The Future Is Community - The Wheel's Local Election Campaign Pledge Launched

The Wheel, Ireland’s national association of charities, has today (25 April 2024) called for local election candidates to sign a pledge to champion the work of the community, voluntary, charity and social enterprise sector at local government level.  

The ‘Future is Community’ pledge is centred on the sustainability of communities and asks candidates to stand up and promote collaboration, accountability, inclusivity, and courage. In doing this, candidates are asked to work with local community and voluntary organisations, advocate for them and the people they serve, to be accountable to the people within their communities, and to foster inclusivity as part of their pledge.  

Speaking to community and voluntary representatives at today’s launch, CEO of The Wheel, Ivan Cooper, said, “A moment of truth has arrived for the country of a hundred thousand welcomes: it is incumbent on representatives in local government to courageously lead a movement towards inclusive communities in partnership with the community and voluntary sector. There is much to be done and it is only by working together that we can achieve what is necessary.” 

There are currently over 34,000 nonprofit organisations nationwide working in areas such as healthcare, social care, sports, community development, outdoor recreation, and the environment. One in every eight employed people works in a charity, and, according to the latest Census data, more than 700,000 people volunteer regularly. The capacity of the sector to create and support vibrant, resilient communities has never been higher. Working in partnership with local organisations allows representatives to engage with issues affecting their communities, and to work in partnership to develop solutions that will have a meaningful impact.  

By signing the pledge, candidates commit to... 

• Collaboration 

Working in partnership with local charities, community groups, and social enterprises and ensuring that they are fully supported. 

Recognising and advocating for social enterprises as a vital part of the local economy. 

• Accountability 

Modelling participative dialogue in processes involving the local community and voluntary sector.

Working to embed the Values and Principles for Collaboration and Partnership Working with the Community and Voluntary Sector in Local Government decision making. 

• Inclusivity 

Working to build an inclusive local community respectful of all cultures and traditions. 

Taking action now to incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into my work at local level. 

• Courage

Championing the causes of the community and voluntary sector in my local area. 

Speaking up for local action and use my voice to ensure that local groups and organisations can thrive. 

“The themes of the pledge are based on core values for the sector,” said Dr Emily Bourke, Campaigns Manager with The Wheel. “And these values are shared by many local election candidates. We commend them for showing integrity and leadership by pledging to demonstrate these values in their work.”  

Local Election candidates can sign the pledge at www.wheel.ie/elections