Change Agents Switzerland regional trip

First day I arrived at Zurich airport I felt nervous, even asking myself " Am I ready for this"?Am I going to get along with everyone. I met Adi first, straight away he made me feel relaxed the banter started.

A few more Change Agents started show up and we started introduce ourselves, it was such great atmosphere I hardly experience in my life laughing and stories sharing.

We decide go site seeing. Andrew (Change Agent) spotted a bike shop and thought it would be a good idea cycle around town. It was much fun.

When we arrived back we met the rest of the change agents and Romulo. We discussed what we would be doing which included hiking and  camping.

We hiked to a house where we were staying for the night and did devotions. In the morning we were put in pairs, we discussed about Change Agents and hiked about a hour to the camp where we were staying for next couple more days. 

 

Before we left, as I look at view, I had a chance reflect on my life and how far I have come. I never thought I be in this position now being a part a global movement meeting amazing young people. 

As we arrived at the camp we had set up the tents and unpacked our stuff, four people had to share a tent each.

Next day we were put into groups , the first topic for discussion was leadership skills. Are you born a leader or can you become a leader?

Afterwards we played international games from our country part of a bonding session and each day we did that.

We stayed in the same groups, talked about Change Agents roles, health, religion,,social movements, how to make YMCA more visible,  Erasmus+ and what would prevent us from doing our job.

This four days was great experience which gave me more confidence and to gain more friends outside the UK can't wait to see them again.

National Volunteer Award

National Volunteer Award

I met Deputy Mayor,  Phillip /Crowder

And the Mayor of havering councillor Brian Eagling 

"Volunteering has helped me with my confidence , knowledge and self esteem and has given me the opportunity to give something back to the organisation that took a chance on me".

To be continued...... 

Tallinn, Estonia Yes/ GA meeting

I did Interest group to discuss unemployment, health. We look at Global partners e.g. movement strengthing COG, YES. 



NGS meeting 

• key note
• table talks two 
• Table talks continue ( working group) 
• Excursion 
• devotion and farewell

My reflection 

GA meeting / Yes  was great experience having to get involved ymca strategic plan learning about different YMCA's how they work also know the structure of YMCA i am very grateful for YES giving me this opportunity. 

  Tensting group 

GA meeting

GA Meeting was good experience yesterday learning this year strategic plan look at its aim and objectives. 

I went to Y'men which part of the YMCA.  In Y Men group gave me ideas how to improve my local ymca.

Second part assembly we look at global partners,  movement strengthing e.good COG, YES.  Last assembly we did table talks to reflect our opinions on strategic plan I believe was good idea to express my feelings how can improve or what should stay in strategic plan.

Yes Seminar

Last day of Yes Seminar very amazing experience. my expectations were very low because I didn't know much about Yes. I thought it will be about 10 not 50 + of people this week has help my confidence working in big group and becoming a leader.

I have opportunity met new people different countries build new  network to start projects and learn about different YMCA's

I am grateful 

Tallinn, Estonia Day 2

This morning seminar we look at reflection, personal quotes, we did team bonding with games e.g. Captain is coming and make your egg don't break

We looked at strategy plans which include practical planning process,marketing,advertising, institutions development, resources

We did presentation on our countries
Then party 🎉

Overqualified? #yestonia2015

British special forces and high end intelligence work serving in the Far East, Middle East, and Northern Ireland; Strategic Security advisor in Bosnia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Palestine; Guest facilitator at YMCA YES seminar.

Until you read the last point you may have believed I was describing myself - not so. This is my second YES seminar as a participant and Philip Wilkinson is the guest facilitator with a more than impressive bio. Strategic planning has been the theme of the event as YMCA Europe is in the closing year of its most recent 5 year strategic plan and looks forward to creating a strategy for 2016-2020. 

Philip has driven the design and implementation of strategies in difficult contexts such as Rwanda and Afghanistan with all sorts of complexities and desires and needs, and history - well some might say he's a bit overqualified for guiding a discussion about the strategic planning of YMCA Europe - although I'd say we're a pretty complex reality ourselves! His stories were fascinating - from objectives to take paramilitary targets in Northern Ireland by any means possible and years later having a pint with that same target who is now a political leader; to having a close relationship with Paul Kagame and the success story of strategic planning in Rwanda.

So far the seminar has been really engaging - the YES board have obviously put much time into ensuring participants get the most out of this week and have kept it fresh with quirky activities including the problem and solution wall, Q&A session energy prep, a new spin on our cultural evening, and peer partners. 

As for now the strategic plan is to get through to 4pm and then enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Tallinn!