Training Calendar

Your Community, Your Council: Demystifying Local Government

Do you know what your local council actually does?
Are you curious about how decisions are made and how your voice can be part of the process?

Join us for Your Community, Your Council: Demystifying Local Government in Kildare, a practical session that breaks down how local government works, including local government structures and functions of committees, where the PPN fits in, and how we can influence what happens in your area.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 pm

Register Here

Kildare PPN Secretariat Information and Induction Session

Are you interested in learning more about the function of the Kildare PPN Secretariat? Would you consider putting yourself forward for a future role?

This session will provide an overview of the Secretariat’s key responsibilities, how it operates, and its role in representing and supporting our member groups.

It is open to both current members and those who may be interested in getting involved in the future. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into how Kildare PPN works, ask questions, and explore whether this role might be the right fit for you.

Monday, May 12, 2025 at 10:30 am

Register Here

PPN Stakeholder Training (Online)

 

An online only self-paced training videos programme for Kildare PPN members has been developed by Social Justice Ireland. This is online only and is intended for self-directed learning at the learner’s own pace. Social Justice Ireland will provide some support via the webform on each Module page. There are no scheduled classes as part of this training.

 

The online only training covers the following:

–          An Introduction to the PPNs (2 Modules)

–          Local Government Budgets

–          PPNs and Local Government

–          Effective Participation in Consultations

–          Effective Facilitation

–          Strategic Planning

–          Measuring Outcomes and Impacts

 

TBC

Register Here

Data Protection Training for non profits

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) has been seen as an obstacle for some organisations because it is written by legal types and the language used is not very friendly for most people. In this plain, simple English workshop, you will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of the GDPR and how different types of data breaches have occurred and what easy measures can be used by any organisation to protect the personal data they hold.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm

Register Here

Canva for Beginners

If you’re part of a community or voluntary group and want to learn how to create simple, effective designs, this training is for you. We’ll cover the basics of Canva, an easy-to-use design tool, so you can make posters, social media posts, and other materials to support your group’s work.

No design experience needed—just bring your ideas, and we’ll show you how to bring them to life.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm

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Canva Essentials

Ready to build on your Canva basics? This training is designed for those who already know the basics and want to take their design skills to the next level and look at some of the features in Canva Pro.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 7:00 pm

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Let's Talk....Governance

Let’s Talk…. Governance will give our member groups an opportunity to build their capacity, expand their knowledge, and learn from other community and voluntary groups in Kildare.

This session will focus on providing attendees with a greater understanding of governance and what they need to do to ensure their group/organisation is adhering to best practice.

The second part of the session will focus on peer-to-peer learning, where attendees will be encouraged to discuss challenges they may have encountered and consider potential solutions.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 10:30 am

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Let's Talk AGM's and Committee Meetings

This session will connect the dots between your constitution and the formal approach to AGMs and Committee meetings.

We will cover formats, purpose and draft agendas. Followed by an open discussion around everyday challenges.

This is a great opportunity for peer support and networking.

Monday, February 19, 2024 at 10:30 am

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Let's Talk...Conflict Resolution

While volunteering with a community group / organisation is extremely rewarding and positive, conflict can sometimes be inevitable. The important thing is how that conflict is dealt with. This session will discuss potential challenges that committees can be faced with and discuss potential approaches to ensure a positive outcome.

This will be an interactive session with attendees, where there will be an open discussion and peer to peer support.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 10:30 am

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Sources of Funding for Non-Profits

The session comprehensively covers the key sources of funding for the projects which non-profits and local community groups engage in. It also explains how the whole grants system works and provides a practical funding manual  setting out the funds, showing the amounts, typical deadlines and where to go for further information.

Liam Scollan is experienced in raising significant sums of money for the non-profit organisations he has led and has successfully attracted funds for a wide variety of community based projects.

 

Main content

• Sources of  grants and loans in Ireland: A special manual of sources devised by Liam Scollan for non-profits.
• Looking at  130 sources according to themes in arts, education, economic development, enterprise, infrastructure, sports and wellbeing.
• Identifying the main funding hubs in Ireland for non-profits
• Anticipating where funding comes from.
• The best sources of unsecured non-profits loan bodies
• Participants are able to devise their own funding manual for 2025

 

Methodology

Interactive, slide presentations, practical examples, group practice based on participant’s interests, breakout rooms, Q&As throughout.

 

Resources supplied to all participants

Copies of all materials presented, practical Sources of Funding Manual through which groups can plan their own strategy to source finance from as many sources as possible.

 

Meet the Trainer

Have attracted € 40m into not-for-profit organisations I have worked with.

 

Have developed a sources of funding manual which is now used by 100s of not-for-profits in Ireland.

 

Have assisted numerous voluntary bodies in applying successfully for funding from local and central government sources and from commercial and philanthropic sources,  for anything from feasibility study grants to building refurbishment. Has run this course to 100s of voluntary bodies throughout Ireland on behalf of PPNs, LDCs and Volunteer Centres.

