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| WIP 12-A New Story |
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| THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE PROGRAM |
WIP is going through another challenging period of change and adjustment, as Megan Farrell, our valiant Executive Director in Washington DC, has decided to move back into teaching, her first love. Good Luck Megan, and well done for all your service.
Bryan Patten, our new Program Director in Dublin, took the reins from Jonathan Chesney last year, and brings enormous talents and experience from his time developing Suas. But even Bryan did not expect to having to run the show after being only 8 months on the job. But already, he is putting his own stamp on things and showing a steady hand to lead the program this year, and until a new Executive Director can he hired.
He tells us that part of the new plan is to consult a professional strategic planner to help the WIP Board divine the future role of the program. Back in the early days, no one needed to be convinced that programs like WIP and Project Children were necessary. But that is no longer the case.
The questions that needs to be addressed is -Where does WIP go from here, and where does it want to be in 10 years? The Alums should be a vital part of that conversation, at least in being able to give testimony to what the program meant to them. Furthermore, since our 450 Plus members are the very people shaping the future that new WIP gradiuates are entering, they surely have some critical insights into what role WIP can play from 2011 onwards. |
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| WIPAN 12-A New Story |
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| THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE ALUMNI |
The Alumni continue to emerge through the auspices of the Social Networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn and it is great to see more and more of the old familiar faces show up and sign on. But WIPAN 11 is determined to move the network into a new phase of not just connection but commitment and contribution. We need to build on the platforms we have created.
The Facebook site now has close to 300 members and is attracting more and more attention, but there are 120 plus still to sign up. The Alums one meets are obviously keeping up with some of the news, and we want to invite more Alums to take an active role in driving WIPAN forward.
This is the old wipan web site that Seamus Carey was working on way back in 2006, and it badly needs a makeover, but before we do, we decided that we might as well use the shell as a sort of experiment to see what a new WIPAN site might contain.
With so many alums doing amazing things, it is important to spread the word, and whether it adds new links to your professional network or inspires you to team together in acts of service, the plan for WIPAN 11-A New Story, is to help make more of that happen. So Stay tuned and please get in touch if you have ideas, or can offer some of your own talents.
As you read the old news from 2006, you can see that the Alum network was once a more organized affair that it seems to be now. But it also shows that even back in 2006, there was change and innovation. Ryan Moffett was the Ireland Director and he was about to move on, and there were interesting Community outreaches to Strabane, something that sadly doesn't seem to happen anymore with the graduates when they return to Ireland.
The challenge of any time of change is to make sure you don't throw out the good things that worked and were a key part of the experience. All the more reason then for the Alums to let the WIP Board know what they felt were the most lasting elements of the program, or to put it another way, what things might you say, "whatever you change, don't change this."
Apart from the challenges facing the program, we the Alumni are a graduate community who also need to think of ourselves as a connected yet independent body. It is time we took the lead, and not rely on the program to push and nudge us along. So, welcome to WIPAN 11-A New Story. Herein begins the Opening Chapter.
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| READ WHAT THE ALUMS WERE DOING THE LAST TIME THIS SITE WAS LIVE |
31/08/2006
WIP 2006 Community Service Project
Ryan Moffett has announced details of the WIP 2006 Community Service Project and has invited alumni to join the team in Strabane.
The WIP Class of 2006 will be in Strabane from 7-11th Sept at the Melmount Centre, on the Melmount Road. The Melmount Centre is owned and used by a local Scouts Group. It is run by volunteers and is in need of some help.
This is where WIP come in.
Ryan says, "We will be doing a "make over" of the centre, making it more user friendly. Painting, tidying, cleaning up...as well as working with the Scouts to paint a mural inside.
This project is very tangible and we hope to see a big difference in the Melmount Centre by the time we leave.
We will also be joined by local Councillors to help in the project. Alumni are more than welcome to come and join us at any point."
Ryan can be contacted on his mobile at +44 (0)7974 261648.
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30/08/2006
Class of 2006 Prepare For Re-Entry
Having completed the summer program, the Class of 2006 re-gather at Dublinc City University (DCU)on September 1st-3rd for their Re-Entry Weekend.
DCU is the leading ROI university partner with WIP and helps provide seminar rooms and accommodation for this weekend.
As well as trying to remember their classmates favourite places from orientation, the class will have an opportunity to catch up, evaluate their summer experience and make suggestions for next year's class. Judging from comments on their Bebo pages, they seem to be looking forward to the weekend!
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30/08/2006
5-A-Side Soccer Tournament Launched
The annual football tournament to raise funds for YES will be held on the Friday of the WIP Graduation/ WIPAN AGM weekend.
Entry Deadline date for entering a team is 1pm on Wednesday 13th September. The competition is limited to 8 teams.
Contact James Morrison with your team ASAP by phone at +44-77-0943-3489 or email him.
| Email James Morrison |
 |
The Place
Queen's University Belfast Physical Education Centre (PEC): The PEC can be found in the Botantic Gardens off the Stranmillis Road or alternatively the PEC Car Park is on the Ormeau Embankment. For further directions call James Morrison at +44-77-0943-3489 or QUB PEC at +44-28-9068-1126.
The Time
The first game of the Tournament will start at 6:30pm on Friday 15th September. Teams should be ready at the hall for photos and briefing on the rules before 6:20pm. The final of the Tournament is scheduled to be over at 9:30pm.
The Teams
Eight teams will participate. They will be split into tow groups of four and the top two in each group will progress to the semi finals and final. Each game will be 10 minutes long.
The Players
Each eam can only field five players at any time from their squad during any game. A team can substitute a player at any time during the game. For each female player that a team starts with, that team will receive a goal head start. If a team substitutes their female player(s) they lost that goal head start unless they are replaced with another female player. If a female player is brought on as a substitute the team will ot receive an extra goal.
The Money
Each team member pays a £10 registration fee. Teams can have as many members in their squad as they want. All proceeds going to the Youth Empowerment Scheme.
The Prizes
Prizes for winning team (including the YES Cup), top goal scorer and male & female player of the tournament.
The Cause
All money raised will be donated to the charity, the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES). YES provides a weekly mentoring programme for children aged 11-14 years from diverse backgrounds. YES aims to promote the social inclusion of chilfren from religious, ethnic, educational and socio economic diversity.
For more information, read our flyer.
| Read the Flyer |
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30/08/2006
Vacancy For Program Manager With WIP
The Washington-Ireland Program has recently advertised a vacancy for the position of Program Manager. The position is based in Belfast and reports to the Executive Director. Interested applicants may read the attatched file.
| Read the Job Description |
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29/08/2006
Notice of AGM
NOTICE is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of the Washington Ireland Program Alumni Network (“the Association”) to be held at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast on the 16th day of September 2006 at 1.00 pm.
One of the goals for WIPAN under the Strategic Plan 2005-2007 is the incorporation as a Company Limited by Guarantee and the registration of WIPAN as a charity. The structure of a Company Limited by Guarantee is often used by clubs/association that are not trading for profit and that have charitable aims.The practicalities of incorporation can only be carried out once the new constitution of the Network - the Memorandum & Articles of Association has been approved by the membership in general meeting. The proposed memo & Articles are attached for you to condsider and vote for at the AGM.
Thus, the following resolutions shall be put to the meeting:-
First Resolution
THAT the draft Memorandum & Articles in the form attached hereto be adopted as the Constitution of the Association and that the Association be duly formed and constituted on that basis.
Second Resolution
THAT the persons set out in the List of Proposed Members produced at the meeting be accepted and approved as the founding members of the Association.
Third Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as Chair of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointment.
Fourth Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as Secretary of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointment.
Fifth Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as Treasurer of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointment.
Sixth Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as a member of the management committee of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointments.
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29/08/2006
Charity Ball Update
Plans for the innagural WIPAN Charity Ball are well underway and the most update information can be found on the Charity Ball's dedicated page.
| Visit the Charity Ball website |
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29/08/2006
New WIPAN website launched
Today, marks the launch of a newly designed WIPAN website.
One of the aims of the Executive Committee this year was to build on the great work done by last year's Committee in bringing the website to the fore of the organisation's activities.
To that end, it was felt that a redesign of the website would enable easier updating of news stories, pictures etc and help in creating a professional image for the organisation.
Following consultation, design and implementation stages by the webmaster Seamus Carey along with PRO Martina Callanan and Chair Kathryn Wall, the new site went live this morning.
We'd love to hear some feedback from you and some suggestions on new features, ideas for the site etc.
| Email our webmaster - Seamus Carey |
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14/08/2006
Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir Table Quiz A Success
The Table Quiz at the Castle Inn, Dublin to raise money for the Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir trip to Ireland was a great success.
Whilst racking their brains last night at the Dublin table quiz, alumni, friends and members of the Class of 2006 also dug into their pockets to raise over €770 for Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir. There was a great turnout from members of the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and friends along with a couple of WIP alumni.
The event was organised by Aisling McKenna (2000). Quizmaster and fellow Gardiner Street Gospel Choir member Seamus Carey (2003) kept nearly 20 tables on their toes. Ronan Lyons (2002), Aideen Keenan (2002) and Brian Cooper (2005) were some of the alumni who joined in with Leah Yeung, Noel Rock, Ed Tobin and Michael Barry from the Class of 2006.
