Comhlámh was set up in 1975 by Irish returned development workers, who defined the organisations principle objective as, “to enable persons who have rendered services overseas in developing countries upon their return to Ireland to bring to bear their own particular experience in order to further international development co-operation.”
Membership was subsequently extended to all those who see their work in a global perspective and support those aims. Comhlámh members have always seen overseas development work and volunteering as part of a broader commitment to global development and solidarity. Many of the causes of global inequality, poverty and oppression have their origin in the industrialised countries and can be addressed by education and action.
Comhlámh now considers the stakeholders that they work with as our community, which is made up of our members, development workers, volunteers, volunteer sending agencies and those interested in development and global issues.
Where they operate
Headquarters Location
12 Parliament Street, Temple Bar
Dublin
Co. Dublin
Ireland
Organization Type
Main Areas of Work
What They Do
Comhlámh's mission is to nurture, guide and mobilise development workers and volunteers to work for social justice locally and globally.
Key Initiatives:
- Raise awareness of the potential of responsible, responsive volunteering to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs;
- Engage with sectors of the public who are considering international volunteering to ensure they are fully informed about good practice in volunteering and can place their volunteering experiences within the wider context of global development;
- Utilise the stories and testimonials of returned volunteers and development workers to deepen public understanding of the development agenda;
- Develop the Code of Good Practice ‘Supporter Network’ across organisations in the Republic and Northern Ireland who will act as multipliers of our messaging on responsible, responsive volunteering;
- Continue to develop and grow our online presence through innovative social media campaigns reaching out to targeted online communities;
- Host key public debates and workshops on various development topics including the ‘First Wednesday Debates’ as a way to connect local and global development issues.
Comhlámh is a member of ReThink Orphanages.