CHAPTER 1
Soar is Celebrating Greatness in Young People all across Ireland
SOAR is an answer
that would try &
have us fit IN A BOX AND NOT DREAM
BIG
It is that sentiment that has us walking around like robots, half alive. Soar is a battle-cry against that part that is in all of us; that tells us it will never happen, that our dream will never come true, to not risk it. That part of us that tames our wild and brilliant potential by whispering: ‘What Will They Think?’ To hell with what they will think.
It is time for us to Soar. Soar Co-Founder and CEO Tony Griffin
We believe that there is greatness within all young people We act on this by creating and delivering workshops inside and outside the school system for 12 to 18 year olds. Our workshops empower young people to thrive, believe in themselves and fulfil their true potential. Soar is igniting a generation to wake up to their power, enabling them to take genuine ownership of their lives. The positive effects of our early intervention and prevention model focussed on wellness are already rippling throughout Ireland, contributing to the creation of a healthier society.
Foreword from the Founders . . . . . . 6 The Big Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mission, Vision & Values . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 A little bit of History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Our Workshops – The Heartbeat of Soar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 A letter to Soar from Dympna, Donegal based teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Our Tribe of Facilitators & Duty of Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 A note from Keith, Founding Partner of Soar . . . . . . . . . . 16 Tribute to Jim Stynes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Soar Timeline of Key Steps . . . . . . . . 18 Looking to the Future: Soar’s Strategic Objectives . . . . . . . . . 20 Structure & Our Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Impact: Critical Research . . . . . . . . . . 23 Financials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
100% independently financed with no government funding and made up of people from all walks of life - mavericks, dreamers and doers - Soar is a for-benefit organisation and registered charity. Yet, we are so much more: We are a movement.
Letter to Soar from a Parent and her Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Our Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Deepest Gratitude to our Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Fundraising Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Forged on a desire to unlock the true potential of Ireland’s young people, we are fully committed to doing what we can to enable young people to live their best life possible.
What our small but dedicated team has achieved in the short time Soar has been in existence has already contributed to changing the lives of thousands of young people throughout Ireland. We know this because of the emails, letters and phone calls we receive from young people, parents and teachers on a weekly basis telling us so.
Over 3,000 young people have soared with us since we commenced our workshops in 2012 Soar is 100% independently funded: We would love your assistance in collectively bringing our movement to the next level, helping us to reach more young people. Come with us, get involved and help us empower the next generation of young Irish people to take ownership of their lives. Corporate Partners: We want to work with you to benefit our young people and your organisation. We would love to sit down and discuss how we can work together. Contact Tony Griffin at tony@soar.ie. Donate: Anybody can contribute to our movement. Check us out at www.soar.ie and make a much appreciated donation.
Fundraising: Find out about our exciting up-coming events or create your own Soar fundraising event. We will help you every step of the way. Email info@soar.ie. Come Visit Us: Our door is always open and we like nothing more than sitting down for a chat and a cuppa. Call into Sean MacBride House, 48 Fleet Street, Dublin 2. Bank details for contribution if you feel called to donate: Account number: 40726471 Sort code: 900017 Bank Branch: Bank Of Ireland, St Stephens Green Branch Name of account: Soar Foundation Ltd.
— Soar is 100% independently funded —
operations, funding and programs. Also to our delight, rather than being challenged by what happens when you create an authentic space for teenagers, 2013 showed that teachers, parents and young people themselves thrived in it. In fact they yearned for it. 2014 represents the completing of a three year cycle of organisational and program development that will see Soar ready to increase its impact in a sustainable way. It is the year the full organisational scaffold underpinning Soar’s model will be completed. This has taken patience in a society that has seen progress as more, faster, bigger. Indeed 2014 will see us guided by the same internal signposts that have brought us so far as a movement;
2012 was the year Soar was officially born, but in truth it was germinating for 12 months before that. 2012 was a year of adapting an approach to inspiring young people cultivated by The Reach Foundation and re-building this to suit young Irish people. We initially thought it would be a cut and paste. This was not the case. 2012 was the year the essence of Soar was defined over many walks around the Phoenix Park. By 1. a measured approach to development. the end of 2012 and with the validation of our approach by Social Entrepreneurs 2. there is a reason for everything, Ireland, we knew that something special was we are building a community not an occurring. organisation. 2013 was a breakthrough year for Soar. Word of mouth about the impact the program was making in schools meant that demand spread across the country. It was a year where a concept grew into an organisation and strides were made across
Karl >
3. sometimes unlearning what you think is the way, is the only way.