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20/08/2006
Where Are They Now? - Terry McGuinness (2003)
Terry McGuinness from the Class of 2003 who is nearing the end of an internship with the United Nations in New York shares with us a bit about himself,the UN and WIP.
Where are you from?
North Belfast
Where did you go and what did you study at university?
I studied law at QUB and international law at the University of Durham
Where are you now?
New York City
Where do you work?
Global Policy Forum, United Nations
What is a typical day at work like?
I start by reading the daily briefings/reports of up to 30 agencies/think tanks/government departments. I update the Security Council portfolio pages on GPF’s website, research on the various issues that are being discussed at the Council and help with the organization of meetings of the NGO Working Group on the Security Council.
How did you choose that career path?
I have always been interested in international relations. I specialized in international law at university, specifically the law regulating relations between states. Since the UN is where most of this law is formed, I came here!
When did the light bulb go off and you decided, 'This is it!'? Or has the light bulb gone off yet?
There are so many careers here at the UN that deal with international relations and law so while I haven’t found my particular niche, my interest in this line of work has only increased since arriving in the US.
What have you been doing for the past six months?
Covering the Security Council portfolio at GPF.
What are the best and least favourite bits about living and working where you do?
There is so much always going on in New York, it’s a very exciting place to live. Least favourite? I suppose it would be distance from my friends at home.
When you were on WIP, what host family did you stay with and where?
Along with Frank McCabe, I stayed with John and Patty Myler in North West DC. I was lucky enough to return to stay on Quesada St the following year when I was on the Management Team.
Please tell us a bit about your work placement.
I interned with the US Conference of Mayors in 2003. I had been attracted to the WIP by the Hill internships offered but the Conference offered an insight to US politics too and as a lobbying group it was a different view than I would have had from a Congressional office.
Back in that summer, what was your ambition?
I ha
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| READ WHAT THE ALUMS WERE DOING THE LAST TIME THIS SITE WAS LIVE |
Ryan says, "We will be doing a "make over" of the centre, making it more user friendly. Painting, tidying, cleaning up...as well as working with the Scouts to paint a mural inside.
This project is very tangible and we hope to see a big difference in the Melmount Centre by the time we leave.
We will also be joined by local Councillors to help in the project. Alumni are more than welcome to come and join us at any point."
Ryan can be contacted on his mobile at +44 (0)7974 261648.
********************
30/08/2006
Class of 2006 Prepare For Re-Entry
Having completed the summer program, the Class of 2006 re-gather at Dublinc City University (DCU)on September 1st-3rd for their Re-Entry Weekend.
DCU is the leading ROI university partner with WIP and helps provide seminar rooms and accommodation for this weekend.
As well as trying to remember their classmates favourite places from orientation, the class will have an opportunity to catch up, evaluate their summer experience and make suggestions for next year's class. Judging from comments on their Bebo pages, they seem to be looking forward to the weekend!
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30/08/2006
New WIPAN Online Forum Launched
As part of the ongoing development of the new WIPAN website at http://www.wipan.org, today sees the launch of the new new WIPAN online forum. The forum will serve as a place for alumni to reconnect and discuss old times and more modern issues of the day.
Unregistered posters will be allow to view the public forum, whilst registered posters will be given various permissions to post in different forums for alumni, WIPAN committee, host-families etc.
| Check out the Forum |
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30/08/2006
5-A-Side Soccer Tournament Launched
The annual football tournament to raise funds for YES will be held on the Friday of the WIP Graduation/ WIPAN AGM weekend.
Entry Deadline date for entering a team is 1pm on Wednesday 13th September. The competition is limited to 8 teams.
Contact James Morrison with your team ASAP by phone at +44-77-0943-3489 or email him.
| Email James Morrison |
|
The Place
Queen's University Belfast Physical Education Centre (PEC): The PEC can be found in the Botantic Gardens off the Stranmillis Road or alternatively the PEC Car Park is on the Ormeau Embankment. For further directions call James Morrison at +44-77-0943-3489 or QUB PEC at +44-28-9068-1126.
The Time
The first game of the Tournament will start at 6:30pm on Friday 15th September. Teams should be ready at the hall for photos and briefing on the rules before 6:20pm. The final of the Tournament is scheduled to be over at 9:30pm.
The Teams
Eight teams will participate. They will be split into tow groups of four and the top two in each group will progress to the semi finals and final. Each game will be 10 minutes long.
The Players
Each eam can only field five players at any time from their squad during any game. A team can substitute a player at any time during the game. For each female player that a team starts with, that team will receive a goal head start. If a team substitutes their female player(s) they lost that goal head start unless they are replaced with another female player. If a female player is brought on as a substitute the team will ot receive an extra goal.
The Money
Each team member pays a £10 registration fee. Teams can have as many members in their squad as they want. All proceeds going to the Youth Empowerment Scheme.
The Prizes
Prizes for winning team (including the YES Cup), top goal scorer and male & female player of the tournament.
The Cause
All money raised will be donated to the charity, the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES). YES provides a weekly mentoring programme for children aged 11-14 years from diverse backgrounds. YES aims to promote the social inclusion of chilfren from religious, ethnic, educational and socio economic diversity.
For more information, read our flyer.
| Read the Flyer |
|
********************
30/08/2006
Vacancy For Program Manager With WIP
The Washington-Ireland Program has recently advertised a vacancy for the position of Program Manager. The position is based in Belfast and reports to the Executive Director. Interested applicants may read the attatched file.
| Read the Job Description |
|
********************
29/08/2006
Notice of AGM
NOTICE is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of the Washington Ireland Program Alumni Network (“the Association”) to be held at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast on the 16th day of September 2006 at 1.00 pm.
One of the goals for WIPAN under the Strategic Plan 2005-2007 is the incorporation as a Company Limited by Guarantee and the registration of WIPAN as a charity. The structure of a Company Limited by Guarantee is often used by clubs/association that are not trading for profit and that have charitable aims.The practicalities of incorporation can only be carried out once the new constitution of the Network - the Memorandum & Articles of Association has been approved by the membership in general meeting. The proposed memo & Articles are attached for you to condsider and vote for at the AGM.
Thus, the following resolutions shall be put to the meeting:-
First Resolution
THAT the draft Memorandum & Articles in the form attached hereto be adopted as the Constitution of the Association and that the Association be duly formed and constituted on that basis.
Second Resolution
THAT the persons set out in the List of Proposed Members produced at the meeting be accepted and approved as the founding members of the Association.
Third Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as Chair of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointment.
Fourth Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as Secretary of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointment.
Fifth Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as Treasurer of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointment.
Sixth Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as a member of the management committee of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointments.
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29/08/2006
Charity Ball Update
Plans for the innagural WIPAN Charity Ball are well underway and the most update information can be found on the Charity Ball's dedicated page.
| Visit the Charity Ball website |
|
********************
29/08/2006
New WIPAN website launched
Today, marks the launch of a newly designed WIPAN website.
One of the aims of the Executive Committee this year was to build on the great work done by last year's Committee in bringing the website to the fore of the organisation's activities.
To that end, it was felt that a redesign of the website would enable easier updating of news stories, pictures etc and help in creating a professional image for the organisation.
Following consultation, design and implementation stages by the webmaster Seamus Carey along with PRO Martina Callanan and Chair Kathryn Wall, the new site went live this morning.
We'd love to hear some feedback from you and some suggestions on new features, ideas for the site etc.
| Email our webmaster - Seamus Carey |
|
********************
14/08/2006
Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir Table Quiz A Success
The Table Quiz at the Castle Inn, Dublin to raise money for the Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir trip to Ireland was a great success.
Whilst racking their brains last night at the Dublin table quiz, alumni, friends and members of the Class of 2006 also dug into their pockets to raise over €770 for Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir. There was a great turnout from members of the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and friends along with a couple of WIP alumni.
The event was organised by Aisling McKenna (2000). Quizmaster and fellow Gardiner Street Gospel Choir member Seamus Carey (2003) kept nearly 20 tables on their toes. Ronan Lyons (2002), Aideen Keenan (2002) and Brian Cooper (2005) were some of the alumni who joined in with Leah Yeung, Noel Rock, Ed Tobin and Michael Barry from the Class of 2006.
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20/08/2006
Where Are They Now? - Terry McGuinness (2003)
Terry McGuinness from the Class of 2003 who is nearing the end of an internship with the United Nations in New York shares with us a bit about himself,the UN and WIP.
Where are you from?
North Belfast
Where did you go and what did you study at university?
I studied law at QUB and international law at the University of Durham
Where are you now?
New York City
Where do you work?
Global Policy Forum, United Nations
What is a typical day at work like?
I start by reading the daily briefings/reports of up to 30 agencies/think tanks/government departments. I update the Security Council portfolio pages on GPF’s website, research on the various issues that are being discussed at the Council and help with the organization of meetings of the NGO Working Group on the Security Council.
How did you choose that career path?
I have always been interested in international relations. I specialized in international law at university, specifically the law regulating relations between states. Since the UN is where most of this law is formed, I came here!
When did the light bulb go off and you decided, 'This is it!'? Or has the light bulb gone off yet?
