The 17th World Council of YMCAs is now over, but we hope you've enjoyed the experience.
To stay in touch with World Council news, visit the World Alliance of YMCAs.
Or you can visit YMCA England at www.ymca.org.uk.
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Friday, 6 August 2010
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Hoop Springs Eternal
In my position as Regional Executive Officer for the North East, Yorkshire & NE Lincolnshire Regions and as the International Officer for YMCA England I committ to promote the World Record attempt. In addition I will promote this through my REO collogues across England.
I think it is a fantastic opportunity to engage people across the globe in what could be a truely remarkable experience.
'I'm In'
I think it is a fantastic opportunity to engage people across the globe in what could be a truely remarkable experience.
'I'm In'
Monday, 26 July 2010
A life changing experience?
I’m fully aware that’s its very corny to come back from an event, or a visit, and describe it as “life changing”. I’ve heard it many times before when someone returns from a challenging convention or even a great holiday.
For me this event wasn’t really about Hong Kong and it certainly was no holiday. Don’t get me wrong, it was a huge privilege to be on the other side of the world in such a great place. More important was the work that went on in the Wu Kwai Sha youth village and I’m personally proud of the levels of effort that the English delegation contributed to the event.
We hardly saw Kie Cummings all week and if we did he had his laptop in hand, meticulously recording and writing up each session, often into the early hours of the morning. David Bennision and Mark Harrod also were heavily involved in note taking and recording.
In fact this World Council saw the English delegation contributing at many levels, from running workshops to our young people performing at the opening ceremony. There were also many other contributions from the delegation over the past seven days as well, but special mention should go to my colleague Ken Montgomery, whose endeavours both during the week and the last twelve months in preparation made our World Council experience all the more enjoyable.
Then there was the excitement of Ian Pearson’s election to the YMCA World Executive Committee. I was able to ask Ian about his vision for his new role:
I’m also thrilled that the young people within our party have come back buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm to take back to their YMCAs. Even our delegation’s youngest member, 14-year-old Kieran, played a major practical role in sorting the staff rota for our exhibition stand and was invited onto main-stage as well.
I managed to speak briefly with two of our colleagues on some of their highlights.
Graham, Northumberland Federation of YMCAs:
Matthew, West Bromwich and District YMCA
And for me personally, my view of the YMCA, being a pretty amazing movement, has been strengthened. From Gwenael’s “against the odds” rebuilding work in Haiti to the practical and innovative communications and IT that Miguel and Latin America and Caribbean colleagues are implementing, we do some awesome work.
Additionally, the world-wide enthusiasm and support for the 2012 "Hoop Springs Eternal" YMCA basketball challenge was staggering.
I’ve had some inspiring conversations over the last seven days learning about New Zealand’s YMCA week and the in-depth research process for the US’s “the Y” rebranding (incidentally this shows why “the Y” might not work in England).
The challenge is to keep these conversations going to enhance our work when we’re back at base, so that our communities can be transformed and so that young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive all around the world.
So was Hong Kong life changing?
Well, after all that we’ve seen, heard and learnt over the last seven days, for the sake of our young people it has to be.
For me this event wasn’t really about Hong Kong and it certainly was no holiday. Don’t get me wrong, it was a huge privilege to be on the other side of the world in such a great place. More important was the work that went on in the Wu Kwai Sha youth village and I’m personally proud of the levels of effort that the English delegation contributed to the event.
We hardly saw Kie Cummings all week and if we did he had his laptop in hand, meticulously recording and writing up each session, often into the early hours of the morning. David Bennision and Mark Harrod also were heavily involved in note taking and recording.
In fact this World Council saw the English delegation contributing at many levels, from running workshops to our young people performing at the opening ceremony. There were also many other contributions from the delegation over the past seven days as well, but special mention should go to my colleague Ken Montgomery, whose endeavours both during the week and the last twelve months in preparation made our World Council experience all the more enjoyable.
Then there was the excitement of Ian Pearson’s election to the YMCA World Executive Committee. I was able to ask Ian about his vision for his new role:
I’m also thrilled that the young people within our party have come back buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm to take back to their YMCAs. Even our delegation’s youngest member, 14-year-old Kieran, played a major practical role in sorting the staff rota for our exhibition stand and was invited onto main-stage as well.
