A SPECIAL event that will shine a spotlight on the growing role of social enterprise and community-led development in Inishowen is taking place in Moville later this month.
Shaping Inishowen: Communities Creating Change, hosted by Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) will bring together community leaders, social enterprises and local change-makers on Thursday, September 24, at the Methodist Hall, Moville, from 7pm to 9pm.
The event will showcase how communities across Inishowen are responding to local needs and challenges through innovation, collaboration and enterprise, whilst creating opportunities, strengthening local services and building wealth that remains within local communities.
Hosted by well-known journalist and author Kathy Donaghy, the evening will feature a fireside conversation with Sandra Leaper (Colgan Hall), Lorna Porter (Slieve Sneacht Centre) and Trish Murphy (Inishowen Rivers Trust).
Kathy will also interview Louise McElvaney co-founder of the 5Ten Trust, exploring the impact of community-led initiatives and social enterprise in creating stronger, more resilient communities.
The event is being delivered by Inishowen Development Partnership, as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, and the Inishowen Social Enterprise Network (ISEN) through the Training Links Programme, supported by The Wheel.
Speaking ahead of the event, Shauna McClenaghan, Joint CEO of Inishowen Development Partnership, said the evening is an opportunity to celebrate the organisations and women helping to shape the future of Inishowen.
“As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, we want to recognise the vital contribution community organisations and social enterprises make across Inishowen every day,” said Shauna.
“Through innovation, collaboration and local leadership, they are responding to community needs while creating opportunities that strengthen our local economy.
“They are also showing how community wealth building can keep skills, resources and opportunities rooted locally for the benefit of our communities. We are delighted to showcase some of the inspiring women leading this work and making a real difference across Inishowen,” added Shauna.
Ana McColgan, Social Enterprise Officer with Inishowen Development Partnership and the HARC programme, said they are looking forward to a thought-provoking conversation featuring inspiring speakers, real-world success stories, and opportunities to connect with women leaders who are shaping stronger, more resilient communities and building community wealth across Inishowen.
“Social enterprises are proving that business can be a powerful force for social good,” said Ana.
“Across Inishowen they are creating employment, delivering essential services, and generating economic benefits that stay within local communities.
“We hope the evening will inspire others to see the potential of social enterprise as a vehicle for community wealth building and long-term social impact.”
Included in the evening will also be the launch of the Transcending Borders Report, which captures learning and insights from the women’s sector and community organisations working to strengthen supports for women in the region, foster collaboration.
The report highlights the challenges facing women and the sector, but also the hope, resilience and determination that exists across our communities.
The event is open to community groups, social enterprises, voluntary organisations, policymakers and members of the public interested in community development.
Booking is required directly at: Inishowen Women of Impact- Celebrating Leadership. Community. Change
