Building capacity within community groups to take
positive actions to address the challenges of Climate Change
About the Project
The “Power to Change” project led by Atlantic Technological University in partnership with the Sligo Public Participation Network is funded under the Community Climate Action Programme.
The project will facilitate connection/reconnection with nature and build capacity within community groups to lead on change and consists of four initiatives. A key focus of the project is to engage with groups that have been under-represented in the Climate Conversations and will be guided by the principles of universal design for research to ensure inclusivity and accessibility. A repository of case studies, good practice guides, and a virtual learning environment will be developed to aid capacity building within community groups, and ultimately establish lasting connections and networks.
For more information on the project and how to get involved please contact Dr Yvonne Lang at Yvonne.lang@atu.ie
The Strands of Power to Change
Community Group Training
and Mentoring Programme
This initiative will provide communities with training, mentoring and guidance to create, implement and maintain operational climate change mitigation and adaptation plans.
Four community groups have been engaging in the project since May 2023 participating in workshops on woodland creation, composting, sensory gardens, and raingardens.
Four additional groups will join the progamme between March-May 2024.
Establish an Education for
Sustainability Network
This initiative aims to establish Climate Education Clubs by developing links between schools and communities and assisting in the co-design of projects related to climate action and sustainability.
The Climate Education Clubs are currently co-creating a nature-based workbook on the Sustainable Development Goals with schoolchildren and schoolteachers in Co. Sligo. The clubs are also working in collaboration with Sligo County Council to establish the Sligo Youth Assembly on Climate Action.
Develop a Living and Learning
Native Woodland Environment
This initiative aims to develop an existing woodland resource and establish a living and learning environment, thereby raising awareness on the role of trees and woodlands in combating climate change and supporting biodiversity.
The Atlantic Technological University in Connemara is developing the Community Native Woodland that was established in 2013. The importance of the woodland from ecological, climate and economic perspectives is shared with local communities. In addition, the woodland serves as an example project to highlight and discuss the challenges and opportunities of woodland establishment.
Community Group Learning Resources
Please click on the icons below to learn more about each topic and access relevant resources.
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Project News and Events
Power to Change Climate Education Clubs – Sligo Youth Assembly on Climate Action meet Sligo Co. Co. SPC 4 Climate Change to discuss the Local Authority Climate Action Plan 2024-2029
The Sligo Youth Assembly on Climate Action is being piloted through the Climate Education Clubs...
Power to Change Community Native Woodland Initiative
October 21st 2023 marked the beginning of a series of engagements with the public on the Connemara...
Power to Change Community Woodland Day hosted at Cloonamahon Native Woodland, Sligo
The opening workshop of the Community Group Mentoring and Training programme was hosted at...
Sligo Tree Trail
What is it?
The trail is a 2.6 km loop around Sligo town and includes trees at locations such as Sligo County Library, City Hall, Sligo Cathedral, Sligo Abbey, and along the banks of the Garavogue.
There are 15 points on the trail and we want to develop information sheets for each point. The information sheets will have content on the species of the tree, interesting points about biodiversity related to the tree, tree folklore, and uses of the tree.
We also want to include social stories on the information sheets and invite submissions for consideration. For example, was there a point on the trail that marks an important memory such as a gathering point for friends or family.
Please share your stories by clicking on the QR code.
Sligo Tree Trail Map
This project is part of the Community Climate Action Programme Strand 2 and is funded by the Government of Ireland through the
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.