I managed to speak briefly with two of our colleagues on some of their highlights.
Graham, Northumberland Federation of YMCAs:
Matthew, West Bromwich and District YMCA
And for me personally, my view of the YMCA, being a pretty amazing movement, has been strengthened. From Gwenael’s “against the odds” rebuilding work in Haiti to the practical and innovative communications and IT that Miguel and Latin America and Caribbean colleagues are implementing, we do some awesome work.
Additionally, the world-wide enthusiasm and support for the 2012 "Hoop Springs Eternal" YMCA basketball challenge was staggering.
I’ve had some inspiring conversations over the last seven days learning about New Zealand’s YMCA week and the in-depth research process for the US’s “the Y” rebranding (incidentally this shows why “the Y” might not work in England).
The challenge is to keep these conversations going to enhance our work when we’re back at base, so that our communities can be transformed and so that young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive all around the world.
So was Hong Kong life changing?
Well, after all that we’ve seen, heard and learnt over the last seven days, for the sake of our young people it has to be.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Focussing on 1.75 billion
Following the success of the 17th World Council the YMCA World Urban network Conference formally opens this evening. WUN brings together the Chief Executives of significant urban YMCAs from acorss the globe. Almost 100 participants will be focussing on the theme of "The Health of Children and Youth around the World"
More than 1.75 billion 10 - 24 year olds are on the planet and a shocking 10 million children die every year - that is more than 1000 every hour. Almost all of these children could survive and thrive if they had access to simple affordable interventions.
The conference will explore best practice in YMCAs as well as focussing on how we advocate on behalf of children and young people and ensure that they have a voice.
More than 1.75 billion 10 - 24 year olds are on the planet and a shocking 10 million children die every year - that is more than 1000 every hour. Almost all of these children could survive and thrive if they had access to simple affordable interventions.
The conference will explore best practice in YMCAs as well as focussing on how we advocate on behalf of children and young people and ensure that they have a voice.
The World Council concludes
The 17th World Council of YMCAs has now concluded - the 1,000 delegates from across the globe from Haiti to Honduras, Poland and The Phillipines are now beginning to head home challenged as to how their YMCAs respond to the challenge of being global citizens. The English Delegation played a full and active role in the activities of the Council, shaping resolutions, leading workshops and responding positively to the invitation to mobilise resources. We go home tired but enthused.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
World YMCAs sign up for "Hoop Springs Eternal"
YMCAs from all over the world showed their suport for the global "Hoop Springs Eternal" basketball challenge, a world record attempt due to take place in 2012.
Leaders, officers and volunteers from YMCAs signed a basketball to show their support.
Leaders, officers and volunteers from YMCAs signed a basketball to show their support.
Hoop springs eternal at the World Council - Global Basketball Challenge Endorsed
David Thompson presents the global Basketball Challenge to World Council.
Delegates at the 17th World Council of YMCAs in Hong Kong, have just voted to unanimously to support a YMCA World Record attempt in basketball.
Central YMCA and YMCA England have proposed that on the morning of the Olympic Basketball Final at London 2012, that YMCAs all around the world will shoot hoops at the same time in the record attempt, aiming for at least 2 million participants from the 45 million current YMCA members.
This unanimous support provides Central YMCA a mandate to lead this challenge on behalf of the global YMCA movement.
Central YMCA’s David Thompson said:
“What a brilliant response from the eighty-five countries represented here in Hong Kong. This will enhance the world’s view of the YMCA as a force for good, locally, nationally and internationally.
Basketball was invented by the YMCA and it’s fitting that we will be using the sport to unite globally and showcase our work and impact. Detailed planning starts here.”
We want you to be a part of this global event.
Central YMCA and YMCA England have proposed that on the morning of the Olympic Basketball Final at London 2012, that YMCAs all around the world will shoot hoops at the same time in the record attempt, aiming for at least 2 million participants from the 45 million current YMCA members.
This unanimous support provides Central YMCA a mandate to lead this challenge on behalf of the global YMCA movement.