There are so many careers here at the UN that deal with international relations and law so while I haven’t found my particular niche, my interest in this line of work has only increased since arriving in the US.
What have you been doing for the past six months?
Covering the Security Council portfolio at GPF.
What are the best and least favourite bits about living and working where you do?
There is so much always going on in New York, it’s a very exciting place to live. Least favourite? I suppose it would be distance from my friends at home.
When you were on WIP, what host family did you stay with and where?
Along with Frank McCabe, I stayed with John and Patty Myler in North West DC. I was lucky enough to return to stay on Quesada St the following year when I was on the Management Team.
Please tell us a bit about your work placement.
I interned with the US Conference of Mayors in 2003. I had been attracted to the WIP by the Hill internships offered but the Conference offered an insight to US politics too and as a lobbying group it was a different view than I would have had from a Congressional office.
Back in that summer, what was your ambition?
I had another year of university left and was glad to have that thinking time! My ambitions were simply to make as much of the WIP experience as I could and to work out what was next during the academic year ahead.
How has the WIP experience impacted on your life, personally and professionally?
Research for the Conference of Mayors and the administration of the Management Team were the most practical skills/experience I picked up from my summers in DC. The idealism and ‘big thinking’ that we all have and partake in while in Washington are hard to maintain throughout the year when you arrive back home from the US but I’d like to think these attitudes inspired me to go for my masters degree and underpin my work here at the UN.
What is your favourite memory about your WIP experience?
I think it has to be my relationship with my host family. When Brigid, my host sister, came to Ireland to start a semester of study at UCC, the whole family came for a week’s holiday and it was wonderful to be able to return some of the hospitality they showed me. I visited them a few months ago when back in DC for a weekend. Walking in the door I felt like I was returning home!!
What's the best thing about Ireland, North and South?
The new optimism and positive outlook in Belfast. Its easy to get depressed over sectarian/racist attacks or continued political intransigence but there are so many who now believe that we can take the ‘bull by the horns’ ourselves and forge ahead in making the city a better place. This ambition is evident in everything from the literature festivals springing up around town to the Youth Empowerment Scheme and similar groups.
And the worst thing?
A latent racism and anti-Semitism that prevents us from embracing our island’s potential to be a truly multicultural and progressive society. Following on from the ‘What is Ireland?’ debate: if we don’t speak the Irish language, play Gaelic sports, listen to our music – how are we any more ‘Irish’ than a baby born to Nigerian parents in a Dublin hospital? I don’t deserve Irish citizenship any more than the child of immigrants who seek to build a life in Ireland. Ireland suffered badly in the 20th Century and we have the opportunity now to reverse age old trends of emigration and small ambition. Out of the bleakness of the troubles came a chance for a new start. It’s ironic that an opportunity to start anew would come from something as painful and it’s an opportunity most states would love. While we are a small island with limited resources, we should build this new society on terms as idealistic as possible. Doing so will keep us on the right tracks when we meet the inevitable bumps in the road.
What are your hopes and ambitions for the future, personally, professionally and for WIP?
Get a permanent job, pay back loans and hopefully save up enough to start a doctoral programme in the not-to-distant future! As for the WIP I hope it continues its good work. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my experiences in Washington and time on the Programme.
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12/08/2006
New WIP Alumni Director Position Announced
New Chair of the Washington-Ireland Program Kevin Sullivan is “excited” to announce the new position of a WIP Alumni Director through funding provided by Cooperation Ireland.
Starting this October, the Alumni Director will be based in Belfast and will have responsibility to provide small mini-grants to alumni who want to be creative with their leadership skills and develop projects that help to promote peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. Successful alumni ventures such as the YES mentoring scheme, the Horizons Expo and the recent "What is Ireland?" series demonstrate the desire and ability of alumni to create new community projects.
Full details of the post and application procedure will be announced shortly.
Mr Sullivan believes that “now is the time” for the 300-plus alumni to take leadership roles in developing WIP for the future.
His predecessor echoed his call for active involvement of alumni. Carol Wheeler shares his belief that “WIP's greatest resource is its alums” and predicted, “You can be expecting to hear from him often!"
Some suggested ways to serve and lead:
- Attending the WIPAN AGM and nominate/ vote for the new Executive Committee: Belfast, Sat. 16 Sept. 1pm
- Attending the inaugural WIPAN Charity Ball in aid of WIP – tickets are £45: Belfast, Holiday Inn, Sat. 16 Sept. 7pm
- Running for office on the WIPAN Executive Committee at the AGM
- Fundraising for WIP and alumni ventures
- Developing networks of support for WIP in Northern Ireland and Ireland
- Organising a training session with business leaders/ personal development coaches
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08/08/2006
Kevin Sullivan To Be New Chair Of WIP Board
Kevin Sullivan is the new Chair of the Washington-Ireland Program (WIP) as Carol Wheeler’s service as Chair ends along with the end of the summer of the Class of 2006.
Mr. Sullivan is delighted to have had “the good fortune” to be on the WIP board for several years and he is looking forward to working with returning and new Board members to help grow the WIP. He praised Ms Wheeler as “rather impossible to replace”, and enthused that the Board “will be doing the best we can to build on what she has accomplished in the last 12 years.”
The Irish Ambassador to the US, His Excellency Noel Fahey, recently hosted a dinner on behalf of the Republic to thank Ms Wheeler for her commitment and efforts for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland.
Typically modest, when asked for a few words on her retirement Ms. Wheeler chose to focus on Mr. Sullivan and his accomplishments: “WIP is incredibly fortunate that Kevin has agreed to step into the Chairman's spot. He's already a behind-the-scenes hero, and I'm delighted that he'll now be taking a front-and-centre role in charting WIP's future.”
The change of Chair is not the only one on the WIP Board – Host Dad and Celtic Cup Chair Frank Cantrel is the new Vice-Chair.
Ms. Wheeler will not leave WIP completely – she will remain involved with WIP as the Co-Chair of a newly established Patrons Committee that is now being formed with the help of work placement provider and Board member, Susan Davis.
On behalf of WIP alumni, we extend a warm and grateful 'Thank you!' to Ms Wheeler for being an exceptional role model of a servant leader and giving us the opportunity to develop skills and cross-community and cross-community relationships. We also delightedly welcome Mr. Sullivan as Chair and wish him success in his service.
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06/08/2006
Forum On US/Ireland Relations
The following article appeared in the Daily Ireland newspaper on August 4th, 2006 and was written by an alum of 2002, Hugh Collins.
Over 80 Irish and American dignitaries, including representatives of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Noraid and the American Ireland Fund gathered on Capitol Hill last Wednesday to discuss the future of the Irish-American relationship. The forum, chaired by the Irish ambassador to the US, Mr Noel Fahey, and organized by alumni of the Washington Ireland Program, examined the state of Irish-American relations in fields as diverse as economics, education and foreign policy.
The verdict was overwhelmingly positive. “Ireland remains warmly disposed towards America, and holds America in great affection” commented ambassador Fahey. On the US side too, enthusiasm prevailed. James Walsh, chair of the US-Ireland caucus, described relations between the two nations as “complex and rich.”
Refreshingly, the discussion did not dodge the problems the two countries face in their cooperation in the 21st century. “The politics of the world are changing,” commented representative Walsh. “There is a great disagreement in the world about US foreign policy, and Ireland is a part of that.” Ireland is also part of an international community – the European Union – which many see as a counterbalance to the US. For chairman Walsh, however, Ireland’s position as a leading member of the EU is no obstacle to transatlantic relations. “We in the United States will always look to Ireland for friendship and as a window into Europe.”
The event was the brainchild of two graduates of NUI Galway, Martina Callanan and David Russell. Both are alumni of the Washington-Ireland Program for Service and Leadership, which takes 30 young students from the island of Ireland to Washington DC every summer where they are trained in the qualities of leadership, and work in political offices.“ From Riverdance to the builders of the railroads, the Irish have helped to shape the US,” said Ms Callanan (23). “This Forum is a celebration of this rich relationship, as well as a recognition of the need to continue developing these ties.”
Some had feared such ties would weaken as the flow of young Irish people immigrating to the US declines. Indeed, many have recently noted that previous émigrés have been returning to Ireland as the country’s employment economic prospects improve. Ambassador Fahey, however, emphasized education as the key to maintaining cultural links between the two nations. “The United States has pioneered Irish Studies with top schools in Harvard, Boston and Notre Dame. In Ireland, UCD is leading the way in American studies with the Clinton School.” Representative Walsh echoed this youthful emphasis, and describing cultural exchanges such as the forum as “critical” to the US – Irish relationship.
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05/08/2006
Where Are They Now? (Noel Griffin)
Noel Griffin from 1998 (when WIP was known as YL, or Young Leaders) catches up with WIPAN and is asked twenty tough questions.
1. Where are you from?
A small seaside town in south Galway called Kinvara.
2. What did you do in university?
My first attempt was Manufacturing Engineering, at Brunel University in West London, but I finally graduated with a degree in Modern History and Politics from QUB in 2000.
3. Where are you now?
Belfast city centre
4. What do you work as?
I am a Staff Officer in the Department for Employment and Learning NI. I have worked in Training Programmes Branch since starting in October 2003, in the policy unit responsible for the Department's Jobskills Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme. We are currently involved in reconfiguring the replacement for the Jobskills programme which will encompass 16-25 year olds. It's perhaps the most important thing to happen to vocational training in NI for the last 10 years and will play a considerable role in shaping the future development of the province.
