Ruby- Active Citizenship
A Reflection from Ruby – From Volunteer to Team Member
My name is Ruby, and I am a new team member at ATD Ireland. My journey began as an intern and volunteer, where I quickly fell in love with the work and values of ATD. This experience inspired me to stay on longer term. From the moment I stepped into the office in Mount Joy Square, I felt an immediate sense of warmth and belonging. The team, volunteers, friends and Community Activists created a space thriving with collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared purpose.
ATD Ireland provides a safe environment to learn without judgment something truly unique compared to other learning and work spaces I have experienced. I have always been encouraged to participate fully), ensuring that my voice is heard and that my contributions matter.
ATD was set up to learn from the experiences and aspirations of those with lived experiences of poverty. This is clear in all aspects of ATD Irelands work. Through participating in open house days, home visits, discussions, direct mentorship, working on funding applications, getting involved in new projects, and learning about past ones, I have gained (and will continue to gain) a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people living in persistent poverty and the ways individuals and societies can contribute to meaningful change.
As a volunteer, I was never made to feel like a temporary addition; I was treated as a valued member of the team, encouraged to bring my own ideas and perspectives. The team made a conscious effort to ensure I understood not just my tasks, but also the broader mission of ATD Ireland and ATD International. This helped me see how my efforts, no matter how small, were part of a much bigger mission while also recognising that change takes time through small, incremental steps.
Throughout my time here, I have come to understand that ATD Ireland’s work is built on meaningful relationships and supporting people over the long term. The environment fosters active citizenship where lived experience of poverty and marginalisation is seen as expertise and solidarity is created across different backgrounds and experiences. There’s a need to bring together a range of actors to address the problem of poverty. ATD Ireland has shown me that active citizenship is not simply about being aware of social issues — it’s about actively participating in creating solutions. Listening and doing nothing is not enough. We must push for lived experience to be considered in action e.g. policy and budget.
I feel more engaged, intentional, and empowered in my role thanks to the encouragement and trust placed in me. I want to thank the team, Community Activists, volunteers and friends for welcoming me with open arms and creating a space where I know I will continue to learn, grow and develop confidence. I feel incredibly grateful to have met ATD Ireland.