Central YMCA’s David Thompson said:
“What a brilliant response from the eighty-five countries represented here in Hong Kong. This will enhance the world’s view of the YMCA as a force for good, locally, nationally and internationally.
Basketball was invented by the YMCA and it’s fitting that we will be using the sport to unite globally and showcase our work and impact. Detailed planning starts here.”
We want you to be a part of this global event.
Please register at:
http://www.ymca.co.uk/worldrecord2012
http://www.ymca.co.uk/worldrecord2012
Friday, 23 July 2010
Ian's in!
YMCA England Chairman Tim Waldron congratulates Ian Pearson on his election to the YMCA World Executive Committee.Ian is a trustee of North Tyneside YMCA and a member of the English National Board. Ian will serve for a period of four years and will work with the new team to oversee a radical transformation of the strategic plan of the World Alliance.
Building a common Brand
Much of the last week has been spent on considering issues relating to brand and visual identity. The YMCA of the USAs re-brand has been a real catalyst for discussion. Today the World Council is considering whether there might be appetie for developing a global brand identity for the YMCA Movement. In Canada the YMCA has 95% brand recognition - probably similar in England (maily due to the Village People I think!) but without knowledge of what we do. YMCA England's strategy includes developing a common brand across England and a task group has been established - I wonder what more we need to do to make this a reality?
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Day whetever day it is!!!!
There are some really interesting comments and posts that have been left about the work that has been done \ discussed here in Hong Kong. The workshops also continued today and people were able to have lots of discussions about a range of different issues. We were talking about how to motivate people within the YMCA. It was a really good opportunity to find out what people did in their local YMCA's and how they engage with a range of different people and how they continue to keep people's involvement passionate!
On other issues the rain has been phenomenal, ok it was a typhoon but it was something out of this world. It was like a bucket of water had been emptied constantly for an hour! We were looking round the market and it was great to see some of the traditional crafts on sale as well as the western gifts, but more importantly how amazingly friendly people are even though they, and their stock are ankle high in water It was also good to see a bit more of this amazing city.
over and out!
On other issues the rain has been phenomenal, ok it was a typhoon but it was something out of this world. It was like a bucket of water had been emptied constantly for an hour! We were looking round the market and it was great to see some of the traditional crafts on sale as well as the western gifts, but more importantly how amazingly friendly people are even though they, and their stock are ankle high in water It was also good to see a bit more of this amazing city.
over and out!
Strengthening
This morning's plenary session is focussed on Strengthening the YMCA through investing in youth and community - to hear different perspectives from across the world reminds me of the diversity of the international Movement and how we need to ensure that we "punch according to our weight" as a significant youth organisation.
The YMCA at the centre of hope in Haiti
The earthquake that hit Haiti during Jan 2009 saw a catastrophic lost of life and destroyed the county’s infrastructure. Desperate images filled our TV screens and at the epicentre, Port-au-Prince, YMCA Haiti lost its building. Thankfully there was no loss of life among its members. YMCAs in England supported the relief project through Y Care International.
I caught up with YMCA Haiti’s General Secretary, Gwenael Apollon to find out how the YMCA was rebuilding in the aftermath of the disaster.
"What’s the YMCA like in Haiti?"
"How did the earthquake affect you and your work?"
"What are YMCA Haiti’s plans for the future?"
"Your new building seems to be a symbol of hope in Haiti. Is there still hope in the country?"
"Thank you Gwenael and we wish you every success in the future."
I caught up with YMCA Haiti’s General Secretary, Gwenael Apollon to find out how the YMCA was rebuilding in the aftermath of the disaster.
"What’s the YMCA like in Haiti?"
"How did the earthquake affect you and your work?"
"What are YMCA Haiti’s plans for the future?"
"Your new building seems to be a symbol of hope in Haiti. Is there still hope in the country?"
"Thank you Gwenael and we wish you every success in the future."
New Officers of the World Alliance
Yesterday saw the election of new Officers of the World Alliance of YMCAs for the next four years. Ken Collotton (USA) was elected President, Fernando Ondarza (Mexico) elected Deputy President and Helen McEwan (New Zealand) was elected Treasurer. The English delegation has seven votes and we voted "en bloc" for the three candidates elected. This is great news for the international Movement and will bring renewed leadership to the World Alliance of YMCAs.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Read more about the World Council
Staff at the World Alliance of YMCAs are producing daily bulletins outlining events at the World Council.