5. What is a typical day like?
There is no such thing as a typical day at work. These days the thing that can be counted on is that each day will bring some crazy deadline that is more important than the 20 other deadlines I already have.
The reconfiguration of Professional and Technical Training (previously known in the real world as vocational training) is the biggest project and work for that is pretty varied. I spend a lot of my time providing advice and guidance to the network of Training Organisations involved in the delivery of Modern Apprenticeships across NI. I also manage the annual Modern Apprenticeship of the Year Awards which is quite fun.
Like many other branches in the Civil Service we also have to respond to all manner of requests for information including letters to the Minister or the Department and Parliamentary Questions. All of which have to be answered within strict timescales and many also require comprehensive background information. Some of these can be real duseys, I had recently required part-input from 6 different Departments!
6. How did you choose that career path?
Well there are a number of contributing factors. I was very taken with the whole idea of Pro-Bono work while in the States. I also happen to be of the sad delusion that the civil service should be the most exciting and challenging place to work as you are responsible for so much of the way that society develops. I also kind of was not quite finished with Belfast.
7. When did the light bulb go off and you decided, 'This is it!'? Or has the light bulb gone off yet?
I still have no idea what I want to do when I grow up.
8. What have you been doing for the past six months?
I just finished an A-Level in Photography which was a lot of fun, frustration and sleepless nights. I am now looking at doing a part-time Higher National Diploma (HND). I have also been working with the YES programme. I was briefly involved with a Drama Group here in Belfast which strangely enough my first two performances with were in Galway, which I have to say was rather surreal.
9. What are the best and least favourite bits about living in Belfast?
I do like the fact that I have only an 8 min walk to work in the morning. It is a very compact city. People are very friendly and it has been very good to me over the years. It does take for ever to get back to Galway though. More recently I have been missing an accent from home, strange the things you miss.
10. What motivates you?
Really depends on the time of day, day of the week, and the month of the year. Few things motivate better than a deadline except, perhaps, good vanilla ice-cream.
11. What do you care about? What is your passion? And what do you do to demonstrate that?
Tough question to answer with out sounding twee. I suppose I am starting to develop a passion for Photography. I care about active participation in politics. I always vote and gently prod, sometimes not so gently, at people who don't. I love the theatre, opera and classical music. I used to be a competition set-dancer but have recently attempted to try other forms, but for the better classes here in Belfast you need a regular dance partner which is surprisingly difficult to come by. People can be so shy but I am open to offers.
12. When you were a Young Leader, what host family did you stay with and where?
I was on the Young Leaders Programme in 1998 and returned the following year as a co-ordinator with Claire Kirk.
During the first year I stayed with Jack and Joanne Donohue, just inside Fairfax County I think. I shared with Nigel Hamilton. I went back to stay with them the next year and it really was like coming home. They treated Nigel and I so well over there that I have to say that they are the outstanding memory I have of my time in America.
The second year I stayed with Kathie and Ritch, in their basement as they had forgot to arrange alternative accommodation for me. William Boyd also stayed with Kathie and Ritch.
13. Any notable stories about that from your summer?
Quite a few, not all that I would be willing to put down in writing! We were one of the last years that travelled with the Project Children kids: imagine Dublin to New York in a plane full of 8-12 year old kids many from troubled backgrounds, and half way across the Atlantic they managed to set off the emergency evacuation alarm.
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church was definitely a high point, even to a raving atheist like myself.
14. What was your work placement like?
Senator Ron Wyden. Back then we only had 4 weeks. The office of the Senator had been involved with the programme since the start, but they did not know what to make of me as an Irish person - I was the first Irish intern they could understand, I didn't drink and I was an atheist.
I really loved that office a very laid back atmosphere but very professional and cosmopolitan atmosphere. There were actually two of us from the programme there. Due to a muck up in her primary placement Gillian Fergusson, who was living with the Wydens, also interned there. We were involved in answering phones at the front desk, sorting mail, did some research for the staff and got a chance to write some responses on behalf of the Senator. The staff were surprised how well we managed to adapt to their way of writing so quickly. The other interns were from the top universities in America and it was a kick to be able to hold your own especially when you knew very little about what was going on there.
15. Back in that summer, what was your ambition?
I am not sure that I had one at the time, I was just glad to be there and strangely enough it felt very natural to be there. I know Paul had an ambition for me to come back and set up a youth political party that would spark a revolution here in the North, which is where the seeds of the alumni association was born I suppose.
16. How has the WIP/ YL experience impacted on your life, personally and professionally?
A tough one. On a professional level it has not helped in any direct way. I know that some people suffered from looking over qualified for jobs when they used it too much. On a personal level I would still hold some of those I met on the programme as good friends, even if we do not see each other all that often these days.
17. What is your favourite memory about your summer experience?
The experience of staying with my host family.
18. What's the best thing about Ireland, North and South?
Recent prosperity has lead to more and more people travelling abroad and coming back to Ireland somewhat enriched by their experiences more confident as a people and less of the MOPE (Most Oppressed People Ever) syndrome.
19. And the worst thing?
We can still be somewhat belligerently insular and resistant to change which we sometimes express in rather nasty ways.
20. What are your hopes and ambitions for the future, personally, professionally and for WIP?
Personally I suppose I am looking forward to my HND in Photography and the chance to explore my new hobby, which is both a solo activity and a group one. This is, I have to say, is one of its main appeals to me.
Professionally at the moment I am just trying to keep my head and get to the end of the whole process of implementing the results of the reconfiguration of vocational training in NI. That will come to an end in March 2007. I don't think I am a career Civil Servant at this time but I plan to try and get as much out of my time in the service as I can. I also plan to get out of Belfast one of these days too.
For WIP: This one is a tough one. I used to have lots of long hard discussions with Paul and others about its future. I suppose more recently I have had less time to do so. I do feel however that the time is coming where it will have to reinvent itself and re-position itself if it is to be seen as relevant in the current situation in Ireland, especially if the Assembly gets up and running. Public funding is becoming harder to come by. While the future standing of WIP is by no means certain there is every possibility that it will continue to exist for another 10 years providing the extraordinary experiences to many more unsuspecting groups of young people from both sides of the border.
********************
03/08/2006
WIPAN AGM Reminder
Don't forget that the WIPAN AGM will take place on Saturday 16 September 2006 at 1pm in Belfast. Venue TBC.
The third weekend in September is the usual time for WIP and WIPAN reunions and festivites.
On the evening of Friday 15 September the annual chairty Five-a-Side Soccer Tournament will be held. The Class of 2006 will also graduate from the program.
The WIPAN AGM will be held on Saturday afternoon. That evening the inaugural WIPAN Charity Ball will take place
It promises to be a great weekend, so make a spot for it in your diaries!
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d another year of university left and was glad to have that thinking time! My ambitions were simply to make as much of the WIP experience as I could and to work out what was next during the academic year ahead.
How has the WIP experience impacted on your life, personally and professionally?
Research for the Conference of Mayors and the administration of the Management Team were the most practical skills/experience I picked up from my summers in DC. The idealism and ‘big thinking’ that we all have and partake in while in Washington are hard to maintain throughout the year when you arrive back home from the US but I’d like to think these attitudes inspired me to go for my masters degree and underpin my work here at the UN.
What is your favourite memory about your WIP experience?
I think it has to be my relationship with my host family. When Brigid, my host sister, came to Ireland to start a semester of study at UCC, the whole family came for a week’s holiday and it was wonderful to be able to return some of the hospitality they showed me. I visited them a few months ago when back in DC for a weekend. Walking in the door I felt like I was returning home!!
What's the best thing about Ireland, North and South?
The new optimism and positive outlook in Belfast. Its easy to get depressed over sectarian/racist attacks or continued political intransigence but there are so many who now believe that we can take the ‘bull by the horns’ ourselves and forge ahead in making the city a better place. This ambition is evident in everything from the literature festivals springing up around town to the Youth Empowerment Scheme and similar groups.
And the worst thing?
A latent racism and anti-Semitism that prevents us from embracing our island’s potential to be a truly multicultural and progressive society. Following on from the ‘What is Ireland?’ debate: if we don’t speak the Irish language, play Gaelic sports, listen to our music – how are we any more ‘Irish’ than a baby born to Nigerian parents in a Dublin hospital? I don’t deserve Irish citizenship any more than the child of immigrants who seek to build a life in Ireland. Ireland suffered badly in the 20th Century and we have the opportunity now to reverse age old trends of emigration and small ambition. Out of the bleakness of the troubles came a chance for a new start. It’s ironic that an opportunity to start anew would come from something as painful and it’s an opportunity most states would love. While we are a small island with limited resources, we should build this new society on terms as idealistic as possible. Doing so will keep us on the right tracks when we meet the inevitable bumps in the road.
What are your hopes and ambitions for the future, personally, professionally and for WIP?
Get a permanent job, pay back loans and hopefully save up enough to start a doctoral programme in the not-to-distant future! As for the WIP I hope it continues its good work. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my experiences in Washington and time on the Programme.
