Chairperson of County Wexford Community Forum - Mary Farrell

It is with pride that I accept the role of first ever female chair of County Wexford Community Forum and look forward to the challenge ahead.  The Forum is nearing its tenth anniversary and we have very exciting plans in mind to celebrate this event in 2010.

Over the years the Forum has achieved successes in the areas of training and community development projects, provided support and knowledge to registered groups and acted as a network to empower community and voluntary groups with a bottom up approach to sourcing funding and supports to enable them to become recognised and sustainable.  This does not just happen, it involves participation by the communities and I firmly believe that the driving force behind any successful project or community is the ability and willingness to participate.

This is one area that County Wexford Community Forum intends to address in the future and that is to encourage active participation in each of the four area Community Fora.  My invitation to you the people of county Wexford is to get up, get in touch and get involved.  Don’t be discouraged by past experiences or the present day economic climate because the time is now here when we need to change our mindset and start looking at helping ourselves and our communities to become active and sustainable.  Wexford Community Forum will provide any assistance and encouragement that is required and we have a very vibrant committee and a dedicated support structure from the staff of the Community and Enterprise Department, Wexford County Council.

The Forum has completed a Strategic Plan for 2008 to 2011 and this plan will ensure that all member groups will have the opportunity to become involved, encourage participation, recognise the importance of volunteerism and will act as the collective voice for all community and voluntary groups within County Wexford.  The Plan is very comprehensive and focused and I encourage everyone to read and fully understand this plan and include its underlying principles into your own communities and groups.

My main objective is to encourage, motivate and support the community and voluntary groups and not dwell on the problems facing our country at this difficult time.  Therefore, I would like to thank you all for your support and commitment to your community and groups and wish you every success with future projects and ideas and also to the staff of the Community and Enterprise Department for their support over the years.

Mary Farrell
Chairperson
County Wexford Community Forum

List of County Wexford Community Forum Members (PDF Document, 50 kbs)