We would like to thank you for being with us on this odyssey. It is changing lives. If you have been involved with Soar you know that the life it changes first is your own. Thank you to all our supporters, funders and friends and on a personal note to our families who must have wondered at times where all this was going. We hope our gift to you our loved ones is that you see how incredible life can be when you are willing to follow your hearts call. We would like to close by thanking Mark McDonnell and Susan Quirke for guiding the development of this wonderful snapshot in Soar’s history that you are about to read. We don’t have to fit an existing box, in 2014 let’s create a new one. Tony Griffin and Karl Swan Co-Founders, Soar
Tony
4. this is about young people; wild, beautiful, unsure and wise as they are.
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When we decided to act and create Soar we did not know one another. All we had was a shared knowing that our young people were being let down by their elders and the society they had created. Inspired by Jim Stynes and his work with The Reach Foundation in Australia, we followed our hearts. Little did we know our journey had just begun.
The Soar Story, Chapter 1 ————— ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Welcome to the first chapter in the Soar story. We are delighted to share it with you and update you on the journey so far.
e r o m y a w l e e “I now f y m g n i s s e r p x e open to o t s n o i n i p o d emotions an ’s t I . y l i m a f d n a friends ” . g n i h t y r e v e d change – Claude
THE BIG PIC—
We are experiencing turbulent times with great changes occurring to the fabric of society in Ireland. The impact of this situation on the youth of Ireland has been well documented. All is not well. This shows itself in the increased levels of suicide, self-harm, anxiety and hopelessness. Soar believes that within all young people is an immense greatness that often lies beneath fear, self-doubt and a sense of disengagement with society. The youth of Ireland need our collective support to believe in themselves. Soar is 100% dedicated to playing our part in changing this story. We want our young people to be true to their hearts call, to live their best life possible. This will positively impact on the wellbeing of thousands, as well as our great country.
To empower all young people to thrive, to believe in themselves and fulfil their true potential.
A society where all young people have the self-belief, resilience and support they need to be themselves. A future where all young people fulfil their true potential and by so doing create a better world.
Soar works to a code of values which reflect the essence of what we’re about. They guide our way: Love means loving ourselves and those around us Freedom means the freedom to be your-self while respecting others right to do the same Integrity means aligning your words and actions. As an organisation this means respecting all currencies and the commitments we make to young people, our staff, sponsors and supporters Honesty means being real with the courage to speak from your heart and respecting others right to do the same Growth means challenging ourselves and our comfort zones to explore the unknown, realising that there is learning in every experience Courage means having the willingness and ability to confront life’s challenges and step out of our comfort zones Collaboration means we don’t have all the answers and a collective approach is what is required for the wellbeing of our young people Understanding means accepting your own and someone else’s point of view without judgement Fun means all of the above has more meaning when you realise we could be wrong!
A little bit of history In late 2010, upon seeing the documentary ‘Every Heart Beats True: The Jim Stynes Story’ two Irish men, Tony Griffin and Karl Swan, agreed that the REACH Foundation in Melbourne, Australia, delivered programs that would be of great assistance to young people in Ireland. They travelled to Melbourne, slept on couches and in cars and without an invitation finally plucked up the courage to walk in to REACH’s offices. Tony and Karl received great support from REACH and in December 2011 set up Soar.
g n u o y o No tw xperience peopleine the same Soar It impacts way. ryone in on eveue ways. uniq
Soar has since gone on to win the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Impact Award in 2012 as well as the Captain Cathal Ryan social enterprise research bursary. Co-founder Tony Griffin also received the Vodafone World of Difference award in 2013. Soar has worked with thousands of young people in schools all over Ireland to a unanimous response – ‘we have never experienced anything like this’. Soar is now led by a high performing Board of Directors and a tribe of wildly enthusiastic staff, facilitators and volunteers who care deeply about our young people.
r e v e N e We Hearvienced Exp thing Any e This Lik
A letter from Dympna to Soar, a teacher based in Donegal who witnessed one of our workshops
the heartbeat of Soar Soar creates and delivers early intervention preventative wellness workshops for young people from all backgrounds. Within a safe and supportive environment, they are given the opportunity to be themselves. We do this by training 18-25 year olds to run Soar workshops in schools. Research shows this peer to peer approach is highly impactful. Our approach is known as Young People Inspiring Young People.