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12/08/2006
New WIP Alumni Director Position Announced
New Chair of the Washington-Ireland Program Kevin Sullivan is “excited” to announce the new position of a WIP Alumni Director through funding provided by Cooperation Ireland.
Starting this October, the Alumni Director will be based in Belfast and will have responsibility to provide small mini-grants to alumni who want to be creative with their leadership skills and develop projects that help to promote peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. Successful alumni ventures such as the YES mentoring scheme, the Horizons Expo and the recent "What is Ireland?" series demonstrate the desire and ability of alumni to create new community projects.
Full details of the post and application procedure will be announced shortly.
Mr Sullivan believes that “now is the time” for the 300-plus alumni to take leadership roles in developing WIP for the future.
His predecessor echoed his call for active involvement of alumni. Carol Wheeler shares his belief that “WIP's greatest resource is its alums” and predicted, “You can be expecting to hear from him often!"
Some suggested ways to serve and lead:
- Attending the WIPAN AGM and nominate/ vote for the new Executive Committee: Belfast, Sat. 16 Sept. 1pm
- Attending the inaugural WIPAN Charity Ball in aid of WIP – tickets are £45: Belfast, Holiday Inn, Sat. 16 Sept. 7pm
- Running for office on the WIPAN Executive Committee at the AGM
- Fundraising for WIP and alumni ventures
- Developing networks of support for WIP in Northern Ireland and Ireland
- Organising a training session with business leaders/ personal development coaches
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08/08/2006
Kevin Sullivan To Be New Chair Of WIP Board
Kevin Sullivan is the new Chair of the Washington-Ireland Program (WIP) as Carol Wheeler’s service as Chair ends along with the end of the summer of the Class of 2006.
Mr. Sullivan is delighted to have had “the good fortune” to be on the WIP board for several years and he is looking forward to working with returning and new Board members to help grow the WIP. He praised Ms Wheeler as “rather impossible to replace”, and enthused that the Board “will be doing the best we can to build on what she has accomplished in the last 12 years.”
The Irish Ambassador to the US, His Excellency Noel Fahey, recently hosted a dinner on behalf of the Republic to thank Ms Wheeler for her commitment and efforts for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland.
Typically modest, when asked for a few words on her retirement Ms. Wheeler chose to focus on Mr. Sullivan and his accomplishments: “WIP is incredibly fortunate that Kevin has agreed to step into the Chairman's spot. He's already a behind-the-scenes hero, and I'm delighted that he'll now be taking a front-and-centre role in charting WIP's future.”
The change of Chair is not the only one on the WIP Board – Host Dad and Celtic Cup Chair Frank Cantrel is the new Vice-Chair.
Ms. Wheeler will not leave WIP completely – she will remain involved with WIP as the Co-Chair of a newly established Patrons Committee that is now being formed with the help of work placement provider and Board member, Susan Davis.
On behalf of WIP alumni, we extend a warm and grateful 'Thank you!' to Ms Wheeler for being an exceptional role model of a servant leader and giving us the opportunity to develop skills and cross-community and cross-community relationships. We also delightedly welcome Mr. Sullivan as Chair and wish him success in his service.
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06/08/2006
Forum On US/Ireland Relations
The following article appeared in the Daily Ireland newspaper on August 4th, 2006 and was written by an alum of 2002, Hugh Collins.
Over 80 Irish and American dignitaries, including representatives of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Noraid and the American Ireland Fund gathered on Capitol Hill last Wednesday to discuss the future of the Irish-American relationship. The forum, chaired by the Irish ambassador to the US, Mr Noel Fahey, and organized by alumni of the Washington Ireland Program, examined the state of Irish-American relations in fields as diverse as economics, education and foreign policy.
The verdict was overwhelmingly positive. “Ireland remains warmly disposed towards America, and holds America in great affection” commented ambassador Fahey. On the US side too, enthusiasm prevailed. James Walsh, chair of the US-Ireland caucus, described relations between the two nations as “complex and rich.”
Refreshingly, the discussion did not dodge the problems the two countries face in their cooperation in the 21st century. “The politics of the world are changing,” commented representative Walsh. “There is a great disagreement in the world about US foreign policy, and Ireland is a part of that.” Ireland is also part of an international community – the European Union – which many see as a counterbalance to the US. For chairman Walsh, however, Ireland’s position as a leading member of the EU is no obstacle to transatlantic relations. “We in the United States will always look to Ireland for friendship and as a window into Europe.”
The event was the brainchild of two graduates of NUI Galway, Martina Callanan and David Russell. Both are alumni of the Washington-Ireland Program for Service and Leadership, which takes 30 young students from the island of Ireland to Washington DC every summer where they are trained in the qualities of leadership, and work in political offices.“ From Riverdance to the builders of the railroads, the Irish have helped to shape the US,” said Ms Callanan (23). “This Forum is a celebration of this rich relationship, as well as a recognition of the need to continue developing these ties.”
Some had feared such ties would weaken as the flow of young Irish people immigrating to the US declines. Indeed, many have recently noted that previous émigrés have been returning to Ireland as the country’s employment economic prospects improve. Ambassador Fahey, however, emphasized education as the key to maintaining cultural links between the two nations. “The United States has pioneered Irish Studies with top schools in Harvard, Boston and Notre Dame. In Ireland, UCD is leading the way in American studies with the Clinton School.” Representative Walsh echoed this youthful emphasis, and describing cultural exchanges such as the forum as “critical” to the US – Irish relationship.
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05/08/2006
Where Are They Now? (Noel Griffin)
Noel Griffin from 1998 (when WIP was known as YL, or Young Leaders) catches up with WIPAN and is asked twenty tough questions.
1. Where are you from?
A small seaside town in south Galway called Kinvara.
2. What did you do in university?
My first attempt was Manufacturing Engineering, at Brunel University in West London, but I finally graduated with a degree in Modern History and Politics from QUB in 2000.
3. Where are you now?
Belfast city centre
4. What do you work as?
I am a Staff Officer in the Department for Employment and Learning NI. I have worked in Training Programmes Branch since starting in October 2003, in the policy unit responsible for the Department's Jobskills Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme. We are currently involved in reconfiguring the replacement for the Jobskills programme which will encompass 16-25 year olds. It's perhaps the most important thing to happen to vocational training in NI for the last 10 years and will play a considerable role in shaping the future development of the province.
5. What is a typical day like?
There is no such thing as a typical day at work. These days the thing that can be counted on is that each day will bring some crazy deadline that is more important than the 20 other deadlines I already have.
The reconfiguration of Professional and Technical Training (previously known in the real world as vocational training) is the biggest project and work for that is pretty varied. I spend a lot of my time providing advice and guidance to the network of Training Organisations involved in the delivery of Modern Apprenticeships across NI. I also manage the annual Modern Apprenticeship of the Year Awards which is quite fun.
Like many other branches in the Civil Service we also have to respond to all manner of requests for information including letters to the Minister or the Department and Parliamentary Questions. All of which have to be answered within strict timescales and many also require comprehensive background information. Some of these can be real duseys, I had recently required part-input from 6 different Departments!
6. How did you choose that career path?
Well there are a number of contributing factors. I was very taken with the whole idea of Pro-Bono work while in the States. I also happen to be of the sad delusion that the civil service should be the most exciting and challenging place to work as you are responsible for so much of the way that society develops. I also kind of was not quite finished with Belfast.
7. When did the light bulb go off and you decided, 'This is it!'? Or has the light bulb gone off yet?
I still have no idea what I want to do when I grow up.
8. What have you been doing for the past six months?
I just finished an A-Level in Photography which was a lot of fun, frustration and sleepless nights. I am now looking at doing a part-time Higher National Diploma (HND). I have also been working with the YES programme. I was briefly involved with a Drama Group here in Belfast which strangely enough my first two performances with were in Galway, which I have to say was rather surreal.
9. What are the best and least favourite bits about living in Belfast?
I do like the fact that I have only an 8 min walk to work in the morning. It is a very compact city. People are very friendly and it has been very good to me over the years. It does take for ever to get back to Galway though. More recently I have been missing an accent from home, strange the things you miss.
10. What motivates you?
Really depends on the time of day, day of the week, and the month of the year. Few things motivate better than a deadline except, perhaps, good vanilla ice-cream.
11. What do you care about? What is your passion? And what do you do to demonstrate that?
Tough question to answer with out sounding twee. I suppose I am starting to develop a passion for Photography. I care about active participation in politics. I always vote and gently prod, sometimes not so gently, at people who don't. I love the theatre, opera and classical music. I used to be a competition set-dancer but have recently attempted to try other forms, but for the better classes here in Belfast you need a regular dance partner which is surprisingly difficult to come by. People can be so shy but I am open to offers.
12. When you were a Young Leader, what host family did you stay with and where?
I was on the Young Leaders Programme in 1998 and returned the following year as a co-ordinator with Claire Kirk.
During the first year I stayed with Jack and Joanne Donohue, just inside Fairfax County I think. I shared with Nigel Hamilton. I went back to stay with them the next year and it really was like coming home. They treated Nigel and I so well over there that I have to say that they are the outstanding memory I have of my time in America.
The second year I stayed with Kathie and Ritch, in their basement as they had forgot to arrange alternative accommodation for me. William Boyd also stayed with Kathie and Ritch.
