priorities are represented in EU policy.
By signing the pledge, candidates commit to...
Support the charity, community and voluntary, and social enterprise sector in Ireland through the development of an EU Match Funding Scheme, and by ringfencing a portion of decentralised EU funding for the sector.
Foster inclusivity in European programmes by streamlining and simplifying accessibility requirements.
Lead engagement with national and local policymakers to support local groups applying for EU funding.
Actively engage with the next iteration of the European Expert Group on Social Economy and the delivery of the EU’s Social Economy Action Plan to help build an economy that is better for people and the planet.
Work to build inclusive communities, respectful of all cultures and traditions, supporting new communities and other volunteer groups to access EU funding.
Take action now to incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into my work in Europe.
Champion the causes of the community and voluntary sector at European level.
Speak up for civil society and use my voice to ensure that the charity, community and voluntary, and social enterprise sector across Europe can thrive.
Ivan Cooper, CEO of The Wheel is available for comment and interviews. Contact Gert Ackermann on 086 176 9287 or email gert@wheel.ie.
ABOUT THE WHEEL
The Wheel is Ireland’s National Association of Charities, Community Groups and Social Enterprises. Our membership includes over 2,400 nonprofit organisations of all types and sizes, including most of Ireland’s leading charities. As a representative voice, we provide leadership to the charity and community sector and advocate on behalf of our growing community of members. As a supportive resource, we offer advice, training and other opportunities to people working or volunteering in the charity and community sector. See www.wheel.ie
