Local groups learn how to engage corporates
Tallaght Echo - 27th May 2004
DEVELOPING a mutually beneficial relationship between the corporate sector and community groups was central to a recent workshop in Tallaght.
In an attempt to raise awareness on the possibilities businesses have for community groups, beyond merely finance, Business in the Community brought both sides together for a one day information seminar.
The event took place in the National Irish Bank headquarters on the Airton Road, where 25 local groups gathered to learn about the resources available to them through volunteerism among the professional community.
The logic behind the event is that there is untapped goodwill within the corporate sector and if approached correctly community groups can side step costly procedures required to operate in a professional capacity.
These include situations where groups existing on scant revenue streams can be furnished with facilities such as a website.
Mediating between the two sections of society, Tallaght Volunteer Bureau says there are big advantages for community groups if they make proper use of the expertise of staff members in the business community.
Training Officer with the bureau, Clodagh O'Gorman is eager to see those groups work on identifying a need rather than just thinking of demands in terms of money.
She said: "What was good about the seminar was that groups could take a day to think about what they need and how to make the services available relevant to their project.
"What we would like to get across to those groups is that the problem in attracting volunteers is because roles are not being identified and if that is done there are those in business who can be of great service to them."
DEVELOPING a mutually beneficial relationship between the corporate sector and community groups was central to a recent workshop in Tallaght.
In an attempt to raise awareness on the possibilities businesses have for community groups, beyond merely finance, Business in the Community brought both sides together for a one day information seminar.
The event took place in the National Irish Bank headquarters on the Airton Road, where 25 local groups gathered to learn about the resources available to them through volunteerism among the professional community.
The logic behind the event is that there is untapped goodwill within the corporate sector and if approached correctly community groups can side step costly procedures required to operate in a professional capacity.
These include situations where groups existing on scant revenue streams can be furnished with facilities such as a website.
Mediating between the two sections of society, Tallaght Volunteer Bureau says there are big advantages for community groups if they make proper use of the expertise of staff members in the business community.
Training Officer with the bureau, Clodagh O'Gorman is eager to see those groups work on identifying a need rather than just thinking of demands in terms of money.
She said: "What was good about the seminar was that groups could take a day to think about what they need and how to make the services available relevant to their project.
"What we would like to get across to those groups is that the problem in attracting volunteers is because roles are not being identified and if that is done there are those in business who can be of great service to them."