New Participation Charter Launched to Empower Older Voices in Public Policy and Public Life

The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and Age Action have officially published a groundbreaking Participation Charter, setting out ten practical principles to ensure that older people have a meaningful, active voice in the decisions that shape their lives and communities.

Supported by Community Foundation Ireland and as part of the Strengthening the Voice of Older People in Ireland project, the Charter is the result of extensive research and a major National Consultation that gathered insights from 764 individuals aged 60 and over.

The nationwide consultation sets out 10 Principles for Meaningful Participation

Core Principles of the Participation Charter

01 –  Participation Should Be Meaningful

02 –  Participation should be inclusive and accessible

03 –  Participation should begin early

04 –  Lived experience should be valued as evidence

05 –  Participation should influence decisions

06 –  Participation should lead to feedback and visible outcomes

07 –  Participation should strengthen collaboration and collective voice

08 –  Representation should be transparent and accountable

09 –  Participation should be sustained

10 –  Participation should promote civic engagement, rights and dignity

“Older people want to know that their contribution matters and that their voices lead to visible outcomes. We invite and encourage decision-makers, public bodies and organisations across Ireland to use these ten principles in their everyday practice“

Pat Mellon – Irish Senior Citizens Parliament CEO

It should be of note that while this Charter was developed for the Participation of the aged sector the principles apply to all sectors suffering from lack of a voice.

The Participation Charter is now available for public bodies, community groups, and policymakers to adopt, marking a significant step forward in recognising older people as active partners in shaping Ireland’s future.

Media Contact: Irish Senior Citizens Parliament CEO Pat Mellon pat@seniors.ie or 087 4303342