15 months ago I was a relative newcomer to
the YMCA. I started volunteering in my local Y the year before (North Down YMCA
http://www.northdownymca.org) and
had coincidentally ended up in a YMCA in America for a 10 week uni placement
(Rockford YMCA http://www.rockfordymca.org). It was then that Stephen Turner, the National
Secretary of YMCA Ireland, suggested I apply for the ILP programme.
I wasn’t 100% sure what I was signing up
for but from my few years experience I knew that the YMCA had a commitment to
and a rich tradition of international youth work, a commitment that sets it
apart from other youth organisations. As someone who is passionate about youth
work and loves to travel and learn from other cultures, the opportunity to be
part of a YMCA International Leadership Programme was a very appealing
opportunity and one I did not pass up on.
So 15 months down the line, what have I
experienced? What have I learned?
Being part of this group and getting to
know leaders from the other 3 national movements has been great and has been a
forum for us to question and debate what the YMCA is all about and how we can
make the most of international opportunities.
Last year we attended the European Assembly
in Prague and I was part of the YES group. Ken and others could talk endlessly
about the role and function of these meetings but nothing compares to
experiencing something for yourself. I would be lying if I said I understand
fully the workings of YMCA Europe, but compared to 15months ago, I now know it
exists, I now see the value of overarching priorities that European national
movements agree with and commit to, I now know the encouragement that comes
from making friends with people from all over Europe, united by the shared
vision of the YMCA, I now know that I can influence the future direction of our
organization at a National and European level.
I’ve learned more about the structures of
the YMCA and now sit as a trustee on the board of YMCA Ireland. I’m still
learning about how Local, National, European and World all connect. I’m keen to
use my learning and opportunities I get through ILP to benefit my national and
indeed my local YMCA. Just this weekend I’ve learned that this kind of benefit
need only start with a conversation and sharing of experience with young people
in my local YM to generate an excitement and enthusiasm of what possibilities
exist, something I need to get better at!
Andy
Thanks for sharing Andy, honestly has been a pleasure getting to know you
ReplyDeleteInteresting read Andy, would second what Adi said and was a pleasure spending the weekend with you and getting to know you. Thanks again for all your hard work.
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