Monday, January 27, 2025 at 7:00 pm

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Let's Talk......Your Constitution

This interactive workshop is for member groups who wish to design, review or update their constitution. We will be working directly with you, using a template to ensure that your constitution is covering all the main elements, strengthening or writing your governing document to ensure you are meeting best practice guidelines.

The outcome for groups will be to leave the workshop with a draft Constitution ready for you to have approved by all members of your group.

You will be required to attend with a lap top, so the objective of the workshop will be met for each group.

This workshop will be held on Wednesday the 18th of September from 10:30am – 12.30pm. It will be interactive with lots of time for peer support and questions

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 10:30 am

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Let's Talk...Community Leadership

We are excited to launch our new “Let’s Talk Series” An informal training/peer to peer discussions-based programme.

The objective of this programme is to give member organisations an opportunity to increase knowledge, network and problem solve with peers.

Places will be limited, so please register early.

 

Let’s Talk…. Community Leadership is the final module in the series of informal training sessions that will give our member groups an opportunity to build their capacity, expand their knowledge, and learn from other community and voluntary groups in Kildare.

This session explores how to lead groups and organisations. The session will engage participants in open discussion on how individuals take charge and bring about positive change in their communities.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10:30 am

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Let's Talk......AGM's and Committee Meetings

A follow-on session from “Lets Talk – Your Constitution”, we will look at improving basic knowledge, understanding formats & Purpose and discuss individual opinions on challenges you may face.

This session will connect the dots between your constitution and the formal approach to AGMs and Committee meetings.

We will cover, formats, purpose and draft agendas. Followed by an open discussion around everyday challenges.

This is a great opportunity for peer support and networking.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm

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Canva Training (Intermediate)

Do you feel like you have mastered the basics of Canva and would like to learn about some of the more intricate features Canva has to offer?

During this 2-hour online session we will focus on looking at some of the more advanced features of Canva, including:

• Creating a video and adding Music and Caption with photos
• Using AI features in Magic Media
• Exploring advanced editing features
• Learning about transitions and Audio
• Using Apps for Video creation and editing.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 7:00 pm

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Let's Talk...Governance

We are excited to launch our new “Let’s Talk Series” An informal training/peer to peer discussions-based programme.

The objective of this programme is to give member organisations an opportunity to increase knowledge, network and problem solve with peers.

Places will be limited, so please register early.

Let’s Talk…. Governance is the first module in the series. It will give our member groups an opportunity to build their capacity, expand their knowledge, and learn from other community and voluntary groups in Kildare.

This session will focus on providing attendees with a greater understanding of governance and what they need to do to ensure their group/organisation is adhering to best practice.

The second part of the session will focus on peer-to-peer learning, where attendees will be encouraged to discuss challenges they may have encountered and consider potential solutions.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 10:30 am

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Let's Talk...Conflict Resolution

We are excited to launch our new “Let’s Talk Series” An informal training/peer to peer discussions-based programme.

The objective of this programme is to give member organisations an opportunity to increase knowledge, network and problem solve with peers.

Places will be limited, so please register early.

 

Let’s Talk…. Conflict Resolution is the second module in the series.

While volunteering with a community group / organisation is extremely rewarding and positive, conflict can sometimes be inevitable. The important thing is how that conflict is dealt with. This session will discuss potential challenges that committees can be faced with and discuss potential approaches to ensure a positive outcome.

This will be an interactive session with attendees, where there will be an open discussion and peer to peer support.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 10:30 am

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Canva for Beginners

Are you interested in learning how to create stunning graphics for online and offline use with Canva?

Canva is a free online graphic design tool than can be used to create media posts, brochures, posters, logos and much more.

During this 2-hour online session, you will learn about the interface, navigation, and essential features in Canva that will set the foundation for your graphic design journey. The session will cover essential topics, best practices, and provide plenty of opportunities to engage and ask questions.

 

Trainer: Ailish Irvine, Irvine Training.

 

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 7:00 pm

Register Here

Committee Skills for Community Groups

This training integrates role clarity, collaboration, and proficient meeting management. Participants learn agenda setting, facilitation, and time optimisation while enhancing communication through active listening and feedback. Conflict resolution techniques will be explored, with a break-out session to explore real-world examples and solutions. The session will explore strategies for follow-up, accountability, and continuous improvement, fostering confident, efficient committee members adept at conducting impactful meetings aligned with organisational goals.

 

Trainer: Donal McKenna, Carmichael

Donal McKenna is a Company Director, Lecturer, Business Coach and Mentor. He specialises in Roles and Responsibilities of Non-profit Boards, Annual Reporting, Marketing, Business Planning, Communications, Governance and Compliance in the Charity Sector.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 10:30 am

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Good governance for your community & voluntary group

This training on good governance will cover the following:

• Understanding what good governance means.
• Adhering to your purpose and Constitution.
• Board meetings, agendas and minutes. Decision-making.
• The difference between governance and management.

