Finding Galway’s Outstanding Young People..
We caught up with JCI President, Ronan Walsh, who talks about the upcoming Top Outstanding Young Persons of the Year awards 2015, taking place on Friday, April 10th at the Meyrick Hotel.
How did you get involved in JCI?
I had entered some of the projects run by JCI Galway - the Outstanding Young Person and Galway Young Entrepreneur Award. I saw the great work done by the organisation and wanted to give something back.
Tell me about Junior Chamber.
JCI is a worldwide organisation of 18-40 years. It centres around Personal Development, Business Development, Community Involvement and International Events. JCI offers its members opportunities in each area. JCI Galway has been in Galway for over 50 years.
What kind of local events will you be organising this year?
The next big event is the Top Outstanding Young Persons of the Year awards, for which nominations are now open. There are many categories for anyone to nominate someone they feel has done something exceptional for their community this year.
A good way to meet people?
Yes...its a great way to meet like minded people and to expand your network.
What opportunities do members get?
You get the opportunity to develop and use skills such as event planning, project management,public speaking, and leadership opportunities on our council. You have the opportunity to attend world events such as the European Conference in Istanbul in June, which a contingent from Galway will be attending. There are fantastic networking opportunities as well as many members work with big companies.
What kind of training opportunities do you provide?
JCI offers monthly training - from goal setting to effective meetings, public speaking and how to network. JCI offers a platform for you to run a project that you care about. It had the resources and team there to help you get your idea off the ground. Last year one of our members wanted to bring a mini-web summit / Ted talks style event to Galway - JCI got behind him and we held the event in December called TechGate.
