There are many changes taking place in the cultural makeup of Ireland as people from various countries and different cultural backgrounds move here and establish their lives and homes in communities. In this context, traditional Irish culture, values and norms are changing significantly as our society becomes more diverse and multicultural. These changes pose new opportunities as well as challenges to both ‘established’ communities and ‘new’ communities alike.

This resource pack encourages young people, youth workers and facilitators to work together  over the course of 17 sessions to explore and debate the themes of identity, the cultural and social changes taking place in our communities and how we can respond positively and creatively to these changes.

When facing fundamental change we all tend to rely on ‘a story ’ of how and why things are changing as this helps us make sense of our own place in such change. Young people have had insufficient support in exploring, debating and putting these changes in context and at times can feel out of place and uncomfortable as a result, often with negative consequences.

Contents:

• Key Values and Concepts
• Module 1: Making Me
• Module 2: In and Out
• Module 3: What’s it to Me?
• Good practice in facilitation and youth work

Note: This resource was piloted across 4 youth projects/services during its development, including with The YMCA, Lourdes Youth and Community Centre (LYCS), SWAN Youth Project and St Michael’s Youth Project.