Announcement of ChangeX100 Challenge Results and Seed Funding Round

At the beginning of this Government I said I wanted Ireland to be the best small country in the world for business, to raise a family, and to grow old with a sense of dignity and respect.

I believe that the spirit of social entrepreneurship, and the activities everyone here is involved in, ties these goals together.

It is for this reason that I’m delighted to join you for the results of the ChangeX100 Challenge and also to mark a new round of investment in the ChangeX community.

I’d like to thank Paul O’Hara for his invitation and congratulate him and his team for their energy, focus and drive in enabling people to make a difference in their communities.
The ChangeX platform is an incredible tool showcasing proven social initiatives, such as Men’s Sheds and Fighting Words, which have brought enormous benefits to communities across the country.

The simple step-by-step guide for those wishing to make a difference is transforming people’s relationships with their neighbours and communities.

I’ll be encouraging everyone to log onto “ChangeX.org” to check out the broad range of ideas and initiatives, be it in the area of education, health, inclusion or the environment. These ideas have been tried and tested and have proven to bring positive change to communities.

I am a big admirer of initiatives such as Coder Dojo which focuses on community, peer learning and youth mentoring. I had the good fortune of being mentored by 10 year old Lauren Boyle last November during the international Hour of Code. It’s possible that I may need a refresher course!

Others who are a bit more talented at it have a fantastic showcase of their technological solutions to different problems or issues within our society on show at the Coder Dojo Coolest Projects Awards in the RDS.
The power of technology in spreading ideas cannot be underestimated. I am delighted that many of the philanthropic investors who have provided seed funding to help ChangeX grow its support capacity are here today. Your investment will not only empower individuals and communities but will also generate ideas and create jobs.

I’m delighted that ChangeX has been brought into Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Startup Unit and I have no doubt that they will help you go from strength to strength.

Today of course is an opportunity to celebrate the 100 teams across Ireland who stood up and committed to building strong communities as part of the ChangeX100 Challenge. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all for being the “changemakers”.

Meeting you today and hearing your stories, learning firsthand about the various exceptional projects you are implementing in your community, is truly inspiring.
I have seen a wide range of social and community initiatives across the length and breadth of the country, none of which would be possible without the endless hard work and dedication of the volunteers and participants who give their time and efforts to help their community.

You are making a real difference to people’s lives, through initiatives such as Men’s Sheds, Failte Isteach and My Mind for example, you are reaching out to those in the community who may feel isolated, marginalised or feel that they do not belong.

Your work is inclusive; it is sharing, caring and empowering people to find friendship, hobbies, common interests and have fun.

Strong communities are the backbone of Irish society. Strong communities are healthy communities and ultimately happy communities.

The CSO reported last week that those who rated their wellbeing in the ‘high and very high’ category were more likely to be carrying out volunteering work. So the gains for everyone are truly transformative.

All citizens have a role to play in the improvement of our communities. We are very fortunate in this country to have a strong sense of social entrepreneurship and community spirit. It is this unique strength that, I believe, has helped our country back to recovery.

I cannot commend you all highly enough for the work that you are carrying out.

I have no doubt that ChangeX will continue to enable you all, and many, many more like you, in your efforts to build stronger, better, healthier and happier communities.

I wish you all the very best in your endeavours.