The impact of community and voluntary groups in our society is enormous. They make a valuable contribution in a wide variety of areas usually relying on volunteerism and local fund-raising.

Community groups interact with state and public authorities frequently. However, it is only in recent times that community/voluntary groups have come to be seen as a sector in their own right. The Community Sector is now joining other groupings such as business, farming and trade unions as social partners in the partnership approach to governance in Ireland.

The opportunities for the Community Sector to influence policies and strategies affecting their area of interest continue to grow. A County Development Board has been set up in Wexford. The primary purpose of the Board is to draw up and implement a Strategy for the Economic, Social and Cultural Development of Wexford. Once the strategy is in place, all public agencies delivering services in Wexford must have regard to it. The Community Sector is directly represented on the Board. Wexford County Council has also established Strategic Policy Committees and are expanding their Area Committees to include representatives of the Community Sector.

If the Community Sector is to fully avail of these opportunities they must organise in a way that will provide for the democratic election of representatives to other bodies, and facilitate the mechanisms for information to flow between organisations.

The Director of Community and Enterprise will facilitate Community Fora to assist the Community Sector in the process.

Details of this process can be found on our website: www.wexfordcdb.ie and in ‘A New Vision for our Counties and Cities’ which is available from our office.

Structure

Each electoral area ie Gorey, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford has a Community Forum. The Area Fora act as a sub-structure to the County Wexford Community Forum.

Representatives have been selected to sit on the County Development Board and the Strategic Policy Committees. Each Area Fora has a co-ordinating committee known as the Area Committee comprising of six members elected by the Forum, two of these members, a convenor and deputy convenor from each area shall be the area’s representatives on the County Executive. The Executive will formulate and channel the
views of the County Wexford Community Fora.

Criteria for Membership

The County Wexford Community Forum shall be composed of those community and voluntary groups throughout County Wexford who fulfill the membership criteria and who are accepted into membership by the Executive Committee.

Membership is open to all community and voluntary groups fulfilling the membership criteria. Membership is only open to groups, individuals cannot be members.

Groups shall be accepted into membership following ratification by the Executive of the County Wexford Community Forum.

A Group’s membership of the Forum can be terminated at a full meeting
of the Forum on the recommendation of the Executive. Prior to such a decision being made the Group concerned shall be allowed to address
the Forum.

Each member group of the County Wexford Community Forum shall be entitled to one vote.

  • Groups must be active in the county and must be community based.
  • Each Group can join only one Area Forum.
  • Groups must have a minimum membership of five and be open to new membership.
  • Groups must have an adopted set of rules or constitution.
  • Groups must be in existence for a minimum of six months prior to affiliation.
  • Groups must complete an official Application Form and lodge it with the Director of Community and Enterprise.
  • Groups must hold regular meetings and AGMs as appropriate.

    • Full details regarding criteria for membership is contained in the constitution of the County Wexford Community Forum which is available from our office and also on our website: www.wexfordcdb.ie

    Non – Eligible Bodies

    The following groups are not eligible for full membership: State or semi state bodies; local development agencies; political parties, groups who have representational rights through national pillars e.g. trade unions, farming and business organisations.

    All interested groups are invited to register immediately to participate in the process. An application form is included.

    If you would like further information concerning this matter please contact the Community and Enterprise Section at 053-65000 ext 550 or 552. All groups are encouraged to participate fully in the work of the Forum.

    Tony Larkin,

    Director of Community & Enterprise

    Download Form

           
    Back to Top