13. Any notable stories about that from your summer?
Quite a few, not all that I would be willing to put down in writing! We were one of the last years that travelled with the Project Children kids: imagine Dublin to New York in a plane full of 8-12 year old kids many from troubled backgrounds, and half way across the Atlantic they managed to set off the emergency evacuation alarm.
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church was definitely a high point, even to a raving atheist like myself.
14. What was your work placement like?
Senator Ron Wyden. Back then we only had 4 weeks. The office of the Senator had been involved with the programme since the start, but they did not know what to make of me as an Irish person - I was the first Irish intern they could understand, I didn't drink and I was an atheist.
I really loved that office a very laid back atmosphere but very professional and cosmopolitan atmosphere. There were actually two of us from the programme there. Due to a muck up in her primary placement Gillian Fergusson, who was living with the Wydens, also interned there. We were involved in answering phones at the front desk, sorting mail, did some research for the staff and got a chance to write some responses on behalf of the Senator. The staff were surprised how well we managed to adapt to their way of writing so quickly. The other interns were from the top universities in America and it was a kick to be able to hold your own especially when you knew very little about what was going on there.
15. Back in that summer, what was your ambition?
I am not sure that I had one at the time, I was just glad to be there and strangely enough it felt very natural to be there. I know Paul had an ambition for me to come back and set up a youth political party that would spark a revolution here in the North, which is where the seeds of the alumni association was born I suppose.
16. How has the WIP/ YL experience impacted on your life, personally and professionally?
A tough one. On a professional level it has not helped in any direct way. I know that some people suffered from looking over qualified for jobs when they used it too much. On a personal level I would still hold some of those I met on the programme as good friends, even if we do not see each other all that often these days.
17. What is your favourite memory about your summer experience?
The experience of staying with my host family.
18. What's the best thing about Ireland, North and South?
Recent prosperity has lead to more and more people travelling abroad and coming back to Ireland somewhat enriched by their experiences more confident as a people and less of the MOPE (Most Oppressed People Ever) syndrome.
19. And the worst thing?
We can still be somewhat belligerently insular and resistant to change which we sometimes express in rather nasty ways.
20. What are your hopes and ambitions for the future, personally, professionally and for WIP?
Personally I suppose I am looking forward to my HND in Photography and the chance to explore my new hobby, which is both a solo activity and a group one. This is, I have to say, is one of its main appeals to me.
Professionally at the moment I am just trying to keep my head and get to the end of the whole process of implementing the results of the reconfiguration of vocational training in NI. That will come to an end in March 2007. I don't think I am a career Civil Servant at this time but I plan to try and get as much out of my time in the service as I can. I also plan to get out of Belfast one of these days too.
For WIP: This one is a tough one. I used to have lots of long hard discussions with Paul and others about its future. I suppose more recently I have had less time to do so. I do feel however that the time is coming where it will have to reinvent itself and re-position itself if it is to be seen as relevant in the current situation in Ireland, especially if the Assembly gets up and running. Public funding is becoming harder to come by. While the future standing of WIP is by no means certain there is every possibility that it will continue to exist for another 10 years providing the extraordinary experiences to many more unsuspecting groups of young people from both sides of the border.
********************
03/08/2006
WIPAN AGM Reminder
Don't forget that the WIPAN AGM will take place on Saturday 16 September 2006 at 1pm in Belfast. Venue TBC.
The third weekend in September is the usual time for WIP and WIPAN reunions and festivites.
On the evening of Friday 15 September the annual chairty Five-a-Side Soccer Tournament will be held. The Class of 2006 will also graduate from the program.
The WIPAN AGM will be held on Saturday afternoon. That evening the inaugural WIPAN Charity Ball will take place
It promises to be a great weekend, so make a spot for it in your diaries!
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| READ WHAT THE ALUMS WERE DOING THE LAST TIME THIS SITE WAS LIVE |
31/08/2006
WIP 2006 Community Service Project
Ryan Moffett has announced details of the WIP 2006 Community Service Project and has invited alumni to join the team in Strabane.
The WIP Class of 2006 will be in Strabane from 7-11th Sept at the Melmount Centre, on the Melmount Road. The Melmount Centre is owned and used by a local Scouts Group. It is run by volunteers and is in need of some help.
This is where WIP come in.
Ryan says, "We will be doing a "make over" of the centre, making it more user friendly. Painting, tidying, cleaning up...as well as working with the Scouts to paint a mural inside.
This project is very tangible and we hope to see a big difference in the Melmount Centre by the time we leave.
We will also be joined by local Councillors to help in the project. Alumni are more than welcome to come and join us at any point."
Ryan can be contacted on his mobile at +44 (0)7974 261648.
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30/08/2006
Class of 2006 Prepare For Re-Entry
Having completed the summer program, the Class of 2006 re-gather at Dublinc City University (DCU)on September 1st-3rd for their Re-Entry Weekend.
DCU is the leading ROI university partner with WIP and helps provide seminar rooms and accommodation for this weekend.
As well as trying to remember their classmates favourite places from orientation, the class will have an opportunity to catch up, evaluate their summer experience and make suggestions for next year's class. Judging from comments on their Bebo pages, they seem to be looking forward to the weekend!
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30/08/2006
New WIPAN Online Forum Launched
As part of the ongoing development of the new WIPAN website at http://www.wipan.org, today sees the launch of the new new WIPAN online forum. The forum will serve as a place for alumni to reconnect and discuss old times and more modern issues of the day.
Unregistered posters will be allow to view the public forum, whilst registered posters will be given various permissions to post in different forums for alumni, WIPAN committee, host-families etc.
| Check out the Forum |
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30/08/2006
5-A-Side Soccer Tournament Launched
The annual football tournament to raise funds for YES will be held on the Friday of the WIP Graduation/ WIPAN AGM weekend.
Entry Deadline date for entering a team is 1pm on Wednesday 13th September. The competition is limited to 8 teams.
Contact James Morrison with your team ASAP by phone at +44-77-0943-3489 or email him.
| Email James Morrison |
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The Place
Queen's University Belfast Physical Education Centre (PEC): The PEC can be found in the Botantic Gardens off the Stranmillis Road or alternatively the PEC Car Park is on the Ormeau Embankment. For further directions call James Morrison at +44-77-0943-3489 or QUB PEC at +44-28-9068-1126.
The Time
The first game of the Tournament will start at 6:30pm on Friday 15th September. Teams should be ready at the hall for photos and briefing on the rules before 6:20pm. The final of the Tournament is scheduled to be over at 9:30pm.
The Teams
Eight teams will participate. They will be split into tow groups of four and the top two in each group will progress to the semi finals and final. Each game will be 10 minutes long.
The Players
Each eam can only field five players at any time from their squad during any game. A team can substitute a player at any time during the game. For each female player that a team starts with, that team will receive a goal head start. If a team substitutes their female player(s) they lost that goal head start unless they are replaced with another female player. If a female player is brought on as a substitute the team will ot receive an extra goal.
The Money
Each team member pays a £10 registration fee. Teams can have as many members in their squad as they want. All proceeds going to the Youth Empowerment Scheme.
The Prizes
Prizes for winning team (including the YES Cup), top goal scorer and male & female player of the tournament.
The Cause
All money raised will be donated to the charity, the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES). YES provides a weekly mentoring programme for children aged 11-14 years from diverse backgrounds. YES aims to promote the social inclusion of chilfren from religious, ethnic, educational and socio economic diversity.
For more information, read our flyer.
| Read the Flyer |
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30/08/2006
Vacancy For Program Manager With WIP
The Washington-Ireland Program has recently advertised a vacancy for the position of Program Manager. The position is based in Belfast and reports to the Executive Director. Interested applicants may read the attatched file.
| Read the Job Description |
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29/08/2006
Notice of AGM
NOTICE is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of the Washington Ireland Program Alumni Network (“the Association”) to be held at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast on the 16th day of September 2006 at 1.00 pm.
One of the goals for WIPAN under the Strategic Plan 2005-2007 is the incorporation as a Company Limited by Guarantee and the registration of WIPAN as a charity. The structure of a Company Limited by Guarantee is often used by clubs/association that are not trading for profit and that have charitable aims.The practicalities of incorporation can only be carried out once the new constitution of the Network - the Memorandum & Articles of Association has been approved by the membership in general meeting. The proposed memo & Articles are attached for you to condsider and vote for at the AGM.
Thus, the following resolutions shall be put to the meeting:-
First Resolution
THAT the draft Memorandum & Articles in the form attached hereto be adopted as the Constitution of the Association and that the Association be duly formed and constituted on that basis.
Second Resolution
THAT the persons set out in the List of Proposed Members produced at the meeting be accepted and approved as the founding members of the Association.
Third Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as Chair of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointment.
Fourth Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as Secretary of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointment.
Fifth Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as Treasurer of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointment.
Sixth Resolution
THAT any members who have previously indicated their willingness to act as a member of the management committee of the Association, now be put forward to be proposed and seconded as such by any members of the Association, and the members to vote upon such appointments.
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29/08/2006
Charity Ball Update
Plans for the innagural WIPAN Charity Ball are well underway and the most update information can be found on the Charity Ball's dedicated page.
| Visit the Charity Ball website |
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29/08/2006
New WIPAN website launched
Today, marks the launch of a newly designed WIPAN website.