You can also view photos from the World Council in their photo gallery.
Happen to speak Spanish? The YMCA of Latin America has been blogging about the World Council here.
You can also view photos from the World Council in their photo gallery.
Happen to speak Spanish? The YMCA of Latin America has been blogging about the World Council here.
Greeting from the UN Secretary General
Ban Ki Moon sent greetings to the YMCA World Council. In his message he said 'Your work strengthens local communities, your outreach to youth and people in poor and underseved communities is invaluable.........'
Our stewardship of the planet
This morning's "thought for the day"/ worship saw two of our young people take an active role. Vicki and Paul from Romford took part in a highly visual display, with friends from YMCAs from all over the world.
Mud and dirt was poured onto a giant globe to symbolise how we are destroying our planet, sometimes without knowing it.
Delegates were then invited to put their own muddy handprints on the globe, in an act of realisation of the effect that we all have on our planet.
Workshops
This morning sees a range of workshops focussing on YMCA cutting edge issues and English delegates will be leading a number of these. I will be leading a workshop with Mark Harrod from Central YMCA on developing YMCA public policy - engaging with politicians and key decision makers. We are expecting 30 participants from 2o different countries.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Ian Pearson for World Alliance Executive Committee
Ian Pearson has just addressed the World Council delegates. This is part of the process to elect new members of the Executive Committee of the World Alliance.
Ian is a National Board Member, North East Regional President & North Tyneside YMCA Trustee.
As England's candidate for election, Ian spoke about how, as a young person the YMCA has impacted upon his life and his spiritual journey. If elected, Ian stated that he would commit to the strengthening of global governance.
Elections take place later in the week which includes President, Treasurer and Executive Members representing area alliances.
Images of the experience so far...
^ The English delegation
^ Gwenael Apollion - YMCA Haiti
^ Opening ceremony
^ Opening ceremony
^English delegation
Day Three
Last day of the Youth Forum.
Unfortunately, although i have met some AMAZING people and had some really good conversations over dinner and during the breaks, i am left feeling a little disappointed. i feel like I've been to the Gym and just got really into the warm up and now time is up (Yes i do go to a gym, and like it, honest!)
As i said in day one we wanted more conversation, more discussion and more action. this is something that hasn't really happened and although i have enjoyed the few debates that we have had with the Europe area, there still hasn't been a structured time to discuss with young people from other Areas.
The opening of the World Council itself was unbelievable, (see Ian's Blog) and again, on the bus on the way back from the Salisbury, i was struck by how wonderful, helpful and friendly the local volunteers have been. i sat next to a young man from Hong Kong who was studying at a YMCA School in Hong Kong. His dreams were to be a pharmacist, to study in Australia and also to visit the UK. He had been volunteering all of the previous day and was been picked up after the bus journey after doing another long days volunteering and was looking forward to his day off!. God bless Eric!
Going back to the Gym analogy I'm hoping this is the main workout!
Unfortunately, although i have met some AMAZING people and had some really good conversations over dinner and during the breaks, i am left feeling a little disappointed. i feel like I've been to the Gym and just got really into the warm up and now time is up (Yes i do go to a gym, and like it, honest!)
As i said in day one we wanted more conversation, more discussion and more action. this is something that hasn't really happened and although i have enjoyed the few debates that we have had with the Europe area, there still hasn't been a structured time to discuss with young people from other Areas.
The opening of the World Council itself was unbelievable, (see Ian's Blog) and again, on the bus on the way back from the Salisbury, i was struck by how wonderful, helpful and friendly the local volunteers have been. i sat next to a young man from Hong Kong who was studying at a YMCA School in Hong Kong. His dreams were to be a pharmacist, to study in Australia and also to visit the UK. He had been volunteering all of the previous day and was been picked up after the bus journey after doing another long days volunteering and was looking forward to his day off!. God bless Eric!
Going back to the Gym analogy I'm hoping this is the main workout!