 

Training Delivered by Michael Quirke, Carmichael

 

Download Presentation Slides 

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 10:00 am

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Social Media Bootcamp (Intermediate)

Who is this session for?

People who are delivering social media day to day for their community group or non-profit organisation, who have a sound understanding of social media and want to know how to promote their work effectively on social media.

The course is designed to give you a greater understanding of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok work and how they can be used in your marketing activities.

It will equip you with the tools and knowledge you will need to use various features on social media to promote your work more effectively.

Topics covered include:

• The social media landscape in Ireland.

• The power of social media.

• Tools and tactics for different platforms.

• Content Planning.

• Growing your followers, and keeping them engaged.

• The importance of monitoring impact and measuring results.

The training will be delivered by Sorcha MacMahon, Carmichael

Download Presentation Slides 

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 7:00 pm

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Leadership in your organisation

A practical session helping people to manage the everyday opportunities and challenges they face in leading their groups.

 

This session will include:

• Responding to the challenges facing voluntary leaders in their groups in Kildare
• Networking with other group leaders in Kildare
• Sharing and learning from each other
• Groups that work well: creating positive engagement within and outside your group
• Running an effective group and dealing with problems that can arise between members.
• Attracting others to join

This is a practical session designed to let participants raise and discuss challenges and at the same get expert support from the facilitator as well as learning from other people’s experience.

Training Delivered by Liam Scollan, Carmichael

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm

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Using the Sustainable Development Goals for Action

This workshop will explore the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and their incorporation into Local Government policy and planning. It will give attendees the opportunity to connect the SDG’s, globally and locally, to actions that benefit, support and protect the environment and communities for a sustainable future.

 

Download Presentation Slides 

Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 7:00 pm

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Sustainable Gardening for Community Groups

We will be running a one day Sustainable Gardening course for our member organisations in collaboration with Kildare County Council.

The course is delivered by horticulturist and environmentalist Aoife Munn and will take place on Tuesday 25th of October from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in Naas Mens Shed.

This course is suitable for community groups who want to garden for biodiversity including Tidy Towns groups, Resident’s Associations, Green schools coordinators, community gardens and any community groups that want to improve their area for biodiversity and reduce their impact on the planet.

The number of participants from each group will be limited to ensure as many groups as possible are offered the opportunity to attend the course.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 10:00 am

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Writing Effective Submissions

This session will provide a brief introduction to social analysis, give you tips on how to make an effective submission, sourcing relevant data sources to support your submission and learn how to network and work collaboratively on issues.

 

The training was delivered by Social Justice Ireland 

Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 7:00 pm

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Community Leadership - New Landscape, New Perspectives

The workshop is designed to engage participants in a process of discussion, self-reflection and self – awareness in their role as community leaders. Whilst at the same time, building capacity to lead their organisation/group successfully forward by being pro-active as opposed to reactive.

The focus of the workshop centres around:

• Acknowledging a changing community landscape
• Recognising current community needs
• Adapting plans for maximum impact
• Sustaining positive energy

The training was delivered by Carmichael 

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 7:00 pm

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‘Let’s Unpack’ - Conflict Management

Conflict can sometimes be inevitable where a group of people are trying to achieve something on a committee or as part of a community organisation. The important thing is how that conflict is dealt with.

The focus of this conflict management workshop centres around:

• Understanding conflict
• The potential causes and consequences on (i) the person and (ii) the organisation
• Informal and formal processes in responding to situations (considering participant contexts)
• Personal responsibility
• The role of good governance in prevention and management.

 

The training was delivered by Carmichael

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 7:00 pm

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Sustainability - Doing More with Less (Tidy Towns Workshop)

Over recent years the Tidy Towns competition has expanded to include sustainability, assisting communities to reduce their resource use and foster climate action at a local level. The communities doing well in this Sustainability – Doing More with Less category are the communities doing well in the competition.  But scores in this section are consistently the lowest across all 8 competition categories while the section is evolving rapidly to keep up with EU and government policy in this area.  So that’s where this workshop can help.

This two-part workshop will help Tidy Towns groups to better understand the need for Sustainable Waste and Resource Management (SWRM) at a local level, helping communities to build sustainability capacity within their groups, catch up in this category and foster climate action in their community.

This workshop will take place over two consecutive evenings on Zoom.

 

Wednesday the 21st September 2022

&

Thursday the 22nd of September 2022

 

The workshop was delivered by Gavin Harte ESD Training

 

Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 7:00 pm

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The Charities Governance Code

This event has now passed.

 

The Charities Governance Code explains the minimum standards you should meet to effectively manage and control your charity. This workshop will walk you through the requirements of the code including actions and evidence needed to demonstrate compliance. If your organisation has already started or completed the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charitable organisations, it will help you to use the evidence you already have to comply with the new Charities Governance Code.

 

Download Presentation Slides 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at

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