Volunteer Challenges? Clare Groups Are Finding Solutions Together

Community groups from across County Clare came together recently for a hands-on workshop focused on one of the biggest challenges facing local organisations: recruiting and retaining volunteers.

Delivered as part of the Connecting Clare Communities initiative, funded by Clare Local Development Company and developed by Levie Consulting, the session brought together group leaders to share real experiences and practical solutions. From struggling to attract new members to keeping existing volunteers engaged, the challenges were familiar across the room.

What made the workshop stand out was its open and collaborative approach. Participants swapped ideas that have worked in their own communities and explored simple but effective ways to welcome new volunteers, show appreciation, and tackle difficult conversations that are often avoided.

As workshop facilitator Cormac McCarthy noted, the turning point came early: “Every group in the room thought their problems were unique. Within the first half hour, they realised they’re all fighting the same battles. Once people see they’re not alone, the solutions start coming from them, not from me.”

The event is part of an ongoing series designed to support and strengthen community groups across Clare, offering practical tools and peer learning in a supportive environment.

Groups who missed this session still have an opportunity to get involved. The next event in the series will focus on corporate governance and charity structures, helping organisations build strong foundations for the future.

Find out more about the volunteer workshop here:
https://cldc.ie/clare-volunteer-management/

Register for the upcoming governance webinar here:
https://cldc.ie/connecting-clare-communities-to-host-webinar-on-corporate-governance-charity-structures/