SpunOut.ie's Academy of Activism Set to Cultivate New Generation of
Change Makers

SpunOut.ie is launching a new Academy of Activism aimed at young
people with a passion for social justice between the ages of 18-25 who
are interested in learning how they can set about making a difference
in the world. This is a practical, free of charge training opportunity
that will be offered to twelve lucky young people . The Academy kicks
off with an intensive Summer School in Galway between August 6th and
8th.

It is supported by the NUIG Huston School of Film & Digital Media (who
are hosts to Ireland's first ever Masters level Course in Public
Activism) and features a jam packed innovative programme; using a
panel of guests with first-hand experience of leading media,
campaigning and social change organisations (Amnesty International /
The Huston School of Film & Digital Media / The Irish Times) we will
be giving participants the chance to question and learn from these
experts in interactive discussion sessions. The course will be
practical and tailor made to equip participants with the skills and
confidence to set about working for positive social change in their
communities. Included in this will be a session during which
participants get to engage directly with politicians from across the
political spectrum.

Speaking on the motivation behind this initiative SpunOut.ie's CEO
and Founder Ruairí Mc Kiernan pointed out;

'Ireland is at a crossroads at the moment. With youth unemployment
rate of around 30% and up to 1000 people emigrating each week, many
young people feel lost, frustrated and angry. SpunOut.ie has over 5
years experience in working with young people throughout the country
and is currently reaching over 1,000 people online each day. We
believe that there is an urgent necessity to channel the positive
skills, talents, creativity and energy of our young people so they can
be allowed play their part in transforming Irish society for the
better. Our Academy of Activism has been designed based on
consultation with young people and campaign experts in Ireland and
abroad. It aims to create civic space for young people to engage with
the issues that affect them whilst becoming more informed, resourced,
confident and inspired to take action for social justice on the issues
that they are passionate about'.

The weekend's seminars will cover topics including media, social
networking, campaigns planning, lobbying and motivation. It will be
facilitated by Ruairí McKiernan and Sarah Clancy, who both bring with
them years of experience in community and campaign development work.
Sarah is an experienced campaigner who holds an MA in Activism from
NUIG and formerly worked as Western Region Campaigns Officer for
Amnesty International. Ruairí is a Founder of SpunOut.ie, which is a
pioneering and multi-award winning youth empowerment organisation
reaching hundreds of thousands of people per year.

Applications are now open and can be completed on line at
http://www.spunout.ie/about/

Blog/SpunOut.ie-Academy-of-Activism
Info: sarah@SpunOut.ie

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is JULY 19th 2010

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