PPN/DCU Summer School 2025: Our Most Inspiring Yet - Dublin City Public Participation Network

As the season turns and the long evenings stretch out before us, we’re still basking in the warm glow of another successful PPN/DCU Summer School—our fourth and most inspiring yet. From Monday 26 May to Thursday 29 May 2025, the Glasnevin Campus of Dublin City University, along with a vibrant online audience, played host to this annual gathering of learning, discussion, and connection.

The PPN/DCU Summer School has become a much-loved date in the diary for many community activists, volunteers, representatives, and members of our Secretariat. A collaboration between the Public Participation Networks (PPNs) of Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and Fingal, and the Office of Civic Engagement at DCU, the event continues to grow in energy, ambition, and reach. This year’s programme offered something for everyone, combining practical training, big ideas, and plenty of opportunity to share stories and inspiration.

A Packed Programme of Learning and Exchange

Over the course of four days, participants explored a wide range of topics, all carefully curated to support and empower community engagement across Dublin.

Social Media Training: The week kicked off with a session from the DCU Communications team, on how to get the most from your social media presence. Expert trainers, Jane Last and Ger Shields, guided participants through the ever-changing landscape of platforms, tools, and content strategies. Whether you were a novice or looking to refresh your approach, these sessions had everyone buzzing with ideas.
Panel Discussion with the Department of Rural and Community Development: A highlight of the week was our live panel discussion featuring Kelley Bermingham, Catherine O’Toole, Bill O’Dea, and Jake Ryan from the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). This candid, generous conversation covered everything from local engagement to national strategy and gave attendees a valuable window into the heart of decision-making.
An introduction to AI in Education and Training: AI might seem like something far removed from community work, but our session on Artificial Intelligence, with Chris Farrell, showed just how powerful these tools can be when used ethically and creatively. From writing draft PPN policy documents, to offering a pal to brainstorm with, AI can help small organisations and member groups, with limited resources.
Energy and Sustainability with SEAI: We were thrilled to welcome speakers from SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) who shared updates, grant information, and tips on how communities can lead the way in sustainable energy. The session focused on achievable action and long-term impact and inspired many to think about energy differently.
False Information and Disinformation: In an age of misinformation, how do we stay grounded in truth? This session explored the importance of media literacy and shared practical tools for navigating today’s complex information environment. Clear, thoughtful, and urgently relevant, with excellent facilitation from Dr Eileen Colloty (who has offered her time and expertise to work with the PPN on our ongoing Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) work).
“Understanding and navigating the public policy eco-system in Ireland” with Professor Deiric OBroin was a very popular online session, with plenty to discuss in particular, the relative lack of power that a Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) holds, and how PPN reps can work within these parameters.
And we finished the week with “Policy that works for all” with Dr Arpita Chakraborty which explored how groups of all sizes and experiences can influence change at local and national level. This session was timely as it happened right in the middle of Dublin City Council’s Inclusion and Integration Week, 2025.
Closing Ceremony and Networking Lunch: The Summer School came to a warm and celebratory close with a shared lunch and certificate ceremony. It was a chance to pause, reflect, and connect with old friends and new faces. There was a real sense of community in the room—and many people stayed long after the official close, chatting over cups of tea and exchanging ideas for future projects.

Faces That Keep Coming Back

One of the loveliest things about the PPN/DCU Summer School is the familiar faces who return each year. This time, we were delighted to welcome back Gerry Kerr, Mick Keegan, and Adekunle Gomez, all of whom have now attended every single Summer School since it began. Their continued involvement is a testament to the quality and value of the programme—and to the sense of community and shared purpose it fosters.

What People Are Saying

The feedback this year has been overwhelmingly positive. Many participants described 2025’s Summer School as “the best yet”—and it’s not hard to see why. There was a real energy to the sessions, with conversations spilling out into the networking lunch, online and beyond. The mix of in-person and remote access made it more inclusive than ever, and we were thrilled to hear that South Dublin County PPN will be joining us in 2026. The more the merrier!

Everyone loved Luke – we’re particularly grateful to Luke Quinlan, who curates the Summer School programme, manages logistics, provides reasonable accommodation for those people who require it, and manages the week as it progresses. Luke was the person who received and deserved most praise.

Missed It? Don’t Worry

We know that not everyone could attend in real-time, but you don’t have to miss out. Slides and recordings from all sessions are available below, so please scroll down to find the assets. The resources are there for you to enjoy at your own pace.

A Time to Reflect

The Summer School has always marked a kind of turning point in the PPN calendar—a sign that summer has arrived and that it’s time to take a little breath. As the evenings grow longer, we hope all our Representatives, Secretariat members, community groups, volunteers, and staff find time to enjoy what the season has to offer. Whether it’s a walk at sunset, a swim at sunrise, or simply a moment of quiet with a cup of tea, you’ve earned it.

This summer, we encourage everyone to take a little time to nourish themselves—not just through learning and action, but through rest, reflection, and connection. The work of community is ongoing, but it’s sustained by moments of joy, curiosity, and care.

Until Next Year

Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed, participated, or supported Summer School 2025. Your energy, ideas, and passion are what make this event so special. We’ll be back again next year, stronger and more connected than ever.

Until then, have a joyful summer.

Please find below the slides, videos and assets from the 4th annual PPN/DCU Summer School, 2025.