WHAT IS COMHAIRLE NA NÓG?
Comhairle na nÓg are youth councils which are based in 31 local authority areas in the country. They give young people and children the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies that affect them. Our members then try to influence local decision-makers to achieve their desired outcome, impact or change.
WHO ARE WE?
We are Kerry Comhairle na nÓg and we represent young people aged 12 – 17 years of age from all over County Kerry.
We are from all from different parts of the county as well as different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. We meet at least once a month, usually on a Friday evening or a Saturday and work on our chosen topic, as voted on by you during our Annual General Meeting. We have previously worked on Facilities for Young People and Climate Change as well as Positive Youth Mental Health. This year we will be working on the topic of School and Exam Pressure.
WHY JOIN COMHAIRLE?
All children and young people have a right to be heard in all matters affecting them. If you feel like your voice is not being heard, or you would like to be part of something that values what you have to say, then this is the group for you. We seek to include and encourage ALL young people from every background, ethnicity and ability to participate in Comhairle.
WHERE DO WE MEET?
In Kerry, we hold Comhairle meetings at least once a month, although this increases when we are working on a certain topic or project. We may also have smaller sub group meetings between the main meetings. Meetings are generally held in Tralee although we do try to vary this as much as possible to try to accommodate young people from all over the county. If a meeting is to be held in Cahersiveen for example, we will provide a bus from Listowel or Tralee to travel there. Meetings are also held over Zoom when necessary.
HOW TO JOIN KERRY COMHAIRLE NA NÓG?
To find out more about joining Kerry Comhairle na nÓg contact Ann Marie Spillane annmariespillane@kdys.ie or on 085 787 5138.