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony of the 17th YMCA World Council held last night at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The Council was opened by The Hon Sir Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of Hong Kong. A mixture of culture and politics which included ballarinas with cuddly toys, women with fans, children dressed as turtles and flower arrangements to classical music.....
Opening Ceremony #2
At events like this you suddenly feel the scale of the YMCA. 1130+ guests from all corners of the world meeting up for a week of discussion, decision and celebration.
Earlier in the day I bumped into Gwenael, a YMCA colleague from Haiti, who is right at the centre of rebuilding their nation. I was shown pictures of their new building, which is rising from the rubble, a symbol of hope in a nation that needs lots. That meeting put into perspective the invaluable work that YMCAs do all around the world.
Later we were at the downtown conference centre for the opening ceremony. I could talk about the opening business and the welcomes, but i'm sure those will be recorded elsewhere. For me, once the formalities were over, the celebrations began. Connection speed allowing I'll try and share some of these with you:
Earlier in the day I bumped into Gwenael, a YMCA colleague from Haiti, who is right at the centre of rebuilding their nation. I was shown pictures of their new building, which is rising from the rubble, a symbol of hope in a nation that needs lots. That meeting put into perspective the invaluable work that YMCAs do all around the world.
Later we were at the downtown conference centre for the opening ceremony. I could talk about the opening business and the welcomes, but i'm sure those will be recorded elsewhere. For me, once the formalities were over, the celebrations began. Connection speed allowing I'll try and share some of these with you:
Young people from England were right at the heart of the preceding International Youth Forum and they also featured onstage, in a dance. It was put together with other young people from around the globe, see if you recognise anyone from your YMCA:
..hopefully more to follow later
Monday, 19 July 2010
Day Two 18/7/2010
Can't believe that two days have gone already!
Started the day with toast. No noodles for breakfast today!
There was much more discussion that followed on the theme of the Millennium Development Goals. There were speeches about people's views and experience of Education, Employment and Climate Change and as an Area group (Europe) we discussed what were the top priorities for us. This sparked lots of debate and was good to have a chance to view our opinions.
At lunch, some of the English delegation discussed that maybe it would have been better to be discussing Challenge 21 and then see how this feeds into the Millennium Development Goals, rather than the other way round? See how "our" aims can help the UN aims / goals.
We also managed to get a swim in before heading off to the City for the concert in Victoria Park. then dinner in City. WOW!!! it was amazing the sights really are something special, shops on top of shops on top of shops. Escalators going up streets. hundreds of people in such a small area. Some of the English and some of the Finnish managed to find a very local small resteraunt down a little backstreet and it was unbelievable. Real Hong Kong!
Started the day with toast. No noodles for breakfast today!
There was much more discussion that followed on the theme of the Millennium Development Goals. There were speeches about people's views and experience of Education, Employment and Climate Change and as an Area group (Europe) we discussed what were the top priorities for us. This sparked lots of debate and was good to have a chance to view our opinions.
At lunch, some of the English delegation discussed that maybe it would have been better to be discussing Challenge 21 and then see how this feeds into the Millennium Development Goals, rather than the other way round? See how "our" aims can help the UN aims / goals.
We also managed to get a swim in before heading off to the City for the concert in Victoria Park. then dinner in City. WOW!!! it was amazing the sights really are something special, shops on top of shops on top of shops. Escalators going up streets. hundreds of people in such a small area. Some of the English and some of the Finnish managed to find a very local small resteraunt down a little backstreet and it was unbelievable. Real Hong Kong!
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Expectations
The English delegation will be playing a full and active role in the YMCA World Council the theme of which is "Striving for Global Citizenship for all" - as an English Movement what do we want to say and how can we contribute to achieving the vision of making a more just, peaceful and sustainable world?
Day one
First day went well. Some good information and speeches but not as much dialogue between the participants as a lot of us would have liked. This was fed back in the evening session about the World Council and will hopefully change for today. A lot of talk about the Millennium Development Goals, especially Gender Discrimination, HIV/AIDS and Poverty & Hunger and how YMCA and Challenge 21 feeds into these. My personal opinion is that Challenge 21 is easier to work towards as it doesn't have such deadlines and specific targets and can be used on so many levels, either in Bradford or Trindad or California etc.
