Three words would sum up my involvement and first year with
ILP (international leaders Project)
Opportunity, Pride
and Confidence
Now I have to admit that when I first rocked up to the first
gathering I was a bit worried, there was some incredible talent around the
cabin along with some very influential people in our movement and I remember
thinking ‘what have I let myself into’ The
task that stands out from that weekend was to stand up and read a document we
had never seen before, and as I watched my ILP colleagues get up and reel off the
readings I was honestly in ore and felt well out of my depth. Well that weekend
in Ireland just over a year ago seems a long way away, as I sit here now
reflecting I’d like to share one or two moments and learning from my journey.
During this journey I have had the opportunity to attend the
European general assembly in Prague where I was voted onto the nomination committee
for the executive. What an absolute honor and having to stand up and pitch
myself to over 200 people from 20 countries is a steep learning curve in public
speaking. I was also chosen by the World Alliance to complete a research paper
on issues facing young people across Europe, again a huge honor considering I was
from a YMCA in the North West of England that didn't really do International
work. I was also asked to speak at YMCA Derbyshire’s 100th year anniversary
on behalf of the National movement and to promote the World Challenge, what a
huge privilege to be part of such celebrations and the feedback I received
afterwards from young and older people was fantastic.
To say the project had just changed me wouldn't be accurate
and I would hope that everything I did transferred down to my local work; it
helped me link into networks and have contacts in other countries so much so
that my local YMCA partnered up with YMCA France for a live Skype on World
Challenge day. I personally have much more confidence; I believe in my own
ability now and am proud to be part of such a huge movement. I think the
project also renewed my passion for our movement after 8 years working at a local
level it gave us another direction and provided the whole organization with excitement.
I have been inspired by other like-minded leaders and youth from across the
movement and I am very grateful to those who gave me the opportunity and my
friends on ILP whom are all destined for great things within this movement.
