Jim Clerkin, the outgoing chairman of Co-operation Ireland USA. Co-operation Ireland
Co-operation Ireland, a registered charity in Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the US, is an all-island organization working toward a lasting peace and true reconciliation on the island of Ireland.
Since it was founded by Dr. Brendan O'Regan in 1979, Co-operation Ireland has undertaken some remarkable and inspiring activities and worked with hundreds of thousands of people, mostly young people.
The charity's work was highlighted on September 15 when Jim Clerkin, the outgoing chairman of Co-operation Ireland USA, hosted an evening for friends and supporters at the NEXUS club in New York City.
Clerkin kicked off the evening by welcoming Gerald Angley, Ireland's new Consul General based in New York City. Angley told attendees about his early days in New York City and how much he was looking forward to his new role. He went on to share his admiration for the great work Co-operation Ireland has done over the past 45 years, especially with young people in areas of real need in North and South Ireland.
Jim Clerkin and Consul Gerald Angley. (Co-operation Ireland)
Clerkin then introduced Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland, who spoke about the difficult - but vital - work being done on the ground with young groups on both sides of the political and religious divisions in North and South Ireland.
Jeffers highlighted how, even today, more than 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement, there are still young Protestant and young Catholic people who had never met someone from the other religion before going into Co-operation Ireland's young people’s programs, including its Future Leaders programme.
Co-operation Ireland’s Future Leaders Programme (CIFL) is an accredited leadership programme connecting emerging leaders and building the next generation of peacebuilders on the island of Ireland. The program has now supported development for over 600 young leaders who, in turn, are making a big and positive difference in their communities.
Following these inspiring remarks from Jeffers, Clerkin introduced a video from two of Co-operation Ireland's young leaders - one from Portadown and one from Carrickfergus. They both recounted their own experiences and confirmed that the Future Leaders were making a massive and positive difference to their lives, their outlook on the future, and their desire to work together and help each other.
The evening continued with a fun and successful silent auction. 100% of the money raised will support the programs in Ireland. The Co-operation Ireland USA committee is totally voluntary and has zero overheads.
The evening wrapped up with Clerkin announcing that after 19 years as the chair of Co-operation Ireland USA, he was passing the chair to an existing committee member, Sean Gaffey.
Gaffey reiterated to the audience how important Co-Operation Ireland's work and expressed how determined he is to support the great programs that support peace and reconciliation. He thanked Clerkin and commented that he was pleased that Clerkin would stay on as a board member and active supporter.