The Awards seek to acknowledge the contribution of students, past students and partners of the Department of Applied Social Studies professional programmes in Community Work and Youth Work towards the development of a just and equal society in Ireland and beyond. 

They are named for John O’Connell in recognition of his contribution as a teacher, activist, analyst and community and youth worker to those goals.  John contributed to the Departments programmes, led ground breaking initiatives in recognition of Travellers identity and of the realities of racism in Ireland, supported and started people’s movements for change in Ireland, Europe and the Philippines.  Through his passion and innovative teaching many learned the social analysis skills to develop their own struggles.

The awards seek to acknowledge and commend excellence linked to action and outcomes or potential outcomes for young people and communities which are in line with the Mission Statement of the Department, which is:  “To contribute to human rights, social justice and equality nationally and internationally through excellence in education for, and development of, the applied social professions, innovative academic education and, research in the social sciences and associated public contributions”.  They are made occasionally, depending on the numbers of outstanding persons emerging in each or every category, usually at least every two years.

Categories

1.         For a past student of the Departments Professional Programmes whose community and or youth work has made a significant and outstanding contribution towards justice, inclusion and recognition of rights in Irish society or beyond.  This award can also be made for recognition of life long contributions.

2.         For the student on the Departments Professional Programmes whose commitment to community work and /or youth work as means of intervention for helping create an equal and inclusive society led her/him to make outstanding efforts to address a number of major challenges and obstacles in order to participate and whose participation as a student continued to reflect and enhance this commitment, in an outstanding manner.

3.         For a partner of the Departments Professional Programmes whose community and or youth work has made a significant and outstanding contribution towards justice, inclusion and recognition of rights in Irish society or beyond.  This award can also be made for recognition of life long contributions.

Details

The Awards are made by the Department of Applied Social Studies, in association with an advisory group of practitioners familiar with/involved in the work of the Department, and the youth work and community work fields.

Nominations are by staff of the Department who welcome suggestions also from colleagues and partners.