Other than the plenary sessions we have attended a workshop. i was treated to a magic show and got cookies to show the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong Social Enterprises, we also learnt about how they recruit and retain the young people who attend the programmes.
It has been really good meeting old friends as well as meeting new people and finding out about the work of YMCA's across the whole world.
The weather (we're British we have to talk about the weather!) is very nice, hot and, ok, pretty sticky but in all the rooms it's freezing! Im thinking of bringing socks with me for the next session! Oh and the rain last night was pretty impressive. photos to follow of some drowned rats (Rob, Robbie etc.) we found!
Will up date tomorrow about how today has gone (if the wi fi is working!)
amy
Other than the plenary sessions we have attended a workshop. i was treated to a magic show and got cookies to show the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong Social Enterprises, we also learnt about how they recruit and retain the young people who attend the programmes.
It has been really good meeting old friends as well as meeting new people and finding out about the work of YMCA's across the whole world.
The weather (we're British we have to talk about the weather!) is very nice, hot and, ok, pretty sticky but in all the rooms it's freezing! Im thinking of bringing socks with me for the next session! Oh and the rain last night was pretty impressive. photos to follow of some drowned rats (Rob, Robbie etc.) we found!
Will up date tomorrow about how today has gone (if the wi fi is working!)
amy
Saturday, 17 July 2010
IYF Opening Party
If you want to check out the opening Party of the International Youth Forum you can do so on Youtube, The link is YMCAIYF2010
Morning Sing Song in Hong Kong
Sharing the experience of a Sing Song in Hong on the first morning of the Global Youth Forum
Friday, 16 July 2010
On our way!
Sitting enjoying the company of Mark, Rosi and David at Heathrow Terminal 5 - preparing for the 12 hour British airways flight to Hong Kong. Am looking forward to meeting colleagues from across the globe - new friends and old
World Council Business
At the English National Board recently the trustees approved two items of business which relate to the World Council. The first was to approve a change to the World Alliance constitution. This is simply to ensure that the WA complies with Charity regulations in Switzerland where they are based.
The second was to submit a resolution to WC to organise a Guiness Record attempt to get as many people as possible around the globe shooting basket ball hoops at the same time.... nore about that during the next ten days.
The second was to submit a resolution to WC to organise a Guiness Record attempt to get as many people as possible around the globe shooting basket ball hoops at the same time.... nore about that during the next ten days.
we have arrived
So the British youth delegation have arrived at Wu Kwai Sha. we are all sat in a very cool sports hall, which is a nice escape from the heat and humidity. We cant get into our rooms for another 4 1/2 hours but hey ho! starting to plan what to do to entertain ourselves, tig has already been crossed off the list but maybe food and a drink would be a good idea.
Driving from the airport was beautiful. what surprised me most was that when we left the airport it was so green! The hills were beautifull and then you got to the massive City, i know everyone talks about how big it is but it really is amazing. The bay was fab as well, the amount of container ships that were there was staggering.
Wu Kwai Sha its self is pretty, from what we have seen so far anyway. Will up date you on how things are going soon
Driving from the airport was beautiful. what surprised me most was that when we left the airport it was so green! The hills were beautifull and then you got to the massive City, i know everyone talks about how big it is but it really is amazing. The bay was fab as well, the amount of container ships that were there was staggering.
Wu Kwai Sha its self is pretty, from what we have seen so far anyway. Will up date you on how things are going soon
Thursday, 15 July 2010
The YMCA World Council - engage, debate and respond.....
So the World Council is almost upon us - after years of planning over 900 representatives from the international YMCA Movement will arrive in Hong Kong to share, debate, engage and come to conclusions on issues of common interest. The English delegation consists of over 50 representatives and I look forward to providing regular blog updates on the key issues debated and discussed. I do hope that this will be an interactive process and that as many YMCA colleagues as possible will participate in this blog so that we can effectively represent your views and opinions as the World Council progresses.
First pic in
Currently there are 9 young people from the English YMCA, 2 from the Scottish YMCA and one from the Irish YMCA on this plane. departed at 12.20pm
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