Soar workshops are designed for students from 6th class to 6th year with a key focus on 6th class and Transition Year groups. The workshops are centered on the belief that we are all on our own private heroic journey. We focus on the ordinary becoming extraordinary by encouraging open and authentic discussions between young people to:
1. increase self-confidence, awareness and self-belief 2. promote empathy and peer respect 3. increase resiliency 4. recognise core strengths and passions Soar programs begin by developing an awareness of what influences us and stops us all from being free to be who we want to be. We use examples from popular culture such as; films, books, videos and people that are interesting and age relevant to shape this discussion and build a connection with young people. We stay well away from all of the usual clichés and never tell young people what to do, say or feel.
We encourage young people to express themselves authentically and we create an atmosphere that is safe for them to do so. By empowering each young person to take ownership of their lives and exploring what is important to them, Soar is igniting a major shift in attitude amongst young people all around Ireland.
“The Soar program was inspirational, emotional, epic – the best thing we have ever done in school.” – Chantal
My school, Mulroy College, Milford, Co Donegal, was in the very fortunate position to be visited by Soar. The impact it has made and imprinted upon the minds of our young people who heard them is indelible.
The experience has been a highlight of my 28 year teaching career and the memory of that day will never leave me. For many of our young people, they realised I believe, for the first time that they were not on their own experiencing their difficulties and struggles. The solidarity, which Karl and Tony’s workshop created, served to bond and unite the group. What really resonated with me were the times Tony and Karl said during the session ‘look around you and see the other hands that have also been raised in answer to this question. You see, you are not alone in thinking this or feeling this, take heart from that’. Many tears were shed during that workshop, our own included. Blocked energies were released and it felt like we all came out from under a huge shadow by the end of the session. When the session concluded, one girl sought out another girl with whom she had not spoken in over three years. Both sat down in a quiet corner and thrashed out the incident and repaired the relationship. So heart-warming to see. Other feedback also included, ‘I have learned that it’s okay to get it wrong sometimes’, ‘I know that I can find ways of coping with crises when they arise’ and ‘this has changed my life.’ I cannot find the words to express my admiration for the work The Soar Foundation does. Long may it thrive, develop and spread the humanity. Dympna
r u O be of s i r r T ilitato c a F Young people hear from adults all day every day, however adults don’t have it all figured out and young people know this. Soar recruits potential facilitators aged 18-25 from universities, bus-stops, shops, restaurants and even busking on the street. We ensure they are solid stable people, are Garda vetted and then we put these wonderful people through a selection process to see if
The impact of Soar for each and every person is unique and special in its own way. It has helped me find out who I really am and given me the confidence to be that person. I’ve learned to step back and look at myself, to see am I really living the life which I’m proud of and feel most comfortable in, instead of just drifting through life in the mould that society has laid out for me. I’m no longer afraid of the future or of failure. The past year since my involvement with Soar has been amazing. I’ve found a new group of friends who I feel comfortable around. I can be me. Not someone helplessly trying to fit the label of the ‘cool kid’ or ‘hard man’. The Soar crew don’t lecture you. They prepare you to prepare yourself, for the moment when you say you’re ready to be you. You’re ready to put on the wings and fly. — Cillian
working with young people is truly their passion. We are currently in the process of training our first ever tribe, a crew of very special young people who are now experiencing a rigorous and powerful year-long training which commenced in 2013. This means that in 12 months the Soar effect will be multiplied tenfold, with more and more young people being reached by Soar facilitators.
Duty of Care Soar workshops aim to create a safe non-judgemental space where young people feel comfortable to step out of their comfort zones and authentically express who they are. It is an early intervention and preventative model and not a curative model. For school-based programs, Soar requires that a school counsellor be in attendance at the workshop and be available to provide follow-up support to students if necessary. This is mandatory. We believe in collaborating
with other youth organisations (we know we don’t have all the answers) who work in the at-risk end of the spectrum so as to support guidance counsellors and parents in sourcing further professional support if required. Soar has also created its own Child Protection and Wellness group that guides both Soar’s Child Wellness Policy and the structuring of our post program support to schools and young people.
