In order to realise our Vision and Mission four core strategic objectives will guide our work over the next 5 years. The achievement of these objectives will be supported through comprehensive planning, monitoring and evaluation at an operational level. We will work:

Young people in Ireland deserve the very best quality of provision. Youth work has a tradition of critical reflection and developmental supervision which supports the improvement of our work and this together with a range of other mechanisms will continue to be applied in the interests of improving quality. We also face the challenge of convincing our partners in delivering an integrated response to the needs of young people, that Youth Work has a strong and unique contribution to make as a distinct and professional discipline.

Goals

• To further develop a culture of continuous practice improvement within the organisation.
• To contribute to the development and promotion of a shared understanding of youth work externally.
  .

 

OBJECTIVE 2:To create a climate where the right of young people to participate equally in decisions affecting them is realised

Youth Work Ireland operate from a perspective which is strongly supportive of the realisation of children and young people’s rights and to young people realising those rights through their participation as active and equal citizens. This can be achieved through critiquing and improving our own actions in this regard and through supporting young people in influencing the actions of others.

Goals

• To support young people to realise their right to participate as an end in itself.
• To work alongside young people in ensuring their voices are heard and have an influence in our society.
• To work with and alongside young people to influence the work and practices of Youth Work Ireland.
  .

 

OBJECTIVE 3:To create an environment for the benefit of young people, through influencing legislation, policy and public opinion

We feel strongly that the negative stereotyping of young people significantly diminish their opportunities to achieve and we have a responsibility to challenge this and to promote the vitality and energy of youth at every opportunity. Our experience of direct practice with young people provides with a unique perspective on their situation and this together with research demands that we advocate, either independently or in partnership with others, for positive change

Goals

• To continue to promote positive images of young people.
• To advocate and lobby founded on practice and evidence based research.
• To collaborate with other organisations and agencies.
  .

 

OBJECTIVE 4:To strengthen and develop an effective, innovative and cohesive organisation that can achieve its mission.

A strong organisation maximises our capacity and capability for effecting significant change. We must develop further our ability to learn from experience and build a federation that is robust and capable in building an improved and sustainable future for young people.

Goals

• To build on our effectiveness by nurturing a learning organisation that values the sharing of expertise and practice at all levels.
• To further develop and improve the governance of the Federation to maximise our collective effectiveness.
• To continue to build a shared identity with and ownership of the values and principles of the organisation.
• To continue to develop management structures and systems that maximise the use of human, financial and physical resources.