Expo - Charged up for Change
Posted in News - Latest
|
We are formally inviting you to our Expo in Mullingar, highlighting the unique methods that groups such as your make a difference in our communities and the global community.
It will be a fantastic opportunity to tell the public about the work you do and also a showcase of community spirit in Westmeath. The Expo is on May 14th and 15th and on the night of the 14th we will have two extra special events. Firstly, our Expo Ball, a chance to relax with a bit of music and dance and network with your fellow organisations and volunteers and also view the V'Oscar awards, celebrating the organisations in Westmeath who are excelling at their volunteer management and they way they get their work done.
|
|
Secondly, we will be having a huge release of Chinese Lanterns to raise awareness to suicide, definitely one for the camera.
There is much more info below about the Expo. If you are interested in attending the event, please click on this link to let us know so we can plan for it.
The whole Expo event is FREE to you and we have arranged a discounted rate in the beautiful Bloomfield house if you wish to stay over on the Saturday night.
Hopefully we will see you there.
|
The EXPO is May 14th and 15th, 2011, 11 AM-6 PM in Bloomfield House Hotel. The Expo will last from 11-6 with guest speakers and workshops.
Also on the Saturday night, the EXPO Ball will be held on the night of May the 14th where all not for profit orgs and volunteers can enjoy an evening of music and fun culminating in the V'Oscar Awards, recognising not for profit organisations for the work they do. Tickets to this event will be free and will include some food (Depending on Sponsorship).
All proceeds from the event will go to Irish Autism Action, TEAM and Comber.
On the night of the Expo Ball, the 14thof May, over 100 Sky Lanterns will be let off across Lough Ennell (Wind Permitting) to mark Suicide Awareness, this should be a very memorable and poignant experience not to be missed.
The Lanterns will each cost only €4 and all profits will go to Spun Out, an independent, youth powered national charity working to empower young people to create personal and social change.
The purpose of the event is to encourage everyone who visit the EXPO to see how they might get involved in many of the activities in the community, or how they might use their own imaginations to create social change in unusual ways. Exhibitors and visitors will be able to network and exchange ideas. Local musicians, actors, and performance artists will contribute to the carnival-like atmosphere, as will refreshments, door prizes, and other creative surprises.
Admission is free and open to the public.
This event is sponsored by Spun Out and Westmeath Community Development with support from businesses in our community.
Booth registration for the fair is due by April 29th. There is no fee to register.
The EXPO planning team hopes to involve exhibitors featuring the work of both individuals and groups in the local community who engage in creative projects, hobbies, or actions that promote social service and change.
Activities will be diverse, such as biking, gardening, engineering, building, and gaming—all of which can better the community.
The planning team invites individual projects as well as community interest groups, grassroots collectives, established volunteer organizations, student clubs, alternative businesses, and more.
The purpose of the event is to encourage everyone who visit the EXPO to see how they might get involved in many of the activities in the community, or how they might use their own imaginations to create social change in unusual ways. Exhibitors and visitors will be able to network and exchange ideas. Local musicians, actors, and performance artists will contribute to the carnival like atmosphere, as will refreshments, door prizes, and other creative surprises.Admission is free and open to the public.
Individuals and groups interested in registering for booths can download the registration form and exhibitor guidelines from the event website at www.volunteerwestmeath.ie .
Exhibits may highlight any form of positive change that makes a local or global impact: recycling programs, sustainable living, and green energy; handcrafted products, textile and fabric work; athletic activism for a cause; everyday, humanitarian uses of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; local food, cooking, baking, gardening; performance art of all types, visual arts, writing, dance; film, photography, digital and web‐based action; health and wellness; animal care and advocacy; construction and building, mechanics, repair, and industry; childcare, tutoring, and mentoring.
The EXPO is organized by Westmeath Volunteer Centre with sponsorships from local businesses and donations from many local businesses.
Entertainment is coordinated by Red Moon Events Management, who are giving their services free of charge.
Organisers Ian O'Flynn and Carole McGuinness say, “We want this kind of energy in Westmeath! There are so many great ways of making change that happen in here everyday and don’t get publicity or opportunities for this kind of networking. We hope that people see that one can make the world different just by doing the things you love to do. Planning the event has itself been a gift, as we all discover what has been going on in our very own community!”
Who is this event for? “Everyone! Anyone can make change. We want people to come to the EXPO and think, ‘Hey, I could do something for social change, too!’ Whether you knit or swim, build houses or juggle—however you make the world better—come, share, and inspire!”
