“Leadership is For Service Not For Power”

Firstly I would like to apologize for not blogging in real time but hope the wait was worth it! :)

We arrived in Yokohama port and were instantly greeted by the beautiful Peace Boat (actually quite a large ship) 'Ocean

Dream', where she was getting ready for her 88th global voyage. The Peace Boat is a Japan based Non-governmental, non profit organisation that promotes human rights, peace, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment that works towards influencing positive social and political change in the world. We met and heard from Co founder Yoshoka Tatsuya who shared his inspirational journey of success and leadership, that aged just 22 with absolutely nothing he created this social movement, that is continuing to grow and be recognised around the world.

Our training days were full of various learning styles, from lectures, group work to 'fish bowls'. It was a valuable space to share the diverse skills, abilities and experiences and learn from each other. Whilst acknowledging our individuality and differences as local non profit organisations We explored the mission and vision of the YMCA as a collective movement; What is that we truly stand for? What is our DNA and sole purpose?? The answer... YOUTH EMPOWERMENT.

As a world wide social movement we want to awaken the 'sleeping giant' of our roots and be able to reach out to more young people in need within our local communities. To do this we need to first reveal the untold stories of injustice towards young people around the world. For example; the hungry street children of Cebu , the people in Fukushima, Japan continuing to be affected by the Nuclear disaster and radiation following the 2011 earthquake. Some of my fellow Change Agents who couldn’t get off the ship in either the Philippines or Singapore because in some countries, Kosovo and Palestine are not recognised as independent countries. Or to something a little closer to home such as 18-21 year olds not being entitled to housing benefit. Each story so very different yet a social injustice that impacts heavily on the realities of those young people it effects. It is social injustices like this that we want to change . "If a lot of small people in a lot of small places do a lot of small things, together they add up to big things – and these can change the world". - (Mari Cruz, CA from Spain )

We learnt more about the 'ONE MILLION VOICES' research conducted from 68 countries on the issues that young people face around employment, civic engagement, health and the environment. This research will help to give economic, social and political empowerment and participation of young people with a real reflection on their needs of not only their local community but as a global VOICE. This information will be invaluable and I cannot wait to read the reports in November.

Each Change Agent took part in 'working groups' which were , Devotions, Morning Show, Musical, Declaration and Party Committee. Within these groups we had limited time to prepare and present something each day. Nonetheless ideas were quickly put into action and each group delivered successfully. This revealed just what can be achieved when you put your mind to it and work together.

Using the 'fish bowl' technique we held debates about our Christian identity as an organisation growing in inclusiveness and diversity. There were a range or different views and opinions on this matter from dropping the C, completely changing our name to Christianity being our DNA and solidarity. I think its fair to say that Christianity and other religion aside, ask us (YMCA) what we believe in and we could simply say 'people' we believe in ourselves, each other and the (young) people we work with and those we are yet to reach, to be the best person they can be.

We sampled Japanese culture, from using chop sticks, making our own green tea, origami and even dressed to occasion in a Kimono. Along with this we were lucky enough to see (and some of us be a part of) a culture show, including African dancing, eastern European music, salsa and lots of other beautiful performances.

Just when everyone began recovering from Sea sickness we had a stop over in the Philippines, where we visited a local university and stayed in the YMCA Hostel of Cebu. From the moment we stepped off the ship we were surrounded by the realities of injustice and inequalities faced by the young people and adults in the community of Cebu. Yet we were equally welcomed with a warmth and kindness that I have never felt before. It was one of my most difficult and uncomfortable experiences meeting the street children of Cebu and serving them there breakfast. The group challenge at Talisay City School was a moving and truly inspirational experience. The students felt our passion and belief that we hold the power to create change.

It was at this very moment that I realised the power to create change and empower young people is already in all of us and together as a WORLD WIDE organisation there really is no limits. The true value of the Philippines experience was to look past the injustice in their living conditions, lack of quality education or all those things they don’t have and focus on what they do have and how they can use that as opportunities to improve their realities and to become the best that they can be.

 So as Change Agents we began our journey as individuals from more than 60 different countries, some a little unsure, expectations unclear and quite scared to say the least. But it is  without doubt that we departed as family with a clear mission and expectation of our roles as Change Agents. Our journeys did not end when we departed the Peace Boat but are a continuum of self discovery, hard work, hope, courage, love ,fun and of course CHANGE. 

For more pictures of our Global Gathering and time on the Peace Boat please see 

World YMCA Flickr: http://tinyurl.com/psdudlf