Introductory Session - 28/11/06

Facilitator: Fiona McAuslan.

Duration: 2 hours.

Agenda: Introduction and names.

             Main hopes of the evening.

             Facilitated discussion on how the network may function: its aims, values and structures.

             Begin to map out aims for full days facilitation.

Aims: To continue the development of environmental groups in Fingal.

          Gauge interest in forming a Network.

          Start to explore possible mutual interests of such a network.

          Start to build process which will support and develop network ideas.

In attendance: Maria Andrews, Roderic O’Gorman, Eugene Moore, Maeve O’Reilly, Brendan Sherlock, Angela Lawton, Monica Shannon. (See contact sheet for details of groups).

Content and Discussion

This second meeting was an open discussion, which not only focused on the question of the need, purpose and possible effectiveness of such a network but the question of what action to take.

1.     The group discussed how to effectively expand the membership, drawing in the people who are interested but not coming to meetings.

2.     It was generally agreed that there is a lot of interest in the idea of a network and it needs to be kick started with an event.

Action: To put on a four hour event in February, followed by a meeting and a second event/meeting in the afternoon of the planned tree planting at the end of March. ( see appendix for schedule)

2) There was discussion about how the network might develop. It was felt that there would be different needs, some groups wanting communication and information and some wanting to get involved in policy changing. The idea of a web page was unanimously endorsed.

Regardless of the Network’s final shape, it was felt that building it, step by step,  was the way forward. This mix of events and collaborative development of the overarching vision would ultimately move the group towards a critical mass of people.

Action for Future Meetings: Keep updating contact list. All members of group to actively seek new members. Maria to be given new contact details for invitations. Monica has agreed to look into Health group involvement.

Next Meeting: Final Organisation of Event - 7:00pm until 9:00pm 23/01/07

                            Appendix 1- Schedule for Events

Meeting - 23/01/07   7:00pm - 9:00pm.

             - Preparation should be well on the way for event. This meeting

               Should be a pulling together of the strands.

First Event - 17^th of February ? 10:00am - 14:00pm

             - Exhibition of environmental groups.

             - Guest Note Speaker.

             - Facilitated Discussion: What would you want from a network?

                                                    How can you get involved?

To Do List - Eugene to book venue. Looking at a few suggestions from group    

                    But will make final decision. Will try for 17^th of February. Group

                    Has agreed to accept Eugene’s decision on this.

                    Monica to Book Speaker. She will try and get Duncan Stewart.

                   The group has agreed to leave the final decision on the speaker to

                   Monica.

                   Maria to Prepare Invitation List and to Invite. Any help would be

                    Welcome. Particularly concerning the invitation list.

                   Maeve will Prepare articles for papers.

                   Derek Mooney’s Programmes to be looked into. Any leads on

                  How to do this?

                  Facilitated Meeting: Fiona will develop ideas and present at next

                 Meeting.

The tasks allocated above are based on volunteering. Any help people can give will be welcome.

Working Meeting for new members after Event: Date to be  Arranged.

Tree Planting Event: Confirm date.