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Youth Coordinator

Ireland Yearly Meeting Youth Co-ordinator is in Post!

 Hi ! I am Carolyn McMullan, the first Youth Co-ordinator that Ireland Yearly Meeting has employed.

I grew up in Richhill Meeting. In my early 20’s I left the Society of Friends for a period of time before rejoining Portadown Meeting in my 30’s  and have been an active member there ever since.

I will start by telling you something of my past employment experience.

My first job was working in a Children’s Home with children aged 0-18. This was a starting point for me at the age of 17.  Since then I have been involved with children and young people either through volunteering or employment for almost all of my life.

I left my work in the Children’s home at the age of nineteen to further my education, where my studies were based on the residential care of children and young people. Then at a later stage I trained in counselling.

I have worked for the Religious Society of Friends in what was then called Ulster Peace and Service Committee at Magheraberry Prison where I worked with the offenders’ partners and children, supporting them to make their visits as pleasant as possible.

I have also been employed, working with young people and adults with learning disability for a number of years.

In mentioning my work in a voluntary capacity I will start with the most important job I have had the privilege of doing. That was bringing up my 2 children who I am so proud of. They are now my friends as well as my children.

I have been involved in youth clubs as a leader for more than one organisation, my latest being with 11-16 year old Young Friends in Ulster. This lasted for approximately 6 years. We had lots of outings and a few residential events. The aim of this youth club was to encourage young people to feel they had an identity with Quakers and to build up friendships with others while encouraging them on their spiritual journey.

I have been involved with Junior Moyallon Camp for more years than I wish to remember.

I cooked for JYM many years ago and have cooked for Senior Moyallon Camp for many years.

I have had a real passion and concern, since visiting North West Yearly Meeting in America, to see Young Friends in Ireland develop a real sense of community and spiritual support. I was amazed how much this was evident over there. I so want to see our young people feel supported, valued and encouraged in their spiritual journey no matter where they are at in this journey. It would be my hope that each Young Friend would find ways to develop their understanding and experience of God with my support.   

The purpose of the Youth Co-ordinator’s job is as follows, and I quote:

‘The Youth Co-ordinator with Ireland Yearly Meeting would enable the spiritual advancement of our young people’s future. They need to be sensitive to the differences among Friends and as such need to be able to promote the spiritual nurture/journey/exploration of all view points. The outcome of a Youth Co-ordinator’s work should include the nurturing of our young people both socially and spiritually in an environment of openness and integrity which we hope will strengthen our Yearly Meeting’s future’.

I am committed to playing an active part in the social and spiritual nurturing of our young people not only through supporting and encouraging development of existing work among Young Friends, but also through exploring new avenues that our young people feel may be helpful, empowering them  to become enthused and actively involved in our Society.

 I would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to come and see me at The Moyallon Centre near Portadown or Quaker House, Dublin.  On the other hand I am happy to visit you if that is more suitable.

My mobile number is :     07834571117 if calling from the North
or 00447834571117 from the South

My email address is :       carolyn.mcmullanyc@hotmail.co.uk

 Please do not hesitate to contact me.