27 Engaging Community through the Power to Change Project

Dr Yvonne Lang showcased the Power to Change Project, an initiative developed in partnership with the Sligo Public Participation Network to strengthen community capacity in addressing climate challenges. Funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the project emphasises mentorship, climate education, and community-based learning.

Three strands underpin the project: a community mentoring programme, climate education clubs, and a woodland-based initiative. The mentoring strand supports local groups in identifying achievable climate actions tailored to their resources. The education clubs focus on bridging formal education and lived community knowledge, recognising the value of both. Activities have been co-created with schools, youth groups, and local organisations.

Dr Lang highlighted the development of “SDGs and Me: Nurturing Our World”, a workbook co-designed with 10–12-year-olds. Featuring creative activities linking the SDGs to nature and daily life, the workbook empowers children as “SDG Champions” and has since been published as an e-resource. Workshops and interactive sessions ensured the children’s voices directly shaped its content, embedding ownership and pride.

Youth and higher education engagement have also been central. Transition Year students were introduced to local climate policy forums, while ATU students collaborated with community groups such as BirdWatch Ireland, Sligo Global Kitchen, and active travel networks, aligning academic projects with real-world needs.

The project demonstrates how community partnerships, creative learning tools, and policy connections can amplify climate action and make sustainability education accessible, relevant, and empowering across age groups.

About the author

name: Dr Yvonne Lang

institution: Atlantic Technological University

Dr Yvonne Lang is a Lecturer and Project Manager on the Power to Change project at Atlantic Technological University.