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?
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Ian, I know I'm not a member of the English movement, but I hope you don't mind my making comment.
ReplyDeleteAt the World Council in Durban 2006 I endeavoured to increase awareness and focus on Challenge 21, especially in regard to the last article "defending God's creation against all that would destroy it"
It occurred to me, and still does, that the YMCA globally could/should pick up on this solidly and publicly, and be an organisation seen to "lead the world" in pro-active action. The climate is very much here for this, and a solid successful focus as a movement would be a very tangible and identifiable contribution to a sustainable world.
I also believe that a demonstrable leading profile in this area could lead to high level partnerships, and resourcing to actively pursue initiatives.
Just my thoughts...
Chris
Thanks Chris - very helpful.
ReplyDeleteI think that Challenge 21 has often been ignored by national Movements yet it does encapsulate everything the YMCA stands for - in particular to be good global citizens we need to ensure that we care for the world that we live in for ourselves and future generations - what do others think?
I think it's really intersting that these points link into some of the discussions that we have been having and some of our thoughts.(see day Two)
ReplyDeleteYes, you are exactly right Ian. Given that Challenge 21 was adopted in Frechen in 1998, and 12 years have now passed, how many movements - National or Local - actively embrace it and walk the talk on it ? I expect not many, but would love to be wrong.
ReplyDeleteA barrier I identified here in NZ a few years ago was the perception by many of the "unfriendly wording" used, which tended to distract from ease of comprehension and implementation. For that reason I produced a "Kiwi-ised" or simplified and succinct layman's version, which was distributed throughout YMCA NZ. Happy to email you a copy of this if it might be useful to you.
As a relative newcomer to the association I am happy to see many people working througout for a cohesive approach to better understanding and raising the Christian ethos. Better understanding that our association is about a wholly inclusive agenda of Christian faith in action - which means being peace makers and seeking reconciliation between all people groups, and raising the profile by encouraging engagement in the spiritual questions of Christian faith as well as the good works that eminate from it. I would like to see the questions of how to go about creating the environment, in the global agenda, for the global YMCA movement, to discuss, dialogue, practice inclusive Christian community within our existing networks.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of YMCA are working towards Challenge 21 but as you said i dont think that it is activley embedded with in YMCA's. i would love a copy of the "Kiwi-ised" version. i also think that some of the language can be off putting but maybe this means that people can interpret this in different ways. Thats what i think is the benefit of Challenge 21. The Millennium Development Goals are not so easy to work towards in Britain. i know we have poverty but they specifically say the worst of the worst poverty and this is not something that, luckly, britain has. Challenge 21 can be used by all YMCA's in a way that suits their community best.
ReplyDeleteAt Bradford YMCA i spent some time consulting with the young people on programmes with us as to which 'Challenge' they thought was they top for their YMCA to deed into the business plan. I again changed the language so that it was more relevant to them.
Hi Amy, send me an email... cdowns@clear.net.nz
ReplyDeleteand I will send you KC21 PDF. Cheers !