Article first published in:
Wicklow Mountain Views – The Newsletter of the Wicklow Uplands Council.
Issue No. 28.
MEMBER ORGANISATION PROFILE
County Wicklow Public Participation Network (PPN)
What Is It?
It is a network of community groups from all the municipal districts in Co Wicklow that focus on environmental, social inclusion and other community activities across the county.
They have a diverse membership base which includes: residents’ associations, community councils and a multitude of community groups that operate in support of sports, disability, youth, women, older persons and many other locally led activities.
What Does It Do?
The PPN has three main functions:
- To provide a structure for Co. Wicklow community groups to nominate community representatives to decision and policy making bodies operating within the county.
- To act as a channel for information between various local and national bodies and Co. Wicklow based community groups.
- To support member groups to grow, develop, be informed and to be heard.
How Does It Achieve That?
- By organising seminars and workshops on various themes. Facilitating and participating in consultations. Attending community meetings and events to discover what individuals and groups are discussing.
- The PPN Representatives highlight the concerns, issues and ideas that have been discovered through community engagement.
- In situations when a board or committee require community expertise, the PPN is available for consultation and may ask their members to nominate someone suitable to participate on it.
- On occasion, the PPN may make written submissions to relevant local, national and international bodies on particular issues or suggestions.
- Members are kept informed with a monthly E-bulletin. This provides an update of their work, provides reports from their representatives and shares information about member events. It also promotes any training and funding opportunities that are available.
- Reports, submissions and update bulletins are accessible to view and download on their website and on their social media channels.
Participants at the Hollywood Community Wellbeing Workshop
Why Should A Group Join The PPN?
- To keep informed of plans and decisions affecting their local area.
- To contribute to plans and shape local policy.
- To be part of a strong collective voice for communities.
- To network, raise their profile, share experiences and support each other.
- Find out about funding opportunities, training and other supports.
- And It’s Free To Join!
One significant project currently being undertaken by Co. Wicklow PPN, is the ongoing engagement with community groups in each of County Wicklow’s Municipal Districts to ‘Develop Their Vision for Community Wellbeing’.
The project seeks to create a shared understanding of the wider conditions that individuals and communities need to enjoy a better quality of life, a healthier environment and increased prosperity.
Successful workshops have already taken place around the county, with events in Greystones, Wicklow Town and Arklow to be scheduled in the autumn.
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For more information and to join the PPN, please contact:
Helen Howes, PPN Resource Worker
Tel: 087 189 5145
Email: countywicklowppn@gmail.com
