The much-anticipated National Consultative Forum 2024 took place last Saturday 16th November, bringing together volunteers and members from IWA Volunteer Branches across Ireland for a day of meaningful dialogue, strategic discussions, and inspiration. Held at Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise, the forum served as a platform to reflect on achievements, explore new opportunities, and plan for the future.

Engaging Sessions and Thoughtful Dialogue

The forum began with a warm welcome and overview by Arkadiusz Lenkiewicz, National Volunteer Programme Manager, setting the stage for an engaging day. The keynote address from Chris Hoey, COO, emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving forward the organisation’s mission.

Participants gained valuable insights during the presentation on the IWA Volunteer Strategic Review, where outcomes, recommendations, and an action plan were presented. A lively roundtable discussion followed, allowing attendees to share ideas and contribute feedback, which was later summarised during the high-level feedback session.

Safeguarding was another key topic on the agenda, providing a comprehensive overview and facilitating a thought-provoking conversation on best practices.

Branch Presentations and Communications Focus

After lunch, attention shifted to local impact as three Branches: Carlow, Erris and Tipperary presented their chosen activity, showcasing the impactful work of local branches.Head of the Communication team Pamela Kavanagh with Marie Kierans and Catherine Ginty led a session that provided an interactive platform to discuss strategies for enhancing organisational communication. Participants explored ways to amplify their message, improve storytelling, and engage diverse audiences effectively. Practical tips on leveraging digital platforms, fostering collaboration across branches, and ensuring consistency in messaging were key highlights.

The day concluded with a heartfelt closing address by CEO Ann Marie O’Grady, who expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed IWA’s commitment to continuous improvement.

The forum reinforced the importance of collective effort in achieving our shared goals and celebrating our volunteers from all branches. 

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the event including our dedicated board members —Jonathan O’Grady, Ann Marie Connolly, Iqura Naseem, and John Fulham—who, as volunteers themselves, exemplify the spirit of service and commitment that drives our mission. 

See you all next year!