One of the aims of the Executive Committee this year was to build on the great work done by last year's Committee in bringing the website to the fore of the organisation's activities.
To that end, it was felt that a redesign of the website would enable easier updating of news stories, pictures etc and help in creating a professional image for the organisation.
Following consultation, design and implementation stages by the webmaster Seamus Carey along with PRO Martina Callanan and Chair Kathryn Wall, the new site went live this morning.
We'd love to hear some feedback from you and some suggestions on new features, ideas for the site etc.
| Email our webmaster - Seamus Carey |
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14/08/2006
Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir Table Quiz A Success
The Table Quiz at the Castle Inn, Dublin to raise money for the Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir trip to Ireland was a great success.
Whilst racking their brains last night at the Dublin table quiz, alumni, friends and members of the Class of 2006 also dug into their pockets to raise over €770 for Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir. There was a great turnout from members of the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and friends along with a couple of WIP alumni.
The event was organised by Aisling McKenna (2000). Quizmaster and fellow Gardiner Street Gospel Choir member Seamus Carey (2003) kept nearly 20 tables on their toes. Ronan Lyons (2002), Aideen Keenan (2002) and Brian Cooper (2005) were some of the alumni who joined in with Leah Yeung, Noel Rock, Ed Tobin and Michael Barry from the Class of 2006.
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20/08/2006
Where Are They Now? - Terry McGuinness (2003)
Terry McGuinness from the Class of 2003 who is nearing the end of an internship with the United Nations in New York shares with us a bit about himself,the UN and WIP.
Where are you from?
North Belfast
Where did you go and what did you study at university?
I studied law at QUB and international law at the University of Durham
Where are you now?
New York City
Where do you work?
Global Policy Forum, United Nations
What is a typical day at work like?
I start by reading the daily briefings/reports of up to 30 agencies/think tanks/government departments. I update the Security Council portfolio pages on GPF’s website, research on the various issues that are being discussed at the Council and help with the organization of meetings of the NGO Working Group on the Security Council.
How did you choose that career path?
I have always been interested in international relations. I specialized in international law at university, specifically the law regulating relations between states. Since the UN is where most of this law is formed, I came here!
When did the light bulb go off and you decided, 'This is it!'? Or has the light bulb gone off yet?
There are so many careers here at the UN that deal with international relations and law so while I haven’t found my particular niche, my interest in this line of work has only increased since arriving in the US.
What have you been doing for the past six months?
Covering the Security Council portfolio at GPF.
What are the best and least favourite bits about living and working where you do?
There is so much always going on in New York, it’s a very exciting place to live. Least favourite? I suppose it would be distance from my friends at home.
When you were on WIP, what host family did you stay with and where?
Along with Frank McCabe, I stayed with John and Patty Myler in North West DC. I was lucky enough to return to stay on Quesada St the following year when I was on the Management Team.
Please tell us a bit about your work placement.
I interned with the US Conference of Mayors in 2003. I had been attracted to the WIP by the Hill internships offered but the Conference offered an insight to US politics too and as a lobbying group it was a different view than I would have had from a Congressional office.
Back in that summer, what was your ambition?
I had another year of university left and was glad to have that thinking time! My ambitions were simply to make as much of the WIP experience as I could and to work out what was next during the academic year ahead.
How has the WIP experience impacted on your life, personally and professionally?
Research for the Conference of Mayors and the administration of the Management Team were the most practical skills/experience I picked up from my summers in DC. The idealism and ‘big thinking’ that we all have and partake in while in Washington are hard to maintain throughout the year when you arrive back home from the US but I’d like to think these attitudes inspired me to go for my masters degree and underpin my work here at the UN.
What is your favourite memory about your WIP experience?
I think it has to be my relationship with my host family. When Brigid, my host sister, came to Ireland to start a semester of study at UCC, the whole family came for a week’s holiday and it was wonderful to be able to return some of the hospitality they showed me. I visited them a few months ago when back in DC for a weekend. Walking in the door I felt like I was returning home!!
What's the best thing about Ireland, North and South?
The new optimism and positive outlook in Belfast. Its easy to get depressed over sectarian/racist attacks or continued political intransigence but there are so many who now believe that we can take the ‘bull by the horns’ ourselves and forge ahead in making the city a better place. This ambition is evident in everything from the literature festivals springing up around town to the Youth Empowerment Scheme and similar groups.
And the worst thing?
A latent racism and anti-Semitism that prevents us from embracing our island’s potential to be a truly multicultural and progressive society. Following on from the ‘What is Ireland?’ debate: if we don’t speak the Irish language, play Gaelic sports, listen to our music – how are we any more ‘Irish’ than a baby born to Nigerian parents in a Dublin hospital? I don’t deserve Irish citizenship any more than the child of immigrants who seek to build a life in Ireland. Ireland suffered badly in the 20th Century and we have the opportunity now to reverse age old trends of emigration and small ambition. Out of the bleakness of the troubles came a chance for a new start. It’s ironic that an opportunity to start anew would come from something as painful and it’s an opportunity most states would love. While we are a small island with limited resources, we should build this new society on terms as idealistic as possible. Doing so will keep us on the right tracks when we meet the inevitable bumps in the road.
What are your hopes and ambitions for the future, personally, professionally and for WIP?
Get a permanent job, pay back loans and hopefully save up enough to start a doctoral programme in the not-to-distant future! As for the WIP I hope it continues its good work. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my experiences in Washington and time on the Programme.
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12/08/2006
New WIP Alumni Director Position Announced
New Chair of the Washington-Ireland Program Kevin Sullivan is “excited” to announce the new position of a WIP Alumni Director through funding provided by Cooperation Ireland.
Starting this October, the Alumni Director will be based in Belfast and will have responsibility to provide small mini-grants to alumni who want to be creative with their leadership skills and develop projects that help to promote peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. Successful alumni ventures such as the YES mentoring scheme, the Horizons Expo and the recent "What is Ireland?" series demonstrate the desire and ability of alumni to create new community projects.
Full details of the post and application procedure will be announced shortly.
Mr Sullivan believes that “now is the time” for the 300-plus alumni to take leadership roles in developing WIP for the future.
His predecessor echoed his call for active involvement of alumni. Carol Wheeler shares his belief that “WIP's greatest resource is its alums” and predicted, “You can be expecting to hear from him often!"
Some suggested ways to serve and lead:
- Attending the WIPAN AGM and nominate/ vote for the new Executive Committee: Belfast, Sat. 16 Sept. 1pm
- Attending the inaugural WIPAN Charity Ball in aid of WIP – tickets are £45: Belfast, Holiday Inn, Sat. 16 Sept. 7pm
- Running for office on the WIPAN Executive Committee at the AGM
- Fundraising for WIP and alumni ventures
- Developing networks of support for WIP in Northern Ireland and Ireland
- Organising a training session with business leaders/ personal development coaches
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08/08/2006
Kevin Sullivan To Be New Chair Of WIP Board
Kevin Sullivan is the new Chair of the Washington-Ireland Program (WIP) as Carol Wheeler’s service as Chair ends along with the end of the summer of the Class of 2006.
Mr. Sullivan is delighted to have had “the good fortune” to be on the WIP board for several years and he is looking forward to working with returning and new Board members to help grow the WIP. He praised Ms Wheeler as “rather impossible to replace”, and enthused that the Board “will be doing the best we can to build on what she has accomplished in the last 12 years.”
The Irish Ambassador to the US, His Excellency Noel Fahey, recently hosted a dinner on behalf of the Republic to thank Ms Wheeler for her commitment and efforts for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland.
Typically modest, when asked for a few words on her retirement Ms. Wheeler chose to focus on Mr. Sullivan and his accomplishments: “WIP is incredibly fortunate that Kevin has agreed to step into the Chairman's spot. He's already a behind-the-scenes hero, and I'm delighted that he'll now be taking a front-and-centre role in charting WIP's future.”
The change of Chair is not the only one on the WIP Board – Host Dad and Celtic Cup Chair Frank Cantrel is the new Vice-Chair.
Ms. Wheeler will not leave WIP completely – she will remain involved with WIP as the Co-Chair of a newly established Patrons Committee that is now being formed with the help of work placement provider and Board member, Susan Davis.
On behalf of WIP alumni, we extend a warm and grateful 'Thank you!' to Ms Wheeler for being an exceptional role model of a servant leader and giving us the opportunity to develop skills and cross-community and cross-community relationships. We also delightedly welcome Mr. Sullivan as Chair and wish him success in his service.
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06/08/2006
Forum On US/Ireland Relations
The following article appeared in the Daily Ireland newspaper on August 4th, 2006 and was written by an alum of 2002, Hugh Collins.
Over 80 Irish and American dignitaries, including representatives of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Noraid and the American Ireland Fund gathered on Capitol Hill last Wednesday to discuss the future of the Irish-American relationship. The forum, chaired by the Irish ambassador to the US, Mr Noel Fahey, and organized by alumni of the Washington Ireland Program, examined the state of Irish-American relations in fields as diverse as economics, education and foreign policy.
