Saturday, 24 April 2010 9:44:56 AM EST
Hi All,
A brief up date on what is happening with my project.:
Whilst I am struggling to get others on board with the blogging (including me- well finding the time) I have begun my project in earnest.
I had three young people at my service for 2 days with one of the school chaplains as I said in last week’s discussion board.
From that one if the young people attended our communities ‘Youth Day Out’ event- that we hold each year. This is to celebrate the young people of the community.
The day was a huge success- managed to keep the local mayor around – she and one of her fellow councillors made candles (they take about half an hour). The minister Karen Struthers attended the event and was impressed.
One of the young people from the school came down and helped us out for a few hours – spraying on tattoos – long line all day.
I am currently rushing to get some art work done before the 23rd for an Art show at the school. Well must run and do some blogging.
Karen
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Discussion Board WEEK 6
Sunday, 18 April 2010 11:50:54 AM EST
Wow I feel that I have done so much and yet so little. I have been powering ahead with my project but I have taken to time to write about it on my blog or on the discussion board.
So here goes my update:
I ran a 2 day project with young people from one of the Anglican schools with one of the chaplains. The two days was really good way to connect and discuss many topics with the young people. We watched a couple of videos- one that was made by the Youth Advocacy Centre by young people, part of it was filmed in the juvenile detention centre. The second was by Alternative Violence Project Qld- who run workshops, this one was with prisoners.
The videos provided a lot of conversation around where things can go wrong for people leading to bad choices. This then lead to a discussion of who was available for them to discuss things with. The people were easily identifiable (school counsellor, teachers, chaplains and school nurse), the issues that arose where around lack of knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of these roles- mainly confidentiality.
The group identified a few ways to address this so that students can be more aware of the roles and responsibilities of these people.
Lastly we identified future projects where and how we can work together- the first was on Saturday at our Youth Week event.
Now I have a heap of work to do to get all the rest of them happening – the next is in May so I better get cracking.
Karen
Wow I feel that I have done so much and yet so little. I have been powering ahead with my project but I have taken to time to write about it on my blog or on the discussion board.
So here goes my update:
I ran a 2 day project with young people from one of the Anglican schools with one of the chaplains. The two days was really good way to connect and discuss many topics with the young people. We watched a couple of videos- one that was made by the Youth Advocacy Centre by young people, part of it was filmed in the juvenile detention centre. The second was by Alternative Violence Project Qld- who run workshops, this one was with prisoners.
The videos provided a lot of conversation around where things can go wrong for people leading to bad choices. This then lead to a discussion of who was available for them to discuss things with. The people were easily identifiable (school counsellor, teachers, chaplains and school nurse), the issues that arose where around lack of knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of these roles- mainly confidentiality.
The group identified a few ways to address this so that students can be more aware of the roles and responsibilities of these people.
Lastly we identified future projects where and how we can work together- the first was on Saturday at our Youth Week event.
Now I have a heap of work to do to get all the rest of them happening – the next is in May so I better get cracking.
Karen
Discussion Board Week 3
Thursday, 18 March 2010 11:17:57 AM EST Reply Vanessa 2
Oh Karen
BTW back to your topic, which I think is similar to mine, By the time of implementation, we did not need to complete the actual project, jsut be on the way to it. That's the impression I got anyway. So for me, building ties within a culturally diverse marginalised community, I'm starting with a multicultural arts and dance festival but it still may not do what I'm aiming to do. But I've made a start, a connection and in doing so explored, networked and connected and gathered information to plan further.
Because I do think adopt a grandparent is a great topic. I did think it was strange that it was on the Aboriginal and Islander Chart:))).
Perhaps discussing it with Lynda if your still confused about changing your topic.?
Thursday, 18 March 2010 11:12:03 AM EST Reply Vanessa
Thank you for that insight Karen.
I couldn't agree with you more. It is a struggle for me as I am starting to implement in 2 weeks time and I want to constantly make it my agenda, to save time, to make sure it looks good for the project, to fiet this into the structure of my project. I am finding out more and more that a community doesn't wait for your plans, and then bends itself to fit into your timeline and your agenda. So far, for me, things have gone wring, plans have changed, circumstances of the members involved have changed and group members have changed. So to on a daily basis, group this, and make a new plan to fit these circumstances of the new dawn, and make the agenda about the community's interest in a span of two weeks is challenging me very very very very much. What also challenges me is my ability to keep my own ego/fears in check, wvery time things don't go into my perfect little plan, I cna have the tnedency to panic or think no what will people within the community think (some of them I have grown up with, and are my friends). I have to continually keep myself and my fears in check, take a deep breath, and slow down and start slowly again. I am using a breathing CD I fall alseep to it.
