Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Social entrepreneurship
Successful social entrepreneurship in action.
Cavan man Ruairí McKiernan founded the award winning Community Creations organisation in early 2004. Then aged 26, Ruairí had previously studied Business Management in Scotland, worked with various multinationals and NGOs, including Compaq computers, and spent time travelling and volunteering overseas.
In 2003 Ruairí undertook a six-month health board feasibility study into young people's use of the Internet as a medium for help, support and participation. The study highlighted the huge range of problems and pressures that young people are facing, the drastic lack of services that exist to prevent and solve these, and the role of the Internet as an emerging force within mainstream youth culture.
The study paved the way for Ruairí to combine his interests, skills and passions in business, community work, media and social change by setting up Community Creations and its flagship initiative SpunOut.ie, which is a national resource for supporting and empowering young people.
He is a recipient of a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Award and regularly speaks in the media and at conferences on health and social issues.
"At the time the health services were undergoing structural changes and there really didn't seem to be anything happening in terms of innovative and progressive online initiatives for young people. I was getting kind of sick of waiting for social change to happen so decided to bite the bullet and go for it myself. What followed was a roller coaster ride including working from home for 9 months, undertaking consultancy work and project work to earn a reputation, fundraising, bringing in staff and partners and convincing major bodies that we meant business. Later on we got an office, brought in teams of volunteers, developed SpunOut.ie and set up a range of partnerships with youth, health and media organisations.
It's been an uphill, frustrating and challenging struggle to get this far. However all the hard work, dedication and self-belief is starting to pay off. SpunOut.ie is now on the brink of great things nationally and internationally. We're making a difference to the lives of thousands of young people and finally getting seen and heard where it matters. Organisations like Social Entrepreneurs Ireland have been vital to our success and I urge those in positions of power to come on board and join this exciting time in Ireland's social development. This way, we all win!"
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead
