HÉireann Óglaigh na Meirica
hÉireann Ã"glaigh na Meirica (in
Irish Gaelic) or the
Irish Volunteers of America (IVA), is an
Irish-American organization that supports movements for
Irish freedom in all forms. It is based in
America though members do live in
Canada and the
Republic of Ireland.
The Irish Volunteers of America was founded
July 29,
2005 by Brendan Parks of
South Dakota, with the aims of supporting movements for Irish freedom in America, to educate the displaced Irish people and to raise awareness in America for
Irish republicanism in the US. On
August 3,
2005 the beginning organization,
Friends of Irish Freedom (not affiliated with the official FOIF) combined their organization with the IVA. This movement was led by Joseph Laughon of California. From this point they have continued to spread across the US.
The organisations's aims are stated in its charter.
"The Irish Volunteers of America (IVA) is a non-partisan/non-
factional organization comprised of the supporters of total Irish freedom and a united Ireland. The Irish Volunteers of America is dedicated to the cause of Ireland that is, total freedom and unity between
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an Irish Republic, peaceful and free, to be restored and governed by her own people. The Irish Volunteers of America honors the memories of the great Irish patriots that have given the total sacrifice for Irish freedom:
Fergus of Kileen,
Hugh O'Neill,
Wolfe Tone,
Padriag Pearse,
Michael Collins and the many others. The IVA provides a newsletter to keep members, and others interested, abreast to the recent upheavals in Northern Ireland. This will provide all members the knowledge of the cause and long, proud tradition Irish Americans hold in the struggle. The aim of the IVA is to educate the American people of the struggle and above all make an impact on the politics of Ireland, the
UK, the US, and worldwide. May God Bless Ireland."
The IVA is a very devolved organization, consisting of no central organization. It is essentially cumman ("branch" in Irish Gaelic) across the US following the central rules and guidelines laid down by the founder. Every cumman is lead by a ceannacht (leader) and has an assembly known as a Dail to make descions. This maintains a flexible and fluid movement.
Their means are achieved through their newsletter Saoirse Nûacht (Freedom News in Irish Gaelic). They raise money for various political parties and other organizations. They also take parts in protests.
References
IVA website: www.freewebs.com/irishmex_rebel/