Tribute to Jim Stynes A note from Keith Molony, Founding Partner of Soar
Without doubt, Soar is one of the most important organisations to come out of Ireland in the last number of years. Its importance as a catalyst for societal change and impact is unmatched. The best qualification of this is its phenomenal growth in such a short space of time. Were it a commercial entity every business editor in the country would be profiling it. On a personal level being involved with Soar is a privilege. Organisationally, it has had a huge impact on Stelfox and our staff. We have had staff members do everything from travel to Everest Base Camp, do 5km and 10km runs or take part in the Connemara Rough Diamond to help raise funds. One particular staff member made a commitment that effectively changed the life of one teenager and I think in so doing changed his own more than a little as well. That is the true beauty of being part of it. It is so transactional. Whether one makes a commitment to Soar on any level, be it financial or otherwise, the return is so much greater, all the more so for being unexpected. We will continue to support Soar in every way we can. Keith Molony, Co-Founder and Director of Stelfox Recruitment, Soar’s first Founding Partner
Soar would like to acknowledge a very special friend. It is safe to say that without this man and his vision, Soar would not be here today.
In 1984 a young Jim Stynes left Ireland on an adventure to Australia as an Irish sporting experiment. Could a gaelic footballer make the transition to Aussie Rules? Jim went on to become a football legend winning the Brownlow medal in 1991. He not only achieved greatness on the field but off the field he created with Paul Currie The Reach Foundation in Melbourne in 1994. In working with over 500,000 young people Reach has inspired many young lives. It was Reach that inspired Soar into existence in Ireland, Jim’s homeland. Sadly Jim passed away in early 2012 after a long battle with cancer. A true warrior until the very end. We at Soar are committed to never forgetting the greatness of this incredible Irishman. His memory lives on through the young people who are impacted by the workshops that Soar deliver. Never forgotten Big Fella. Eternally grateful for your life. Karl Swan Co-Founder of Soar and Director of Programs
F O E M S O K EY E H T PS... STE December 2010
June 2012
Unknown to each other, Karl Swan and Tony Griffin watch ‘Every Heart Beats True – The Jim Stynes story’. They are profoundly moved.
SOAR apply for the Social Entrepreneur Ireland awards and reach final eight.
June 2011 Tony and Karl meet and discuss their shared concerns for the young people of Ireland. Commitment made to act. Next stop, The Reach Foundation, Melbourne.
August 2012 SOAR brings 4 teenagers to the Camp Catapult Leadership Program in Nova Scotia, Canada.
June 2013 SOAR sets up home at The Amnesty International Building, Temple Bar, Dublin.
October 2012 SOAR wins a Social Entrepreneur Ireland Impact Award.
August 2013 Kerry Max Cook, wrongly convicted of murder for which he served 22 years on death row, and now dedicating his life to helping young people, holds an inspirational evening on behalf of SOAR at Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin.
December 2011 Tony and Karl overwhelmed by public response during Newstalk Radio interview announcing the launch of SOAR. The demand is clear, the dream must become a reality.
February 2013 SOAR has now reached over 1,000 young people through its workshops.
January 2012 First SOAR workshops takes place at St. Anne’s Community School, and Ballyea National School, Co. Clare.
May 2013 SOAR Child Protection and Wellness Group begin the development of a Child Protection and Wellness Policy to guide the organisation.
October 2011 With the help of Etihad Airlines, Tony and Karl arrive at Reach HQ. Help sought and received from Don McLardy and Emeli Paulo. Two very special SOAR friends.
F O E M S O K EY E H T PS... STE
January 2013 With the help of Reach’s Emeli Paulo, SOAR holds its first trainee facilitator evening.
May 2013 Tony wins The Captain Cathal Ryan Award which will fund SOAR’s global learning process.
September 2013 Change agent and friend of Reach Emeli Paulo, Reach Director Tom Harkin and Reach Program Development Manager Paige Campbell travel from Melbourne to assist us in organisational development.
September 2013 SOAR initiates its first Wellness Impact study in schools across Ireland.
October 2013 Tony wins The Vodafone World of Difference Award.
October 2013 SOAR confirms the partnership of the first two ‘Founding Friends’ as part of our 2014 Bold Ambitions campaign of raising the funding required to reach 9,000 young people by 2015.
October 2013 SOAR begins the first Facilitator Training Programme that will see selected facilitators ready to deliver the SOAR program in schools by September 2014.
November 2013 SOAR completes the building of its initial Board of Directors.
December 2013 SOAR’s workshops have now reached 3,000 young people around the country.
Soargiisng chanves li
Looking to the Future: Soar’s Strategic Objectives
Objective 3: Contribute to a supportive environment for young people’s well-being.
