The theme of the meeting we organized with The Wheel in Dublin on 26-28 June 2024 was organizational capacity, while the topics of good governance, HR management and leadership were discussed with The Wheel, Charmichael Center, Enclude and Smashing Times. The visit was accompanied by 9 BİRLİKTE Program participants from Ankara, Istanbul and Diyarbakır.
The first meeting was held at Europe House, where the structure of Irish civil society, The Wheel's role in this structure, and its governance model were explained. Additionally, The Wheel's risk management, monitoring and reporting of processes and progress, and governance principles were also discussed at this meeting.
A visit was made to Carmichael House to learn about the governance models of different civil society organizations in Ireland. The meeting introduced the governance model, human resource management and leadership approach of Carmichael House, a civil society organization that provides offices, community spaces and resources to civil society in Ireland.
The study tour also included meetings with Enclude, which provides diverse and tailored IT support to civil society organizations in Europe, and Smashing Times, an interdisciplinary organization that works to promote human rights and equality and provides resources, networks and support for artists.
The participating organizations are as follows;
Aramızda, the Association for Gender Research, Civil Society in the Penal System Association, The Association for Monitoring Equal Rights, LGBTI+ Association for Rights Equality Existence, Positive Living Association, Civic Space Studies Association, Social Policy, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation Studies Association, Uğur Mumcu Investigative Journalism Foundation and Zan Foundation for Social, Political and Economic Studies.
About The Wheel
The Wheel is an umbrella organization for civil society organizations in Ireland. Organizations working in all sectors, both service providers and advocacy organizations, can become members. The Wheel provides a range of support to strengthen civil society and also acts as a negotiator and facilitator of civil society's wishes and needs to government.
Through the eyes of The Wheel
The Wheel were delighted to welcome STGM and 9 Birlikte beneficiary organisations to Dublin, Ireland in June 2024 for the second thematic meeting of the programme. Due to visa requirements and travel, in the interest of time, it was decided to combine the second thematic meeting with the third. This led to a large group of 13 people travelling to Dublin. This 2.5-day thematic meeting focused on topics relevant to all organisations present: Good Governance, HR/wellbeing and Leadership.
On day 1, The Wheel introduced the topics and had staff members with expertise in these areas speak to the group. This was an engaging experience for all with members of The Wheel staff learning more about the governance requirements in Turkey and HR legislation, or lack thereof. The Q&A session that was held throughout the day was thought provoking and engaging.
Day 2 consisted of the group meeting three of The Wheel’s members. Carmichael, Enclude and Smashing Times are three very different organisations, but all of them ensure practices of good governance, and HR management. It was beneficial for all involved to meet multiple organisations and gain a deeper insight into how charities and community organisations operate in Ireland. The group discussed similarities and difference between the countries and their own organisations. It was an eye-opening experience and very thought provoking for all involved as it gave an opportunity for both sides to learn from each other and improve their existing practices.
Member organisations of The Wheel (Carmichael, Enclude and Smashing Times), noted that they really enjoyed getting to meet the Turkish participants and were very impressed by how engaged they were throughout the thematic meeting and their knowledge on Irish society.
Day 3 involved a cultural experience around Dublin city. Secret Street Tours, a social enterprise who employ tour guides who previously faced addiction and homelessness, delivered a walking tour of the south side of Dublin city. This tour was a brilliant experience and enjoyed by all.
The Wheel were delighted to host STGM and the 9 Birlikte beneficiary organisations in Dublin for a very engaging and useful thematic meeting.
