On Thursday 26 November, Sligo PPN hosted their 2020 AGM/Plenary for member groups. Despite the event being an online forum, once again the Sligo community showed up in great force with over 80 people in attendance.
While in normal times, the AGM is a very interactive event which typically features elections, workshops and online discussions, Sarah Wetherald, Resource Worker with Sligo PPN, identified that despite the change in circumstances, it was important to still host the event to provide the opportunity to bring the collective member groups together and to publicly acknowledge the work that the community sector had undertaken across 2020. She opened the night with a public thanks to all in attendance and gave a flavour of the running order for the night.
The event was officially launched by Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cllr Dara Mulvey who took the opportunity to acknowledge the role of the Community Response Forum across Covid-19 and identified that Sligo Public Participation network has been at the heart of much of the local action, instigating and coordinating various initiatives, providing supports, and harnessing the goodwill that exists throughout our communities.
Cllr Mulvey concluded by stating “It has been an incredibly challenging and difficult year for every sector of society, but when you see the collective efforts of organisations such as the PPN and the Local Community Development Committee, you get a sense of real optimism for the future”.
Cllr Mulveys address was followed by a presentation by PPN Secretariat member Paul Tolan who gave attendees an insight into the work of the Sligo PPN across 2020, detailing Covid-19 measures such as the community and business mapping initiative as well as ongoing activity reports from the Network. Key items outlined included the PPN needs analysis and the subsequent response programmes, the County Sligo Community Wellbeing vision and the ongoing environment series. Paul also outlined initial plans for 2021 and attendees were invited to send in suggestions for action. There was also an opportunity at this point in the night for attendees to ask questions of the PPN staff and Secretariat.
Next up was Secretariat member and community representative Gerry O’Connor who gave some useful insights into how community groups can get back on track, where they should put their focus and how to motivate members to re-engage with community activity.
With the formalities over, there was a short Sligo focused quiz with the lucky winners being provided with vouchers supporting the Sligo #Shoplocal campaign. The night finished off with an annual prize draw which offered 2 lucky member groups the chance to win some much needed funds. Winners of the €500 first prize and €250 second prize were Sligo Cycle Campaign and Dromore West Village Enhancement respectively.
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Click Here to watch the video of the introduction to the night and the official opening by Cllr Dara Mulvey
Click Here to view the presentation by Secretariat member Paul Tolan who reviews the work of the PPN across 2020 and plans for 2021
Click Here to view the motivational tips from Secretariat member Gerry O’Connor
CLICK HERE to see the presentation slides