One of the most important undertakings in 2013 was setting out our future strategy. We would like to express our gratitude to Maritza Tucker of We aim to develop all aspects of the organisation in a strategic and measured way, with the evolution firmly centred on what is required Simpacta for her passion in assisting us in creating our ‘Social Change Model and Strategic Objectives 2013—2015’. for our young people.
Objective 1: Provide high quality experiential programs that equip young people in Ireland with the necessary life skills to achieve their full potential. YEAR
School based workshops, 6th Class & Transition Year
1. Workshops delivered for 2,700 young people.
Sept 2013 – Sept 2014
2. Workshops delivered in 39 secondary schools & 16 primary schools. 3. New regional delivery model for primary schools tested and resourced. Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
Working with Teachers
1. Post program workbook created to support teachers ongoing reinforcement of the Soar program.
Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
2. Soar’s teacher’s program developed and rolled out.
Sept 2015 – Sept 2016
OUTPUTS
YEAR
Monitoring Systems
1. Adjustments to Soar programs based on M&E data.
Sept 2013 – Sept 2014
Sept 2013 – Sept 2014 Research and Development
Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
5. Continuation of Youth Development Camp, with 25 young people attending.
Sept 2013 – Sept 2014
2. Launch of Soarin’ Action, a social media group following the positive progression of Soar participants.
Youth Facilitators
2015
1. Additional organisations joining, and active in the Soar youth international network.
Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
2. Research into international innovation regarding youth work and well-being.
Ongoing
ACTIVITY
OUTPUTS
YEAR
Governance Structures
1. Chairperson and Board officials identified and appointed.
Sept 2013 – Sept 2014
3. Continuing roll out of online, texting and social media strategy.
Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
2. Board sub-committees agreed.
1. New facilitators recruited and in training.
Sept 2013 – Sept 2014
3. First Soar AGM delivered.
February 2014
Management Structure
1. Key posts identified and appointed, such as Operations Manager & Programs Manager.
Sept 2013 – Sept 2014
2. Other key posts identified and appointed if necessary.
2015
Operations
1. Operational capacity analysis.
Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
2. Investigation into Soar’s adoption of a hybrid organisational model.
Ongoing
2. Selected facilitators fully trained and delivering workshops. 3. Structures in place for facilitator progression. 4. Support structures developed and rolled out for engaging facilitators.
Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
5. New facilitators recruited, trained and delivering workshops.
Objective 6: Ensure a diversity of income streams to ensure financial stability.
Objective 2: Develop strategic alliances for complementary action, and to facilitate opportunities for young people to put in practice critical life skills. ACTIVITY
3. Continuous monitoring and knowledge capture.
Objective 5: Develop Soar to become an effective organisation, focusing on prevention and early intervention.
6. 2 Uploads delivered for a total of 40 young people. 1. Continuing roll out of online, texting and social media strategy.
Sept 2015 – Sept 2016
ACTIVITY
3. First Upload program delivered to 20 young people.
Virtual / Social Media
1. Parent’s information pack developed and available through the schools. Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
2. Continued adjustments to Soar programs based on M&E data.
2. Soar’s Youth Personal Development Camp to facilitate 25 young people.
4. Deliver two Heroes Days, with participation of 400 young people.
Sept 2015 – Sept 2016
Objective 4: Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework firmly based on research and evidence.
5. Workshops delivered in 100 secondary schools & 46 primary schools. 1. Pilot Heroes Days with participation of 400 young people.
Year Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
2. Constant monitoring and up-dating of Parent’s information pack.
OUTPUTS
Out of School Programs
Outputs
Engagement with other sector 1. Engage with selected sector bodies for purposes of policy making. bodies involved in relevant 2. Soar’s engagement and advocacy strategy developed and rolled out. policy making
Working with Parent’s
ACTIVITY
4. Workshops delivered for 6,440 young people.
Activity
OUTPUTS
Developing Strategic Alliances 1. Identifying and approaching national and international organisations for referral and joint action. 2. Implementing 3-year impact evaluation of Soar’s programs.
YEAR Sept 2014 – Sept 2015 Sept 2014- Sept 2017
ACTIVITY
OUTPUTS
YEAR
Diversification of Income Sources
1. CEO, board, management and external consultancy all leading in fundraising action.
Sept 2013 – Sept 2014
Social Enterprise
1. Assessment of social enterprise initiatives.
Sept 2013 – Sept 2014
2. Staged implementation of social enterprise initiatives.
Sept 2014 – Sept 2015
Structure
Our Board
Soar’s approach to its operating structure is more like a speedboat than an ocean liner. We want to keep the core group who lead initiatives that underpin the development and implementation of our strategic plan small yet highly efficient.
