A reflection on service and compassion and the philosophy of change

John Lonergan will join us on Wednesday November 20 at 19:30pm. John will talk with us about his journey as Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, and will reflect on service and compassion and the philosophy of change.

### John Lonergan

John Lonergan is a native of Bansha, Co. Tipperary. He served in the Irish Prison Service for over 42 years. He was Governor of Mountjoy Prison for over 22 years and Governor of the top security prison at Portlaoise for almost 4 years. He retired in June 2010 and later that year his autobiography “The Governor” was published. In 2013 he wrote a book on parenting with the title ‘Parenting – raising your child in Ireland today’, with all royalties going to Barnardos, the children’s charity. Nowadays he delivers talks on a wide range of subjects to communities, voluntary groups, workers and students. He is an active supporter of many charitable organisations.

### Philosophy of change

His philosophy is that change, personal or otherwise, cannot be enforced on people, believing that real and meaningful change only comes about through dialogue, consent and agreement. He is convinced that human beings change from the inside out and suggests that the big challenge for all of us is to find the humanity in others and then to nurture it. The more we are in touch with our own humanity the more likely we are to treat others with humanity – show respect to gain respect.