Thank you for your insight, it allowed me to uncover my own.
Vanessa
Thursday, 18 March 2010 8:44:11 AM EST Reply Kerline
Hi Karen,
I loved learning more about the whole concept of "adopt a grandparent",but I think you are right in that it probably would take longer to implement and see the whole process through.
Your new topic sounds like it is something that offers a lot of options and potential to see change even in a short amount of time! Although I am not an extremely religious person myself, I spent some time a few years ago working with a group called "Youth for Christ" (YFC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The activities and events they threw to get youth out and involved in the community were so creative and inspiring, I thought that maybe they would be a good contact for you to have to see some examples of initiatives that have worked in the past.
Here is the website for YFC Australia: http://www.yfc.org.au/
I hope you can find it useful. Good luck!
Kerline
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 10:20:36 PM EST
Community Engagement
In class today whilst going through the 2 different process methods to:
to find a solution for marking and
the top 5 issues in the world today
reminded me of the importance of how we approach our community from the micro to macro.
I found it a struggle to watch and not contribute in the first process (but I did volunteer to be an observer). I was watching as a decision was made that will have a significant impact on my life right now and had no opportunity to be heard. It certainly left me with a strong sense of feeling powerless.
In using the TOP facilitation method (which I have used and love) left me feeling a little frustrated as Linda pointed out that much of the content at the table was lost in deciding what the collective believed the 5 issues were.
And I loved it- this may sounds strange but I did. For me being placed in these circumstances is a beautiful reminder of the importance of my role in community engagement.
Inclusion is hard, but to truly effect change in the community; the people of the community need to be apart of the process, own the process and then determine the outcomes. And ensuring all are involved is a difficult road to navigate.
Having said this on the way home from class I completely changed my idea for my project - not that my idea isn't good and I still am going to follow this up (linking up older people with families in an adopt a grandparent program) but given the risks I think it is a longer term project.
I have been given the opportunity to work with some young people who are from a religious based school. They are looking to form a connection between what they learn at school, the teaching of the principles of the bible and putting these into practice. The aim is to develop within the young people the sense to contribute to their community as an integral and life long commitment.
So today's class made me aware I need to work with my project in an inclusive way and not get carried away with my own agenda of what this should look like.
So thank you all for the learning today. Hope others got the same experience from todays class that I did.
Karen
Oh Karen
BTW back to your topic, which I think is similar to mine, By the time of implementation, we did not need to complete the actual project, jsut be on the way to it. That's the impression I got anyway. So for me, building ties within a culturally diverse marginalised community, I'm starting with a multicultural arts and dance festival but it still may not do what I'm aiming to do. But I've made a start, a connection and in doing so explored, networked and connected and gathered information to plan further.
Because I do think adopt a grandparent is a great topic. I did think it was strange that it was on the Aboriginal and Islander Chart:))).
Perhaps discussing it with Lynda if your still confused about changing your topic.?
Thursday, 18 March 2010 11:12:03 AM EST Reply Vanessa
Thank you for that insight Karen.
I couldn't agree with you more. It is a struggle for me as I am starting to implement in 2 weeks time and I want to constantly make it my agenda, to save time, to make sure it looks good for the project, to fiet this into the structure of my project. I am finding out more and more that a community doesn't wait for your plans, and then bends itself to fit into your timeline and your agenda. So far, for me, things have gone wring, plans have changed, circumstances of the members involved have changed and group members have changed. So to on a daily basis, group this, and make a new plan to fit these circumstances of the new dawn, and make the agenda about the community's interest in a span of two weeks is challenging me very very very very much. What also challenges me is my ability to keep my own ego/fears in check, wvery time things don't go into my perfect little plan, I cna have the tnedency to panic or think no what will people within the community think (some of them I have grown up with, and are my friends). I have to continually keep myself and my fears in check, take a deep breath, and slow down and start slowly again. I am using a breathing CD I fall alseep to it.
Thank you for your insight, it allowed me to uncover my own.
Vanessa
Thursday, 18 March 2010 8:44:11 AM EST Reply Kerline
Hi Karen,
I loved learning more about the whole concept of "adopt a grandparent",but I think you are right in that it probably would take longer to implement and see the whole process through.
Your new topic sounds like it is something that offers a lot of options and potential to see change even in a short amount of time! Although I am not an extremely religious person myself, I spent some time a few years ago working with a group called "Youth for Christ" (YFC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The activities and events they threw to get youth out and involved in the community were so creative and inspiring, I thought that maybe they would be a good contact for you to have to see some examples of initiatives that have worked in the past.