We at Soar regard ourselves to be incredibly fortunate to have attracted such a talented and beautiful bunch of people to our board. They have emerged as real leaders in their chosen fields, and have a track record of success in the business and community sectors.
An efficient operational structure allows us to push resources towards training facilitators and reaching as many young people as we can with a quality life changing program. We are about quality. We are about empowering young people to drive the spirit of the organisation. To achieve this mission we have compiled the ‘Soar Model of Delivery and Operation’ strategy.
While the board comprises of many different personalities and perspectives, they all share the same passion for the young people of our country. The board governs all aspects of the organisation from advocacy, fundraising, welfare and strategic direction with the primary focus on what will benefit the young people we are trying to reach. What we are trying to achieve with Soar has resonated with this group of exceptional people, and we thank them for listening to their hearts and being a part of where we are today. Soar will always strive to work with independently minded, conscientious and talented people when governing and shaping the organisation.
SOAR MODEL OF DELIVERY AND OPERATION SOAR PATRONS
SOAR CUSTODIANS Mentor youth facilitators & ensure the spirit of SOAR
FUNDERS, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS
SOAR PARTNERS Corporate & Government partners
BOARD: Strategic guidance, governance Advocacy & Fundraising
FACILITATORS Inspire & Empower young people
LEADERSHIP TEAM: Unify organisation, lead and implement key strategy initiatives
Board members include Ian Kingston, Clíona Diggins, Liam Laffey, Bruce Mansour, Susan McGovern, Diarmuid Lyng, Maritza Tucker, Darren Ryan, Pat Cusack and Ruairí McKiernan. Also, gratitude to Ciara Cunningham for her legal assistance in the process of creating our board.
Purpose: We have recently undertaken critical research specific to Soar workshops for the following reasons:
Evaluation: By means of an online survey, the research is being conducted in collaboration with a number of secondary schools from across the nation that has kindly agreed to work with Soar. The survey was designed in partnership with New Philanthropy Capital and addresses eight aspects of subjective well-being;
1. Enable Soar to clearly demonstrate how our workshops are impacting the lives of young people in Ireland. 2. Research findings will help to shape and evolve our workshops based on the requirements and needs of our young people.
self-esteem, emotional well-being, resilience, satisfaction with friends, satisfaction with family, satisfaction with community, satisfaction with school, life satisfaction.
3. It is intended that the research would aid in developing an assessment criteria that can be then used to evaluate Soar’s advocacy approach and subsequently fill a research gap, in the context of Ireland.
This research was focused on transition year students participating in a Soar workshop, with a sample of 200 students from various demographics across Ireland. Participants agreed to complete three surveys (two of which have been administered to date): The initial survey was completed up to one week prior to engagement in a Soar workshop and would serve as a control in evaluating the impact. The second survey was administered directly after their participation in the workshop and would gauge the immediate impact of the workshop on the participants.
TEACHERS, PARENTS & COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
PARTICIPANTS: Young people aged 12—18
Impact: Critical Research
The third and final surveys will be administered after a period of 6 months to evaluate the long term effectiveness of the workshops.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF: Day to day administration
Findings: The research findings will be fully completed in the summer of 2014 once the long term questionnaires have been conducted and evaluated.
PROPOSED SOAR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Strategy Consultant; Fundraising Consultant
2. Director of Programs (FT)
1. CEO (FT)
3. Operations Manager (FT)
Communications Manager (PT/Outsourced)
Finance Manager (PT/Outsourced) IT and Social Media Consultant (pro-bono) Market research intern
5. Programs Manager (FT) 4. Office Manager (FT)
M&E Officer (PT/Intern)
6. Child Protection and Wellness
showing is h c r a e s e r l Initia hops s k r o w ’s r a o S t us tha tly n a ic iF n ig S a g in are hav on e c n e u l F in e iv it pos lbeing l e w f o s l e v e l the ple o e p g n u o y t s g amon
However, initial results show that Soar’s workshops are having a significantly positive influence on the levels of wellbeing amongst participants, with increases of between 25% and 30% for key indicators of students’ emotional and social well-being, including selfesteem and life satisfaction; concerned with a child’s estimation of his or her own worth, and a measure of a child’s overall happiness or satisfaction respectfully. More long-term impacts are also being assessed as part of this work, both amongst Soar participants and in Irish society.
