About Westmeath PPN
Public Participation Network (PPN) are county-based networks that allow local authorities to connect with community groups around the country.
Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN) is a network of more than 950 community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental organisations in Co Westmeath.
What are the aims of Westmeath PPN
To be an umbrella group for all voluntary and community groups thereby creating a stronger voice for the whole sector and foster increased citizen engagement with local government
To co-ordinate how communities in Westmeath are represented in local government policy making
To keep communities informed about government policy and developments
To facilitate as many groups and organisations as possible
To give a strong voice to marginalised groups in society
To bring together and give a voice to local environmental groups
How does it work?
WPPN empowers our member groups to influence local government policy by,
Enabling WPPN member groups to elect their representatives onto local government policy and decision-making bodies such as the Heritage Forum, Strategic Policy Committees and the Local Community Development Committees
Acting as the hub around which information is distributed and received including keeping our memberships informed of public consultations and local government policies and strategies
Making sure our members are consulted on local developments and strategies
Highlighting community issues through our Linkage Groups
Providing training to our members
Pillars
Every WPPN member belongs to one of three pillars. When an organisation registers with WPPN, they select the pillar that most closely resembles the activity of their organisation.
Pillar 1: Community and Voluntary
For organisations which aim to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of their community
Pillar 2: Environment
For organisations which aim to protect or sustain the environment through activities such as environmental education, protecting wildlife, climate action and sustainable planning.
Pillar 3: Social Inclusion
For organisations which aim to promote equality, inclusion and human rights for groups such as ethnic minorities, older adults and people with disabilities.
Plenary Meetings
We hold Plenary meetings at a county level twice a year.
This is where ALL PPN members groups receive updates on the work of the WPPN and decide on our strategy and procedures to be followed.
Attendee member groups also elect new Secretariat members and Reps at Plenary Meetings
Secretariat
The Secretariat is a board made up of members nominated by their groups and elected at Plenary Meetings.
The Secretariat is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the WPPN including the management of the budget and oversight of the work of the two WPPN staff members (Resource Worker and Support Worker)
The Secretariat report back to the membership at the two Plenary meetings.
PPN Representatives
WPPN Representatives (Reps) are members who have been nominated by their groups and elected by the Plenary to represent the WPPN on local government or public committees, boards, or advisory groups.
WPPN Reps report to and liaise with Linkage Groups.
WPPN Reps, for example sit on Westmeath County Council Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)
Linkage Groups / Meetings
Through participation in Linkage Groups, WPPN member groups can have real input into the development and implementation of local government policy that affects them.
Westmeath PPN currently has four Linkage Groups. These mirror the 4 Strategic Policy Committees of Westmeath County Council. They are
- Climate Change Environment and Water Linkage Group
- Economic Development, Enterprise, Agriculture and Tourism Linkage Group
- Housing, Community, Recreation and Culture Linkage Group
- Planning, Regeneration and Transportation Linkage Group
Linkage Group Meetings are open to all WPPN member groups regardless of which Pillar, Municipal District or Sector they belong to.
We would encourage all member groups who have an interest or expertise in these areas to actively use Linkage Groups and attend meetings which are held throughout the year. See the Events Page of this website for dates and locations and contact us for more information.