Here is the website for YFC Australia: http://www.yfc.org.au/
I hope you can find it useful. Good luck!
Kerline
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 10:20:36 PM EST
Community Engagement
In class today whilst going through the 2 different process methods to:
to find a solution for marking and
the top 5 issues in the world today
reminded me of the importance of how we approach our community from the micro to macro.
I found it a struggle to watch and not contribute in the first process (but I did volunteer to be an observer). I was watching as a decision was made that will have a significant impact on my life right now and had no opportunity to be heard. It certainly left me with a strong sense of feeling powerless.
In using the TOP facilitation method (which I have used and love) left me feeling a little frustrated as Linda pointed out that much of the content at the table was lost in deciding what the collective believed the 5 issues were.
And I loved it- this may sounds strange but I did. For me being placed in these circumstances is a beautiful reminder of the importance of my role in community engagement.
Inclusion is hard, but to truly effect change in the community; the people of the community need to be apart of the process, own the process and then determine the outcomes. And ensuring all are involved is a difficult road to navigate.
Having said this on the way home from class I completely changed my idea for my project - not that my idea isn't good and I still am going to follow this up (linking up older people with families in an adopt a grandparent program) but given the risks I think it is a longer term project.
I have been given the opportunity to work with some young people who are from a religious based school. They are looking to form a connection between what they learn at school, the teaching of the principles of the bible and putting these into practice. The aim is to develop within the young people the sense to contribute to their community as an integral and life long commitment.
So today's class made me aware I need to work with my project in an inclusive way and not get carried away with my own agenda of what this should look like.
So thank you all for the learning today. Hope others got the same experience from todays class that I did.
Karen
Discussion Board WEEKS 1 & 2
Monday, 15 March 2010 8:57:04 PM EST Reply Alex
That is so Awesome Chris! I don't have kids but I certainly know that that is the way we should all be thinking about our projects and our lives in general. What a super child you have!
This is exactly what I have been going over while trying to write my project proposal. I'll be working with an organization back home in the US, but I wanted to make sure I covered the question which is posed in our week 2 reading, AMESH: An Introduction, "What story do you want your grandchildren to tell about their home?" (pp.343). I think this question and what your son has said is the perfect inspiration for all of us to keep mulling over our chosen projects to find the best way to "make history" and to influence the story our grandchildren might tell.
Thanks for the great motivation!
Cheers,
Alex
Saturday, 13 March 2010 2:05:34 PM EST Reply from Chris
Yes we are in a very exciting space. Here is a thought I received from my son on the subject of our projects "wow mum, you & the others are history makers. How cool, I know someone who will change history." Ok maybe slightly over the top but in a way he is right we will be changing history in our own chosen community & I agree that is cool.
Can you feel the love we will be spreading?
Chris
Thursday, 11 March 2010 6:42:39 AM EST Reply from Kate
Yes sister - very, very exciting times!
Kate
Wednesday, 10 March 2010 11:34:05 PM EST -
My thoughts
Hi all,
The development of many communities from our community of 70 begins in earnest today- 70 new communities will effectively begin. The connection of people with other people - some ideas are big, some are small.
Todays class looked at us being in the process of a major change, moving from one era to another. Our actions on our projects will contribute to this movement from one era to another.
When I woke up this morning it was not something that I had even contemplated; that I would be assisting in the change of one era to another. Yet here I am at the end of the day reviewing my own project and others that I spoke to in my group, and each of our projects have the potential to help define the shift from one era to another.
These are indeed exciting times.
Karen
Wednesday, 3 March 2010 10:14:33 PM EST
RE: Welcome and some questions to start the proc
Hi all,
I agree the guest speaker was great. However for me the answer to Lynda's questions lay else where in todays class.
I was surprised by the amount of different study areas that is in this class. I could see clear and strong connections in some of them in the philosophy and others that I was not expecting.
Whilst I didn't talk to everyone, those that I did speak to it was clear that the motivation for community development is the similar to my own.
What makes me hopeful is the same thing that surprsed me- the varitey of study areas we come from. If in this arena of learning we can come together, learn, challenge, and grow then the future of community development holds great possibilities.
It brings closer the possiblities - not just here but world wide- of bring about change through community development.
Karen
That is so Awesome Chris! I don't have kids but I certainly know that that is the way we should all be thinking about our projects and our lives in general. What a super child you have!
This is exactly what I have been going over while trying to write my project proposal. I'll be working with an organization back home in the US, but I wanted to make sure I covered the question which is posed in our week 2 reading, AMESH: An Introduction, "What story do you want your grandchildren to tell about their home?" (pp.343). I think this question and what your son has said is the perfect inspiration for all of us to keep mulling over our chosen projects to find the best way to "make history" and to influence the story our grandchildren might tell.