FinancialS
Soar ran its first program in February 2012 and launched officially in September 2012 with the first year’s annual income in the FY2012/13 totalling €132,452.
In late September 2013 Tony Griffin was also awarded the Vodafone World of Difference Award which constituted a contribution of €40,000 on behalf of the Vodafone Foundation. This is not reflected above as it was not received by September 31st, 2013. Tony also won the Captain Cathal Ryan Social Enterprise Bursary valued at €25,000 which was restricted funding for an agreed purpose of project development.
Soar also won the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Impact Award in this period valued at €200,000 in a combination of unrestricted and restricted income to be drawn down over three years from 2012-2014. This level of income generation exceeded initial foundation start up targets and constituted a highly successful first year of fund generation.
During this period some valuable research and development was made into the creation of a social enterprise funding stream for Soar, we believe this direction is the future of Soar’s sustainable funding model. Costs for the period September 20122013 totalled €108,080 resulting in a positive cash balance of €24,372 as of October 2013.
In the period September 2012 to September 2013 Soar has generated a level of funding that has enabled it to expand its operations and develop the infrastructure of a robust, sustainable model.
Soar aims to generate €415,000 in the period September 2013-2014.
> Expenditure to deliver our core programs and meet our objectives for this period is €240,000.
> >
€145,000 of our funding target has already been pledged.
Can you help us close this gap?
The Soar Foundation Summary of financial information from inception to the period ending 30th September, 2013.
Incoming Resources
Closing Fund Balances
s t n u o c ac & E BALANTCS SHEE 013 sept 2
Founding Friends of Soar Target: €200,000
2
Foundations, Grants and other Target: €90,000
3
Corporate Partners Target: €75,000
4
Events Target: €40,000
5
Public donations online Target: €10,000
We would like to thank Ryan McCarthy, Liam Devane, Mike Hayes and Patrick Bolger at KPMG for their incredible support of Soar by offering their vast expertise as part of Soar’s 2012-2013 audit. Full details of this audit are available by contacting info@soar.ie.
Net Incoming Resources
Un-restricted Funds
Total
€
€
€
53,058
79,394
132,452
(28,058)
(80,022)
(108,080)
25,000
(628)
24,372
25,000
(628)
24,372
Opening Fund Balances
Looking ahead Soar aims to generate €415,000 in the period September 2013-2014. Below is more information on Soar’s funding streams with associated projected targets in each.
1
Resources Expended
>
Restricted Funds
2013 €
>
Fixed Assets
1,310
Cash at bank and in hand
27,382
Creditors
(1,083)
Net Assets
27,609
The Soar Foundation is externally audited by KPMG. A full breakdown of audited accounts can be obtained on request by contacting info@soar.ie.
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Letter to Soar from a parent My son attended your workshop and words fail me to describe how much he got from the experience. It was life changing for him. Ben was shy, nervous, totally lacking in self-confidence and would never stand up for himself even though he is a fine strong, handsome, tall lad. It is difficult to find words to describe the effect but he now stands up straight, goes to town on his own, asks questions and says ‘no’ – Ben never said no before. He has suffered a few years of bullying and during the workshop two people stood up, confessed and apologised. There has been no incident since and this has had a major impact on his self-confidence. Thank you all so very much and I hope you go on to help many more young people. Molly
A note from Molly’s son Ben I went into school on Tuesday the 22nd of October to attend a workshop with Soar. I didn’t know what to expect. I myself have been bullied by a few in my class and some from other schools. I talked about this in the workshop. Then two of the lads who were bullying me did something so unexpected. They admitted it was them. I heard them say something which I thought I’d never hear. They apologised for bullying me. I came home that day proud of myself. I got the apology I needed to hear and they didn’t get in trouble, so we’re all happy. Ben
View from our office
Our Home Like many other families, our home is very important to us. Whether you are popping in for a chat and a coffee, taking part in a workshop or having a board meeting we want you to come and feel loved, comfortable and inspired while spending time with us. The Soar pad is located in Sean MacBride House, Fleet Street, Temple Bar. We love our home being situated in the middle of one of the country’s most vibrant, cultural and artistic centres such as Temple Bar. We are inspired every day to be based in a building with such historic significance. MacBride House was originally the location of the Irish Women’s Workers Union and influential figures such as Rosie Hackett, Constance Markievicz and James Larkin would have spent time here. 100 years ago it would have been a hotbed of activity, especially during the 1913 lock-out, and it remains so today. We will continue to make our home a very special place; all you have to do now is come visit us!
