Main fundraiser photo

Sharon Nolan's Local Election Campaign

Donation protected

Hey everyone! My name is Sharon Nolan. I'm an activist and campaigner running in the Galway City Council Central Ward in the 2019 Local Elections for the Social Democrats. 

You're probably wondering how I got here.

For years I was interested in politics, but never saw myself involved in it as it felt far too much like an old boys club where experience like mine would never be valued. I love volunteering within the local community, but joining the Social Democrats gave me even more insight into how we could use empathetic politics to make a difference for people.

Ireland's political landscape has changed so much in the last 5 years, yet our political representatives have not had the same progress. A whole new generation has woken up to political engagement through the Marriage Equality and the Repeal campaigns. Grassroots activism was key in these changes - and we are ready to tackle even more injustices such as housing rights and climate action.  I firmly believe that these same grassroots hold the power to changing local politics for the better.

Election politics were never part of the roadmap I envisioned myself on, but I believe having more progressive and diverse voices in politics could help change Ireland for the better - this is why I put myself forward to stand for Galway City Council.

What do you need these funds for?

Running an election campaign, even at a local level, is a costly affair.

Cost is a huge barrier to so many people entering the political ring in the first place - which is why I'm asking for your help. We are a young party without the 'war chests' you see with other larger parties. I self-funded my first batch of canvass cards, and paid for my first batch of leaflets from donations through friends and 2 local fundraisers (thank you thank you thank you to all who helped with these so far) - but the costs are mounting up.

I need to fund election literature and posters to give myself a fighting chance. I want to cover costs that any of my campaign team put into getting involved as far as I can afford, such as petrol and travel costs, and keeping people fed. I would also like to use some of this amount for social media advertising and an ad or two in the local paper, to build recognition of the campaign across Galway City.

This is why I'm asking for €1,000 as this will help cover these campaign needs. Any additional funds (if any!) would be funnelled towards increasing the visibility of my campaign and to help cover volunteer costs.

Anything else we need to know?

I'll be finalising all of my orders for election materials in the next few weeks, so every single euro will be put towards helping me get my campaign out there. Even with being a first-time candidate with a new party, I truly believe I have a fighting chance of taking a seat in Galway City Council and bringing some fresh representation to the city. I have been getting a great reception at the doors while canvassing, so additional materials would really be the game-changer in this.

Your help and support could help make the difference in me getting a seat so please donate if you can!

If you can't afford to donate, here are a few other ways you can help:

- Please share this GoFundMe with your friends and family. Anyone based in Ireland, or an Irish citizen aboard, can donate.
- Consider volunteering a few hours of your time to my campaign. We'll need leafleters, canvassers, cheerleaders, admin help, and hand-holders galore over the next number of weeks. Email sharon.nolan[@]socialdemocrats.ie if you're interested in helping out.
- Follow my Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for lots of campaign updates.

Your support is crucial in turning these dreams into a reality. Let's do this together!

Thank you for your time <3 

Shar
x

Organizer

Sharon Ni Nualláin
Organizer

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.