The verdict was overwhelmingly positive. “Ireland remains warmly disposed towards America, and holds America in great affection” commented ambassador Fahey. On the US side too, enthusiasm prevailed. James Walsh, chair of the US-Ireland caucus, described relations between the two nations as “complex and rich.”
Refreshingly, the discussion did not dodge the problems the two countries face in their cooperation in the 21st century. “The politics of the world are changing,” commented representative Walsh. “There is a great disagreement in the world about US foreign policy, and Ireland is a part of that.” Ireland is also part of an international community – the European Union – which many see as a counterbalance to the US. For chairman Walsh, however, Ireland’s position as a leading member of the EU is no obstacle to transatlantic relations. “We in the United States will always look to Ireland for friendship and as a window into Europe.”
The event was the brainchild of two graduates of NUI Galway, Martina Callanan and David Russell. Both are alumni of the Washington-Ireland Program for Service and Leadership, which takes 30 young students from the island of Ireland to Washington DC every summer where they are trained in the qualities of leadership, and work in political offices.“ From Riverdance to the builders of the railroads, the Irish have helped to shape the US,” said Ms Callanan (23). “This Forum is a celebration of this rich relationship, as well as a recognition of the need to continue developing these ties.”
Some had feared such ties would weaken as the flow of young Irish people immigrating to the US declines. Indeed, many have recently noted that previous émigrés have been returning to Ireland as the country’s employment economic prospects improve. Ambassador Fahey, however, emphasized education as the key to maintaining cultural links between the two nations. “The United States has pioneered Irish Studies with top schools in Harvard, Boston and Notre Dame. In Ireland, UCD is leading the way in American studies with the Clinton School.” Representative Walsh echoed this youthful emphasis, and describing cultural exchanges such as the forum as “critical” to the US – Irish relationship.
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05/08/2006
Where Are They Now? (Noel Griffin)
Noel Griffin from 1998 (when WIP was known as YL, or Young Leaders) catches up with WIPAN and is asked twenty tough questions.
1. Where are you from?
A small seaside town in south Galway called Kinvara.
2. What did you do in university?
My first attempt was Manufacturing Engineering, at Brunel University in West London, but I finally graduated with a degree in Modern History and Politics from QUB in 2000.
3. Where are you now?
Belfast city centre
4. What do you work as?
I am a Staff Officer in the Department for Employment and Learning NI. I have worked in Training Programmes Branch since starting in October 2003, in the policy unit responsible for the Department's Jobskills Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme. We are currently involved in reconfiguring the replacement for the Jobskills programme which will encompass 16-25 year olds. It's perhaps the most important thing to happen to vocational training in NI for the last 10 years and will play a considerable role in shaping the future development of the province.
5. What is a typical day like?
There is no such thing as a typical day at work. These days the thing that can be counted on is that each day will bring some crazy deadline that is more important than the 20 other deadlines I already have.
The reconfiguration of Professional and Technical Training (previously known in the real world as vocational training) is the biggest project and work for that is pretty varied. I spend a lot of my time providing advice and guidance to the network of Training Organisations involved in the delivery of Modern Apprenticeships across NI. I also manage the annual Modern Apprenticeship of the Year Awards which is quite fun.
Like many other branches in the Civil Service we also have to respond to all manner of requests for information including letters to the Minister or the Department and Parliamentary Questions. All of which have to be answered within strict timescales and many also require comprehensive background information. Some of these can be real duseys, I had recently required part-input from 6 different Departments!
6. How did you choose that career path?
Well there are a number of contributing factors. I was very taken with the whole idea of Pro-Bono work while in the States. I also happen to be of the sad delusion that the civil service should be the most exciting and challenging place to work as you are responsible for so much of the way that society develops. I also kind of was not quite finished with Belfast.
7. When did the light bulb go off and you decided, 'This is it!'? Or has the light bulb gone off yet?
I still have no idea what I want to do when I grow up.
8. What have you been doing for the past six months?
I just finished an A-Level in Photography which was a lot of fun, frustration and sleepless nights. I am now looking at doing a part-time Higher National Diploma (HND). I have also been working with the YES programme. I was briefly involved with a Drama Group here in Belfast which strangely enough my first two performances with were in Galway, which I have to say was rather surreal.
9. What are the best and least favourite bits about living in Belfast?
I do like the fact that I have only an 8 min walk to work in the morning. It is a very compact city. People are very friendly and it has been very good to me over the years. It does take for ever to get back to Galway though. More recently I have been missing an accent from home, strange the things you miss.
10. What motivates you?
Really depends on the time of day, day of the week, and the month of the year. Few things motivate better than a deadline except, perhaps, good vanilla ice-cream.
11. What do you care about? What is your passion? And what do you do to demonstrate that?
Tough question to answer with out sounding twee. I suppose I am starting to develop a passion for Photography. I care about active participation in politics. I always vote and gently prod, sometimes not so gently, at people who don't. I love the theatre, opera and classical music. I used to be a competition set-dancer but have recently attempted to try other forms, but for the better classes here in Belfast you need a regular dance partner which is surprisingly difficult to come by. People can be so shy but I am open to offers.
12. When you were a Young Leader, what host family did you stay with and where?
I was on the Young Leaders Programme in 1998 and returned the following year as a co-ordinator with Claire Kirk.
During the first year I stayed with Jack and Joanne Donohue, just inside Fairfax County I think. I shared with Nigel Hamilton. I went back to stay with them the next year and it really was like coming home. They treated Nigel and I so well over there that I have to say that they are the outstanding memory I have of my time in America.
The second year I stayed with Kathie and Ritch, in their basement as they had forgot to arrange alternative accommodation for me. William Boyd also stayed with Kathie and Ritch.
13. Any notable stories about that from your summer?
Quite a few, not all that I would be willing to put down in writing! We were one of the last years that travelled with the Project Children kids: imagine Dublin to New York in a plane full of 8-12 year old kids many from troubled backgrounds, and half way across the Atlantic they managed to set off the emergency evacuation alarm.
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church was definitely a high point, even to a raving atheist like myself.
14. What was your work placement like?
Senator Ron Wyden. Back then we only had 4 weeks. The office of the Senator had been involved with the programme since the start, but they did not know what to make of me as an Irish person - I was the first Irish intern they could understand, I didn't drink and I was an atheist.
I really loved that office a very laid back atmosphere but very professional and cosmopolitan atmosphere. There were actually two of us from the programme there. Due to a muck up in her primary placement Gillian Fergusson, who was living with the Wydens, also interned there. We were involved in answering phones at the front desk, sorting mail, did some research for the staff and got a chance to write some responses on behalf of the Senator. The staff were surprised how well we managed to adapt to their way of writing so quickly. The other interns were from the top universities in America and it was a kick to be able to hold your own especially when you knew very little about what was going on there.
15. Back in that summer, what was your ambition?
I am not sure that I had one at the time, I was just glad to be there and strangely enough it felt very natural to be there. I know Paul had an ambition for me to come back and set up a youth political party that would spark a revolution here in the North, which is where the seeds of the alumni association was born I suppose.
16. How has the WIP/ YL experience impacted on your life, personally and professionally?
A tough one. On a professional level it has not helped in any direct way. I know that some people suffered from looking over qualified for jobs when they used it too much. On a personal level I would still hold some of those I met on the programme as good friends, even if we do not see each other all that often these days.
17. What is your favourite memory about your summer experience?
The experience of staying with my host family.
18. What's the best thing about Ireland, North and South?
Recent prosperity has lead to more and more people travelling abroad and coming back to Ireland somewhat enriched by their experiences more confident as a people and less of the MOPE (Most Oppressed People Ever) syndrome.
19. And the worst thing?
We can still be somewhat belligerently insular and resistant to change which we sometimes express in rather nasty ways.
20. What are your hopes and ambitions for the future, personally, professionally and for WIP?
Personally I suppose I am looking forward to my HND in Photography and the chance to explore my new hobby, which is both a solo activity and a group one. This is, I have to say, is one of its main appeals to me.
Professionally at the moment I am just trying to keep my head and get to the end of the whole process of implementing the results of the reconfiguration of vocational training in NI. That will come to an end in March 2007. I don't think I am a career Civil Servant at this time but I plan to try and get as much out of my time in the service as I can. I also plan to get out of Belfast one of these days too.
For WIP: This one is a tough one. I used to have lots of long hard discussions with Paul and others about its future. I suppose more recently I have had less time to do so. I do feel however that the time is coming where it will have to reinvent itself and re-position itself if it is to be seen as relevant in the current situation in Ireland, especially if the Assembly gets up and running. Public funding is becoming harder to come by. While the future standing of WIP is by no means certain there is every possibility that it will continue to exist for another 10 years providing the extraordinary experiences to many more unsuspecting groups of young people from both sides of the border.
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03/08/2006
WIPAN AGM Reminder
Don't forget that the WIPAN AGM will take place on Saturday 16 September 2006 at 1pm in Belfast. Venue TBC.
The third weekend in September is the usual time for WIP and WIPAN reunions and festivites.
On the evening of Friday 15 September the annual chairty Five-a-Side Soccer Tournament will be held. The Class of 2006 will also graduate from the program.
The WIPAN AGM will be held on Saturday afternoon. That evening the inaugural WIPAN Charity Ball will take place
It promises to be a great weekend, so make a spot for it in your diaries!
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