Our Community Soar’s success to date is a result of the collective input of what has grown in to a family. Soar is a movement powered by a feeling. Those that get it, know it makes sense and have acted in their own way. You are one of those. By receiving this you have contributed in a way that makes you part of the Soar story. We thank you on behalf of the young people of Ireland.
We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to: Founding Partners: These companies have supported us with essential building blocks at the initial stages and continue to do so with financial support and many other currencies. Our gratitude to you means that you will always be part of the Soar story.
a s i r a So ement movered by powfeeling a
The Soar Tribe: At a critical stage of development we would like to thank the following individuals for their contribution to Soar. Ireland: Susan Dargan, Ian Kingston, Eugene Gibbons, Rory Gillen, Less and Julie Kiss, Alexa McDonagh and Family, Michael Heavey, Maurice Healy, Vincent McNally, Susan McGovern, Microsoft, Karl Kennedy and Claire McKenna. In Australia and Canada these people have believed in us from the first day and they will never be forgotten:
Soar Champions: This group of incredible companies have brought their professional expertise and/or their financial support to bear on Soar’s development and we so appreciate their vision:
Foundation Partners: This group has supported Soar with funding and experience by selecting us as winners of their respective awards:
Founding Friends: Supporters of Soar who have contributed funding and expertise at key times in our development: Tony Garry, Tony Keily and Michael Kearney.
Australia: The Reach Foundation, Emeli Paulo, Tom Harkin, Paige Campbell, Elliot Costello, Emerald Travel, Don McLardy, Sharon Stynes, Alecia Whitelaw, Ronan Lehane, Jennifer Ring and her crew, Justin Bock, Diarmuid Kelly, Eamonn Eastwood and his Tough Mudder compatriots, and to Steven Gray and all at the Wee Chief. Canada: Alexa, Travis, Justin and Margaret McDonagh, John and Cathy McCabe (always remembered Cathy), Ruth Draper, Jane and John Roy. Special word of appreciation to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland who believed in Soar at the beginning and chose us as one of their 2012 Impact Award winners. Soar would never be where it is today without the belief, loving guidance and expertise we have received from this wonderful organisation.
Fundraising Events We would like to thank Etihad Airways, the Chinese Community of Ireland, Sally Kingston, James Sexton and the incredible staff at Ecclesiastical Insurance and Stelfox Recruitment for their various and eclectic fundraising endeavours.
A highlight of 2013 was our Kerry Max Cook Smock Alley Event In September 2013, Kerry Max Cook accompanied by his wife Sandy and son KJ came to Ireland at Soar’s invitation. Tony and Karl met Kerry at a youth camp called Camp Catapult in Canada and felt his story of forgiveness and hope could inspire. Kerry was wrongly convicted for the rape and murder of a 21-yearold woman in 1977 and sentenced to death. However, after four attempted retrials over two decades, DNA evidence was made admissible in court which proved his innocence. Soon after his arrival Kerry spoke to a packed Smock Alley Theatre in what was a moving night. Kerry also spoke at a fundraising luncheon held at the St. Stephens Green Club organised by Niamh O Carroll, Davin Spollen and Tony Spollen. Perhaps the highlight of Kerry’s visit was the day he joined the Soar program at Belvedere College. Many of the young people present said it was the most inspirational day of their lives, one they would never forget. To Kerry we extend our gratitude for never giving up.
e w y r To Knerd our exteitude for p. grater giving u nev
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Soar is a small independently funded organisation. We have a ‘Bold Ambitions’ Campaign. We want to raise €415,000 to reach 9,000 young people by the end of 2015. We need your help. Whether your company becomes a partner of Soar or you yourself become a private funder of Soar, this is a call to action. Act. Help us change the world. It is in our hands.
There is no reverse gear in Soar. Come with us. We’re doing this.
aise > to r,0 €415 00
each 9,000 r o t > young people
The Soar Foundation
Sean MacBride House, 48 Fleet Street, Dublin 2 Come visit us. The kettle is always on in Soar HQ. info@soar.ie www.soar.ie
facebook.com/soarireland @soar_foundation
Reg Charity No: CHY 20551