Warmest greetings to you all,

The Board met on 1st December for our last meeting of 2015. In all, the Board met nine times this year, including its 2-day induction and first strategic planning session in November.

Strategic Planning
The Board held its first strategic planning session at the end of November, ahead of the upcoming new strategy cycle from 2017.  This was the first of a number of sessions that will take place as we start working together with the CEO and her team through 2016 on the new Strategic Plan.

Presidential Distinguished Service Awards 2015
Congratulations to Sr. Dr. Miriam Duggan FMSA, and Fr. Donal Doyle SJ on receiving their Presidential Distinguished Service Awards from President Michael D. Higgins on December 3rd in recognition of their outstanding service in the fields of charitable works and business and education.  The Awards honour the work of exceptional people who contribute to Ireland and to Irish communities abroad.

The 2015 Parliament of World Religions
Board Director Pauline Conway represented Misean Cara at this event in Utah, USA with Project Officer Don Lucey.  Her report on their visit and participation can be found on the Misean Cara website here.

Launch of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development
Board Director Justin Kilcullen attended the launch in New York at the end of September, and provided the Board with a very informative overview of his experience at our last meeting.

Meeting with Irish Aid
The CEO and a number of Board Directors met the Irish Aid team in Limerick on 14th December for the annual meeting to review progress this year and commence discussions for future partnership. We look forward to meeting our new Irish Aid team and working with them.

2016 – AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Misean Cara will take place on the morning of Wednesday 29th June 2016 and it is proposed to hold it at the Milltown Institute. Further details on the full schedule, including Mass, will be issued closer to the date, and in the meantime I would ask that you note this date for your diaries.

Upcoming Board meetings

• 27th January – 1st Board meeting of 2016.

Finally, a Word of Thanks
Another action-packed and challenging year for Misean Cara is drawing to a close. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all – members, Heydi and team, Directors and committee members and friends for your support and engagement. Collectively we are making positive, solid and sustainable progress. The future for our organisation is looking bright!
On behalf of my colleagues on the Board, I wish you all a very happy and above all in these uncertain times, peaceful, Christmas and New Year.

With every good wish,
Lucy Franks
Board Chairperson