Thanks for the great motivation!
Cheers,
Alex
Saturday, 13 March 2010 2:05:34 PM EST Reply from Chris
Yes we are in a very exciting space. Here is a thought I received from my son on the subject of our projects "wow mum, you & the others are history makers. How cool, I know someone who will change history." Ok maybe slightly over the top but in a way he is right we will be changing history in our own chosen community & I agree that is cool.
Can you feel the love we will be spreading?
Chris
Thursday, 11 March 2010 6:42:39 AM EST Reply from Kate
Yes sister - very, very exciting times!
Kate
Wednesday, 10 March 2010 11:34:05 PM EST -
My thoughts
Hi all,
The development of many communities from our community of 70 begins in earnest today- 70 new communities will effectively begin. The connection of people with other people - some ideas are big, some are small.
Todays class looked at us being in the process of a major change, moving from one era to another. Our actions on our projects will contribute to this movement from one era to another.
When I woke up this morning it was not something that I had even contemplated; that I would be assisting in the change of one era to another. Yet here I am at the end of the day reviewing my own project and others that I spoke to in my group, and each of our projects have the potential to help define the shift from one era to another.
These are indeed exciting times.
Karen
Wednesday, 3 March 2010 10:14:33 PM EST
RE: Welcome and some questions to start the proc
Hi all,
I agree the guest speaker was great. However for me the answer to Lynda's questions lay else where in todays class.
I was surprised by the amount of different study areas that is in this class. I could see clear and strong connections in some of them in the philosophy and others that I was not expecting.
Whilst I didn't talk to everyone, those that I did speak to it was clear that the motivation for community development is the similar to my own.
What makes me hopeful is the same thing that surprsed me- the varitey of study areas we come from. If in this arena of learning we can come together, learn, challenge, and grow then the future of community development holds great possibilities.
It brings closer the possiblities - not just here but world wide- of bring about change through community development.
Karen
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Grafitti Art - where are we up to?
Hi Bron,
Hope everything is going well for you. I know that you are really busy with everything, study etc .
Just checking in with you to see where you are up to. Is there anything that I can do to help you, just let me know.
Christian will be back next Wednesday so I want to have a yah or nah to go ahead by then so we can lock him in.
Karen O'Donohue
Manager In-SYNC Youth Services
Hope everything is going well for you. I know that you are really busy with everything, study etc .
Just checking in with you to see where you are up to. Is there anything that I can do to help you, just let me know.
Christian will be back next Wednesday so I want to have a yah or nah to go ahead by then so we can lock him in.
Karen O'Donohue
Manager In-SYNC Youth Services
Graffiti Art Project
Hi All,
Still pushing forward with getting art workshops happening and the development of art to sell at the auction on time. I am pushing ahead and I am hoping to hear from Bron on the weekend re: particpants and space to hold the workshops.
Also for those of you who I have annoyed today by inviting you to jump on the blog and contribute - that would be very helpful if you have ideas on how we can advance this project further.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Karen
Still pushing forward with getting art workshops happening and the development of art to sell at the auction on time. I am pushing ahead and I am hoping to hear from Bron on the weekend re: particpants and space to hold the workshops.
Also for those of you who I have annoyed today by inviting you to jump on the blog and contribute - that would be very helpful if you have ideas on how we can advance this project further.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Karen
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Email to Christian re response from Bron
Hi Christian-
Hope you are having fun in Blackall.
I have a couple of answers for you from the student trying to organise the event with the school
1.If we need 2 full days, then I suggest Sundays (if that works) if not they will most likely have to run in the afternoons, as the majority of the school is involved in sports that happen throughout the day on Saturdays.
2.I will also talk to our art teachers and see if we can use our art rooms, if not we could use our Auditorium foyer at school (that can save the transport part, which may encourage more participants). And I will try to get an idea of how many participants as soon as I can!!
I will follow up this week and get the answers to you as soon as I know.
Karen
Hope you are having fun in Blackall.
I have a couple of answers for you from the student trying to organise the event with the school
1.If we need 2 full days, then I suggest Sundays (if that works) if not they will most likely have to run in the afternoons, as the majority of the school is involved in sports that happen throughout the day on Saturdays.
2.I will also talk to our art teachers and see if we can use our art rooms, if not we could use our Auditorium foyer at school (that can save the transport part, which may encourage more participants). And I will try to get an idea of how many participants as soon as I can!!
I will follow up this week and get the answers to you as soon as I know.
Karen
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