One Thing to know about UCD in the Community in 2024
About UCD in the Community
UCD in the Community was established in 2016, to support and promote community engagement across the UCD community.
The objective of UCD in the Community is to connect UCD staff and students with the wider community for mutual benefit, bringing their skills and expertise to support community-based organisations (CBOs), and in exchange, empowering the UCD community as socially aware citizens. Simultaneously, we aim to showcase current projects, teaching and research that work in a collaborative manner and contribute to positive and sustainable social outcomes. The team focus on the development of three key areas:
Community partnerships with community-based organisations (CBOs)
Where do we fit
UCD in the Community directly contributes to the UCD Strategy 2020-2024: Rising to the Future, and to: Core Objective Three: Continue to build our engagement locally, nationally and internationally, and Strategic Theme Four: Empowering Humanity. UCD in the Community is identified in the Strategic Plan as a means of “empowering the UCD community as socially aware, global citizens”. While it is acknowledged that UCD has a long tradition of positively contributing to the needs of society, the UCD in the Community initiative has provided a structure through which civic engagement can be further embedded and increased throughout the university. In the short time since its establishment, UCD in the Community has greatly enhanced the contribution UCD is making to our local, national, and international communities.
Looking ahead
UCD Community Engagement Report
UCD in the Community, Volunteering Awards presentation in the UCD Global Lounge, Gerard Manley Hopkins building
In 2024, UCD in the Community will launch its sixth UCD Community Engagement Report. This report serves to highlight and showcase the wide variety of community engagement that is happening across UCD, from community-engaged research and innovation and community-engaged teaching and learning to volunteering. We are currently taking submissions for the 2022-23 UCD Community Engagement Report, for activities dating from 1 September 2022 to August 31, 2023. We would love to hear from anyone who has been involved in community engagement initiatives. Submissions can be made via the submission form, with further information available on our website. The deadline is Friday, 8 December.
Hope Fest
On Sat, 11th May 2024 as part of our flagship community events, UCD in the Community will be at Hope Fest. Hope Fest is an annual wellness and music event for those experiencing homelessness in Dublin, run by students and staff of UCD, in collaboration with the Dublin Lions Club and Dublin Simon Community. We will be looking for volunteers to help on the day, so keep an eye on our website and social media if you would like to get involved!
