Around
200 members attended the Society's Annual General Meeting
held in the University of Ulster Coleraine on Saturday 2nd
September 2006... with the theme of "What Next?"
This
years one day event was organised to help members focus their
minds on our ongoing '3 year plan' and resolve and overcome
any issues as we move forward as a modern charity in Northern
Ireland.
Regional
President Larry McArdle opened the day with
prayer quickly followed by Reg Administrator Aileen
Coney who outlined the programme of events between
10am and 7pm.
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First
speaker of the day was Linda Savage
of the Training & Development Committee who updated
the members on 'Our
Plan'
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Next
was regional treasurer Ray Brady
who spoke on the subjects of 'Sharing
and Caring' within the Society.
After
this members split up into small 'Workshops' to discuss
any issues raised and report back.
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Cormac
Wilson addressed those gathered on the Society's
initiative in our 'Prisons'.
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He
talked about the help offered through visitation and
befriending of many prisoners at Magilligan, Maghaberry
and Hydebank.
For
many prisoners, this can be the only form of contact
with the outside world and can greatly facilitate
their progress towards rehabilitation in the community.
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Regional
President Larry McArdle then introduced the 'Open
Forum' where members had a chance to put questions
to the panel of speakers on a wide variety of topics facing
the Society.
Larry
thanked members and guests for coming along and for their
support during his time in office through the last five years.
Finally,
after 6:00pm Mass,
a Dinner and Social Evening
was held for around 50 members and guests.
Northern
Region AGM Coleraine
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The
afternoon session kicked-off with Twinning Chairperson Rita
Mannion delivering a powerpoint presentation on
the recent fact finding trip to Ghana...
read more 'Here'...
Just
before tea, Sarah-Jane Loughrey,
introduced by Michael Gormley addressed the members
regarding 'Youth Matters'.
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The
newly appointed Youth Development Officer outlined
her role and spoke on the challenges encountered and
achievements since last October. Sarah-Jane reinforced
the commitment and dedication of Youth members on
the ground for the Society, detailing examples of
her school visits, presentations, and talks throughout
the province to emphasise the need for renewal of
the Society through Youth. In addition, Sarah-Jane
spoke enthusiastically about Youth events to date,
and invited members to remain supportive and welcoming
of the Youth Project and of the Youth members.
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Next,
our National President, Mr Brian O'Reilly
gave an enlightening talk on the effects of 'Poverty'
in 21st century Ireland quoting from many statistical
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He
went on to say that the SVP has been actively developing
its views on social policy in order to persuade Government
and others to tackle the disadvantaged in ways we
feel are most effective. Policies include welfare
and low pay; housing and homelessness; education and
health services; energy and waste costs; rural issues
and migrants.
For
the SVP, it offers a vehicle for developing social
policy in favour of those we represent, but also requires
serious commitment of time and resources.
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