GCCN Winter Plenary 2023

Christmas Social

Wednesday, 6 December
All members welcome!

GCCN Winter Plenary 2023

We are delighted to share with you the wonderful success of our GCCN Winter Plenary and Christmas Social 2023 which took place on Wednesday, 6 December  from 6.30pm to 9pm in the Menlo Park Hotel.

It was a truly vibrant and well-attended event that brought our community together in the spirit of celebration and collaboration.

The meeting opened with the beautiful melodies of the Sonke Community Choir which provided a heartwarming start to our gathering, infusing the atmosphere with warmth and joy.

Sonke Community Choir

Throughout the evening, all attendees engaged in insightful discussions and building connections.

All GCCN members attending the Winter Plenary

We shared ideas and hopes for the work GCCN can do in the new year and the focus was placed on 2024 being a crucial year due to the local elections taking place then. The energy and participation from all members were truly remarkable.

On this occasion we also welcomed our newest GCCN representative on the Local Community Development Committee, Charlotte May member of Galway Centre for Independent Living.

The community then came together in GCCN’s call to action in support of the #ScrapTheGreenPaper Campaign requesting for the Green Paper on Disability Reforms to be scraped because it does not align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD).

GCCN Members holding the #scrapthegreenpaper campaign flyers

We encourage all our members to raise awareness of this campaign (link here) and to make a submission on the Green Paper on Disability Reforms Public Consultation before the extended deadline on 15 March 2024.

And as the meeting drew to a close, the event ended on a high note with the joyful sounds of a DJ, mince pies and Christmas drinks and lovely chatter and fun.

Community Celebrations

A big shout to all our GCCN members for their hard work in making Galway a better place for our communities.
Below please find a few snapshots of some of our member’s achievements in 2023. Enjoy!

Galway Special Olympics Kayak Club represented at Special Olympics World by Michelle O’Keane and Liam Hynes who together won 3 medals

Galway Traveller Movement Celebrating the rich tapestry of Traveller culture, identity and heritage in Ireland during Traveller Pride in July 2023.

Three members of United Women Galway and GCCN staff, Rebecca Jackson, meeting Minister Joe O’Brien at the launch of the IHREC ‘Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making’ in February 2023.

Friends of Merlin Woods Community and climate action in 2023.

Abortion Access Campaign West held events in memory of the women of the Magdalene Laundries and Galway playwright Patricia Burke Brogan whose play 'Eclipsed' exposed the inhumane treatment of women in the Laundries.

Westside Community Organic Garden - An initiative of Galway City Partnership - The team doing spring preparations in the garden.

Galway Cycling Campaign Advocating for safe cycling in Galway City.

Galway Communities Against Racism and Discrimination includes Galway Traveller Movement, Galway City Partnership, GCCN, Galway Council of Trade Unions and groups such as Galway Anti-Racism Network, Amach! LGBTI+ Galway, University of Sanctuary and Engage/Community Knowledge Initiative UOG

GCCN Members Lorraine Lally and Vusi Thabethe attending the National PPN Conference 2023

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended our Winter Plenary and contributed to the success of this event.
And a big thank you to all our member groups and organisations for your ongoing support and participation.

Wishing you and all our members a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Meeting Agenda

Please arrive from 6.10pm to sign in and enjoy Sonke Galway Multicultural Community Choir‘s songs and a cup of tea/coffee before a sharp start at 6.30pm.

Part I – GCCN Plenary

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Minutes & Matters Arising
  • GCCN Elections
  • Community Discussions – GCCN Representatives’ Updates
  • GCCN Policies and Positions
  • GCCN Work Update
  • AOB

Part II – Community Discussions

  1. What impact can GCCN have on local elections 2024?
  2. What would you like to see GCCN doing in 2024?
Part III – Christmas Social
  • Community Celebrations
  • Mince Pies and Drinks
Download the Agenda HERE.

GCCN Winter Pl

Meeting Documentation

  • Autumn Plenary Minutes – September 2023 – read here
  • GCCN Policies and Positions – read here 

This document will be taken as read at the Plenary meeting and then approved.

Please read this document and send in any comments or questions to Oana at communications@gccn.ie before Monday 4 December.
  • The GCCN Updates Presentation – read here
  • GCCN Representatives Report – Final – read here
Download the Invitation HERE.

As a member of the GCCN, your voice matters, and your presence at the Winter Plenary is invaluable. Thank you for attending this event!

Notes

  • The Plenary meetings are open to GCCN members only, unless non-members are explicitly invited.
  • For this social event there is no limit on how many members of your group can attend.
  • Coffee/tea and finger food will be served on the evening, so please let us know of any allergies/intolerance you might have, by emailing Oana at communications@gccn.ie

GCCN Winter Plenary 2023