Foróige is the leading youth organization in Ireland and has been working with young people since 1952. Their purpose is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their development and in the development of society.
Foróige in New York is based on the Irish framework and aims to create a similar safe space and opportunity for young people to interact with their peers, make new and meaningful memories in their area!
We currently have 2 branches of Foróige in New York – Rockland and Yonkers. This year, we have close to 100 members between the two clubs, and we hope to grow and develop our program more each year!
Important Information
Foróige works with over 50,000 young people aged 12-18 each year through volunteer-led Clubs and staff-led Youth Projects. Foróige currently operates in 26 counties in Ireland, with more than 600 Foróige Clubs.
Foróige believes in interdependence and that “no person is an island”. We all need other people and can help each other. By combining our unique talents and working together as a team, we can achieve more together than on our own.
Foróige Youth Clubs are clubs which support teenagers to reach their potential. Young people run the club themselves in co-operation with adult volunteer leaders. Junior Clubs usually meet weekly for 1 hour and Senior Clubs usually meet weekly for about 1.5 to 2 hours. In our club, we hope to run both clubs weekly for 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on numbers, interest and availability.
In Foróige Yonkers, every year and every week is different! In our activities, we try to encompass and incorporate community development, physical activity, social interaction, self-esteem building, anti-bullying education as well as encouraging their individuality through arts, crafts, music, dance and other forms of self-expression. There are multiple outings and trips throughout the year too, which allows the young people to make new and meaningful memories with their peers. We are also in communication with Rockland Foróige to collaborate and coordinate some shared activities and trips each year.
To get the most out of this program, we are looking for committed young people who want to make friends and make a difference in their community. This is a valuable and unique opportunity for young adolescents to learn real skills that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. It teaches them things they might not learn in school and gives them the opportunity to develop new interests, enjoy new experiences and make connections with other adolescents and adults in their locality.
Please email irishculture@aislingcenter.org or call the Aisling Center directly +1 (914)-237-5121 for questions regarding the Yonkers Club.
If you are interested in joining Foróige in Rockland, please email: rocklandforoige@gmail.com
Each year, we need a certain number of adult volunteers, helpers and parents so we can develop a Rota for the club. Even helping out once or twice a year is still greatly appreciated and we always encourage new volunteers to get in touch!
Volunteers and helpers will also reap the reward of enjoying new experiences, meeting new people and facilitating a safe space and friendly atmosphere for the young people in their community!
If you have any further questions about helping out in either club, please email: irishculture@aislingcenter.org or rocklandforoige@gmail.com