Volunteer

Description

As a global community, we are facing significant challenges: devastating conflicts, inequalities and injustices, the loss of biodiversity, threats to democracy, and a world that is (quite literally) on fire. What's clear is that there is a general sense of confusion and despair, and a lot us are finding it tough to wrap our heads around the state we're in. That's where the Global Issues courses come in. 

In these times we need courage, community and collective action - and the Global Issues course is the first step. We would love you to join us.
 
Navigating social justice topics can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. For as little as €25 (...the price of a coffee per session), through these 6-week online certified courses, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of global issues with expert facilitators, practical tools to take action, and valuable connections.

Take the First Step: Understand, Connect, Act. 

Are you looking to increase your ability to think critically, build a strong community with your peers and work to change your life and the world around you? Then the STAND Global Issues courses are for you! 
 
Starting in February, these certified courses are a way for students to deepen their understanding of social justice issues through a series of 6 online evening sessions with expert facilitators. A final in-person session brings the course to a celebratory close. Each workshop is a gateway to a deeper understanding of social justice issues, exploring their impact on both local and global scales. 

All students, no matter your major, are invited to join in. No need to be a social justice expert, everyone's welcome.

Dates and Times 

Starting in mid-February, the Global Issues courses will run online (perfect for busy schedules and those who cannot commute) over six weeks, from 7-9pm. Choose the series that works best for you.

• Series 1: Mondays, from 17th February to 31st March (NO session on 17th March) 
• Series 2: Tuesdays, from 18th February to 25th March
• Series 3: Wednesdays, from 19th February to 26th March

There will be an extra, optional in-person session on Saturday, 5th April for all series  (time and location TBC).

What's in store? 

Each online session, running for two hours per week over six weeks, delves into diverse topics facilitated by different experts, researchers, or activists with extensive field experience. Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from STAND. Here’s a breakdown of our sessions:

Week 1 - Setting the Scene: Introduce key concepts like poverty, inequality, sustainability, and globalisation to build a foundation for understanding global and social issues.

Week 2 - Racial Justice: Explore systemic racism, its global impacts, and pathways toward equity and justice.

Week 3 - The Ecological Crisis: Examine the links between ecological crises and social justice, focusing on equity, sustainability, and moving from consumer culture to community-driven living.

Week 4 - Democracy and Human Rights: Discuss threats to democracy, rising authoritarianism, and challenges to global cooperation, asking if progressive change is still possible.

Week 5 - Migration and Displacement: Highlight the stories behind forced migration due to war, violence, and climate crises, questioning whether current systems uphold dignity and human rights.

Week 6 - Where to From Here?: Connect these issues, explore root causes, and discuss collaborative actions for creating change in a world facing multiple crises.

 
Final in-person session - Imagining Better 

If this sounds like something you are keen to be part of, apply now – we would love to see you there!

 

Contribution
The courses are highly subsidised and we ask for a small contribution of €25to participate. However, we do not want the cost to be prohibitive. If you would really like to join but can't afford the fee, you can send a note in confidence.
 

Is training provided?: Yes

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Starting in mid-February, the Global Issues courses will run online (perfect for busy schedules and those who cannot commute) over six weeks, from 7-9pm. Choose the series that works best for you. Series 1: Mondays, from 17th February to 31st March (NO session on 17th March)  Series 2: Tuesdays, from 18th February to 25th March Series 3: Wednesdays, from 19th February to 26th March

Minimum time commitment per week:
2 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
Students who want to join, need to fill in an application form that can be found on our website at https://stand.ie/what-we-do/global-issues-courses or here: https://form.jotform.com/250062681789364