The Connect_May2026

Dear Managers of Volunteers,

Welcome to the May Newsletter!

With summer approaching, Fingal is buzzing with a wide range of activities and opportunities. In this edition, you will find updates on recent initiatives, upcoming events, training opportunities, and information on National Volunteer Week 2026.

Volunteer Expo 2026 and National Volunteer Week 2026

National Volunteering Week is the annual week where all things volunteering are celebrated. Running from 18th to 25th May, National Volunteering Week 2026 centers on the theme “From Every Corner, For Every Cause” which celebrates all the different types of volunteers and volunteering that makes up our communities.

To mark National Volunteer Week, we are hosting Volunteer Expo 2026, bringing together organisations and community groups in Fingal with potential volunteers.

A limited number of tables are still available for organisations wishing to take part. If you would like to participate, please contact us at volunteers@volunteerfingal.ie before Tuesday, 12th May.

Whether you can attend or not, please help us spread the word! 

Please share the Volunteer Expo details and poster/ our posts about the expo on your social media channels or circulate them within your networks, databases, and service users.

If you are around Dublin 15 on the day, make sure to drop by and say hi!

Community Volunteers Program supporting your Summer 2026 events 

Our Community Volunteers Calendar is filling fast with a variety of events taking place this summer. Community Volunteers are trained volunteers who support local events and community gatherings alongside our Community Volunteer Manager.

With the support of Community Volunteers, organisations can focus on delivering a successful event overall, while our volunteers assist with a wide range of event and festival activities, including providing information and assistance, access control and ticket checking, crowd management, and much more…

Reach out to Ruth at info@volunteerfingal.ie if you would like the Community Volunteers to support you on your special day.

Dublin PPNs Summer School 2026 

PPN Summer School 2026 returns this May, delivered in partnership with DCU and the Dublin Public Participation Networks (Dublin City, Fingal, South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown). Running from 25th to 28th May, the programme offers a range of free workshops designed to support and empower PPN members to create positive change in their communities. Sessions will take place both in person at DCU Glasnevin Campus (morning sessions) and online via Zoom (evening sessions).

The Summer School also provides valuable opportunities for networking, shared learning, and collaboration, concluding with a Closing Ceremony and Networking Lunch on 28th May. Click on the registration link below to see the full programme.

*These sessions are organised by the Dublin PPNs. The Fingal Volunteer Centre has no input in it. This is for information only.   

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights Consultation

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) is seeking to understand the challenges faced in day-to-day work relating to civic space in 2025 by organisations working on the ground, along with suggestions for improvement. The inputs are requested through FRA Civic Space Consultation.

The results of this consultation will be published and shared with policymakers, civil society organisations, donors, and the media. They will also help inform the work of EU institutions, including the implementation of the EU Strategy for Civil Society.

Last date to complete the survey is 17th May 2026.

*This Survey is conducted by European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. Fingal Volunteer Centre has no input in it. This is for information only. 

Alliance for Insurance Reform 

Volunteer Ireland, a member of the Alliance for Insurance Reform, is encouraging community and voluntary groups to take part in a short survey on access to insurance.

The survey takes less than one minute to complete and will help highlight the ongoing challenges that insurance costs create for organisations across the country.

Findings will be shared with government ministers, national media, and other key stakeholders. Your feedback will help demonstrate the reality on the ground and support calls for further action.

*This Survey is conducted by Volunteer Ireland. Fingal Volunteer Centre has no input in it. This is for information only.    

Volunteer Centre Pop-up in Libraries

Every month, we visit libraries across Fingal to answer questions and provide guidance to help visitors / organisations get the most from your volunteering programs.

Feel free to drop by to chat with us about your volunteer needs — we would love to meet you!

Schedule of Pop-ups is available at: Volunteer Centre PopUps

Upcoming Training 

Stay up to date with the latest training and events from Volunteer Ireland and other Dublin Volunteer Centres. Key highlights for your diary include:

Volunteering in a digital age Care Alliance Ireland’s online project 
(Monday, 25th May, 11 am to 12pm, online)
This presentation will examine the innovative approach Care Alliance Ireland takes to working with the digital (from home/online) volunteers.

The Volunteer Charter – discovery session
(Thursday, 4th June, 10am to 11.30am, online)
An introduction session to Volunteer Charter: blueprint for building strong, successful partnerships between volunteers and volunteer involving organisations.

Online safety for leaders of volunteers, practical steps that work
(Tuesday, 16th June, 2pm to 5pm,The Snug at Huckeltree, The Academy, 42 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 HV59)
Virtual Routes and Volunteer Ireland are running an in-person workshop on cybersecurity and improving organisation safety online.

Engaging remote workers to strengthen local communities
(Wednesday, 17th June, 10am to 11am, online)
Session by Grow Remote Ireland on involving workers as volunteers.

Volunteering research from the Irish Sports Monitor
(Thursday, 18th June, 11am to 12pm, online)
A session on exploring volunteering research from the Irish Sports Monitor presented by Sports Ireland

Volunteer Leadership Development Training
(Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th June, 10am to 4pm, Maldron Hotel Tallaght, Whitestown Way D24 XC9W Dublin 24)
A 2-day in-depth training for volunteer leaders looking to enhance their skills and strengthen the leadership element of their work.

*These training & events are organised by Volunteer Ireland with their partner organisations and other Dublin Volunteer Centres. Fingal Volunteer Centre has no input in it. This is for information only.