First and First

Today I did something for the FIRST time ...... I posted a blog!!! It has taken me two days to pluck the courage up to actually do it.

In 10-days time I will be making my way to Denver to my FIRST YMCA World Council - very excited about this .... and feeling a little unsure as to what to expect. 

I recall the first time that I attended National Conference (in the UK) and being blown away by the depth and breath of the YMCA movement in the UK ...... so I guess I'd better get ready for a whole lot more at World Council!

And just because I like quotes .... "Courage is rightly esteemed the FIRST of human qualities ...... because it is the quality which guarantees all others."      Winston Churchill

2700 people - 2 Gatherings - One YMCA

I am very honoured to be leading our team of five from the YMCA Fairthorne Group not only to the World Alliance but also for a visit to the YMCA of Greater Vancouver.  The World Alliance coincides with yet another amazing YMCA gathering, the National Young Carers Festival at Fairthorne Manor.  What a powerful movement worldwide we are.  Whilst 1300 delegates will be arriving at Estes Park, a further 1400 young people will be gathering for the 15th annual young carers festival.  As the founder of the young carers festival it is with some sadness that I will miss the event for the first time in 15 years.  But I know it will be in the safe hands of the inspirational team at Fairthorne Manor.  And what an opportunity and responsibility my team of five now have.  We are hugely excited to be visiting Vancouver and learning about their work.  From there we fly down to Denver with huge excited to join our global friends and colleagues in what looks like being a truly inspiring event.

 Travel safely all 2700 of you and enjoy the power of being united together at these two influential and empowering events.

http://www.ymca-fg.org/counselling-and-community-support/young-carers/young-carers-festival/



Peter Cooper  

Thoughts about the 18th World Council

 The 18th World Council meeting in Estes Park, Colorado will be my fifth World Council event, but I can honestly say it is probably the one to which I most looking forward to attending, for several reasons.

The major focus on youth participation in its organisation and delivery, mainly through the Change Agents, will ensure a lively atmosphere in what can sometimes be dry business meetings. I am taking part in some events and meetings, which always makes it more interesting - more later.  The handbooks available beforehand with the briefings and explanations have been really excellent and ensure that we can arrive raring to go, with a good chance of understanding what is going on.  The venue is one of the nicest and most interesting YMCAs I have visited, in a truly beautiful setting - fortunately I have visited it twice before when I was co-chair of the World Council Oversight Committee. 

I am participating as a helper to a team of Change Agents who will be responsible for facilitating one of the small groups which will meet every morning.  There has been a lot of training for this to ensure the group participants have a great experience.  I've loved being part of it.

I'm also there as a candidate in the Elections for the position of President of the World Alliance, which makes for an exciting if somewhat nervous time!  The last English President was David Robinson CBE who was elected when the World Council took place in Nottingham in 1969 and if elected, I hope I can follow in his illustrious footsteps with the grace and skill for which he was known. 

Count Down to 18th World Council

The count down has begun. In just 12 days time members of the English delegation attending the YMCAs 18th World Council will commence their journey to Estes Park in Colorado. There are 36 people in the delegation who will join some 1300 people from all parts of the glode. You will be able to follow the experience of the delegation here.

Youth Democracy & Governance Exchange 2013: Paris Session

GLYN Conference Pre-International Event Feelings Icebreaker with Pictures

Hi Frah here from the GLYN conference!!!   

  

So, wrapping up another great conference, I got to see old friends, I got to make some new friends, and learned a lot in the process. 

We have talked and discussed the  future of GLYN today, how and where we will go from here, therefore if we strengthen our commitment and dedication we can achieve our goals.  

This  group Is one of a kind, it has a lot of potential and I will look forward to seeing how it will develop in the years to come.        

  In conclusion I would like to thank the planing team Rachel, keran, Dan and Tom you guys done a great job well done !!!