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Programme Overview

 

Structured Civic-Education Training for Emerging Leaders

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The New Ireland Institute offers a practical, academically aligned training programme designed to build leadership, communication, and civic-engagement skills for individuals across the island of Ireland and the global Irish diaspora. Our programmes combine accessible teaching with clear learning outcomes, ethical standards, and real-world application.

 

1. Programme Purpose

To equip emerging leaders with the civic, communication, and analytical skills needed to participate cparticipate confidently and effectively in civic life. The programme focuses on practical skill development, ethical engagement, and  a clear understanding of civic institutions and public-decision processes.

 

2. Who the Programme Is For

  • Community leaders

  • Youth and student leaders

  • Community members involved in public life

  • Local activists and organisers

  • Emerging professionals

  • Members of the Irish diaspora

Our learners come from a range of backgrounds, but all share a commitment to ethical civic participation.

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3. Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:

  • Communicate clearly and persuasively in civic and public settings

  • Interpret data, policy, and institutional information with confidence

  • Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to civic challenges

  • Understand the fundamentals of shared-island cooperation

  • Participate confidently and professionally in civic life across jurisdictions.

  • Demonstrate responsible use of AI and digital tools for civic communication

  • Produce original, reflective, and practical assessments of civic issues

These outcomes reflect the applied, skills-based focus of the Institute.

 

4. Programme Structure

The programme is delivered through a combination of:

  • Workshops and seminars

  • Guided readings and curated learning materials

  • Practical exercises and communication practice

  • Case studies and shared-island scenarios

  • Instructor-led feedback and reflection sessions

All elements are designed to be accessible, engaging, and aligned with common higher-education standards.

 

5. Assessment Approach

Assessment focuses on practical skill development and reflective learning:

  • Short written reflections

  • Communication exercises

  • Data-interpretation tasks

  • Scenario-based analysis

  • Instructor feedback and revision

All assessments follow the Institute’s academic integrity guidelines and are graded by human instructors.

 

6. Programme Delivery

Programmes may be delivered:

  • Online

  • In hybrid format

  • In person (workshops and intensive sessions)

Delivery Format: The programme can be offered in-person, online, or in a hybrid format, depending on partner requirements.

 

7. Certification

Learners who complete the programme and meet assessment requirements receive a New Ireland Institute Certificate in Civic Leadership & Shared-Island Engagement.

This certificate reflects practical skill development, ethical standards, and civic competence.

Curriculum Snapshot —

Shared Island Civic Leadership Certificate

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Module 0 — Foundations of Leadership, Integrity & Responsible AI

Learners build the mindset, habits, and ethical grounding required for leadership.
Topics include: personal leadership identity, integrity frameworks, academic honesty, and responsible AI use in civic and educational settings.

 

Module 1 — Civic Literacy & Governance Frameworks

An introduction to how civic and political systems work across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the wider European context.
Learners explore institutions, decision pathways, roles of public actors, and foundational concepts in public problem-solving.

 

Module 2 — Electoral Literacy, Demographics & Polling Interpretation

A practical module teaching how elections work, how votes translate into outcomes, and how demographic and polling data can be interpreted responsibly.
Focus areas include: voter behaviour, demographic trends, polling literacy, and understanding public opinion with accuracy and neutrality.

 

Module 3 — Communication, Presence & Public Speaking

Learners develop essential communication skills for civic and professional settings.
Training includes: voice and presence, message clarity, structured speaking, dialogue skills, and presenting under pressure.

 

Module 4 — Persuasion, Debate & Ethical Civic Dialogue

A deep dive into how to communicate across differences with respect, evidence, and empathy.
Learners practice structured debate, reasoning, ethical persuasion, conflict-aware communication, and methods for facilitating constructive civic conversations.

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Module 5 — Digital Tools, Responsible AI & Applied Leadership

A hands-on module where learners use modern digital tools and AI ethically to support civic analysis, communication, and leadership tasks.
Focus areas include: AI workflows, digital communication, information verification, and applying technology responsibly in real-world civic contexts.

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