January 19th 2013 saw the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise play host to a YFG National Meeting and Social. This event, which was intended as a forum for open discussion and policy debate, as well as an opportunity for members to come together, was attended by an array of the membership from across the country.
The first item on the agenda was a presentation on cyber-bullying which was then followed by a presentation on childhood obesity. Both issues were highlighted with a view to one being selected by YFG members as the focus of a national campaign.
The cyber-bullying agenda included an opening address by YFG National Executive Policy Officer, Deirdre Bonham. Professor Mona O' Moore, founder of the Trinity College Dublin Anti-Bullying Centre, followed and gave an excellent speech outlining the core principles of her research and ideas on the topic. The third speaker on cyber-bullying was Ian Power of the hugely popular website Spunout.ie. Ian gave an interactive presentation on the work that the Spunout team does to combat cyber-bullying and the online measures that can be taken to prevent this kind of bullying.
The second item on the agenda, childhood obesity, was opened up by YFG National Executive Policy Officer, Timmy Eoin O'Sullivan. He was followed by Deputy Patrick O Donovan, TD. Both Timmy Eoin and Deputy O Donovan outlined various issues surrounding the childhood obesity epidemic while highlighting the importance of swift intervention and pointing to some possible actions for YFG to pursue.
The sessions on both cyber-bullying and childhood obesity were followed by focus group discussions. Each group which consisted of 8/10 people and members outlined their own opinions on the pros and cons of each of the topics as well as formulating arguments and innovative means of promoting and achieving successful campaigns.
Having debated and discussed each issue the membership voted in favour of pursuing a national campaign on childhood obesity.
The afternoon's policy session came to an end and members then enjoyed a lively a social event.
