Good morning!

Kim & Andre checking in here at the airport.... Ready to board & the excitement is building!!

We can't wait to meet up with Rachel & find out about what youth politics is all about! 

Must dash now...

On My Way

Task after task after task; at many points today (now yesterday) its felt like the list of things to do would never end. Finally however, with most of the prep out of the way, I can start to anticipate my trip to the EU Youth Strategy Conference in Berlin, Germany. In a few short hours, I and 2 others will depart, and quite quickly arrive at our destination. It being my second global YMCA event, I've some idea to expect; again I'll have the wonderful opportunity to network with our European counterparts, share our diverse experiences and reaffirm once again, that all our work in the community is but part of the collective effort; a finger or a toe on one of many limbs spanning the world.

Still, this time I can't help but feel something about this trip is a little different from my previous experience. When I attended the 17 world council in Honk Kong 2010, I could not escape the feeling that I was about to feed into something which was massive, and intimidatingly impressive. This time, the event feels more like one that will rely much more on us for its success ,which will for our respective national movements, be characterised by how we translate the lessons learned into a real difference on the ground... No pressure eh?!

Despite the frantic week ahead, I can't help but look forward to the interesting people, discussions and experiences awaiting me, and of course, sharing them all with you.

Until then, toodles.

Berlin 2011

When I first found out about Berlin, it seemed like ages away and here it is, one week to go! I orginally applied for the Sweden Youth Work conference but was very kindly asked if I would consider attending the Berlin Youth Politics conference instead. I was lucky enough to go to Bangladesh earlier in the year with YMCA England and so I know how much the YMCA does all over the world, this is just another aspect. So here I am. No where near ready, stomach full of emotions and I can NOT wait. I have always enjoyed learning new things and I believe very strongly that young people should be represented in areas where they will be directly affected however, I have never worked in or learnt about politics before so am unsure of what to expect. But, here goes...

Programmes during October

Looks like we are in for a busy month. I had a skype conference call with the organiser and delegation leaders for a conference in Sweden on Youth Work. There will be five young people from England attending. On Monday I had a meeting with a group of young people (three in total), who are making up the delegation from the English YMCA on a seminar on Youth Politics and YMCA European Youth Strategy. At the end of the Month I will be attending a conference on Global Connections in San Francisco. So likely to be lots of posts.

Swedish Youth Work Conference

Hi,

My name is Jonathan Buckley, a youth worker in the greatest place in the world - Rotherham in South Yorkshire, England! Over the weekend I was invited to attend the YMCA youth work conference in Sweden at the end of the month. I've experienced all sorts of emotions since then - humility, excitement, nervousness, weakness, pride - yet also the Grace of God in my life. I'm really looking forward to being a part of what God's got in store for the YMCA over the coming weeks, months and years.

God Bless

Jon Buckley

Key Values In YMCA Sports

Today we are discussing the key values that are important to have within YMCAs sports programmes. The main values that have been highlighted were: Equality, Respect & Teamwork.

There have been some really interesting and inspiring stories that have been shared about how these values are shown within individual YMCAs.

I would ask you to think about how you show these values and others back in your own YMCA. Because, this is what makes us different and unique as a YMCA and able to change and effect the lives of the young people we strive to serve.

Be back soon.

Rob
:-)

ESY Sports Seminar, National Presentations

Have just delivered a presentation about the varied sports activities and healthy living programs in England. Nerve wracking stuff but I think I gave enough information to let people know we are the biggest and leading organisation in the delivery in this area.

Just about to watch Finland, Germany and Denmark presentations. Informative stuff!

Still waiting for my first question to ask on your behalf people!

Rob
:-)