17th World Council: A Success!

Hello all,

I am sitting in the Hong Kong airport, waiting to depart to Australia for the next leg of my trip. I am using this time to reflect on everything that happened at the World Council. The 9 days felt as though they lasted for 3 weeks. . . and still it felt like only yesterday that I entered the Arrivals area at HKG. I was so proud to represent Canada at this International event. It was most interesting to discuss Canada's interpretation of our Mission and how it pertains to Christianity. Many other YMCA operations worldwide have a heavy emphasis on the 'C', and so it was interesting to share our uniqueness with people from around the world.

I am exhausted, though! I really am looking foward to relaxing with my best friend on the beaches of Australia in order to digest everything that happened at Wu Kwai Sha. I need to formulate in my mind how I will apply all of my learnings to my work at my local association. Most of all, this experience was inspiring and makes me want to be more engaged in issues that affect youth in the local and national levels, as well as the international.

My boarding time is rapidly approaching so I must go!

Talk soon,

Alex

The momentum continues. . .

They days continue here at the 17th World Council meetings in Hong Kong. They are starting to feel longer - filled to the brim with meetings,workshops, networking and socializing. I am starting to regret being a part of the ‘youth delegates’, as I feel pressured to be out to all hours of the night with other young people here. It would be nice to declare myself as a ‘boomer’ or ‘more experienced’ delegate for one night to catch up on some much-needed rest.

In the last few days we have been busy deliberating about the Elections. Kenfrom the USA has been elected as the President for the next 4 years. Thismakes for an exciting paradigm shift in the International sphere of things.Ken is dedicated to the entirety of the General Operating Plan (GOP), whichemphasizes resource mobilization and movement strengthening. To put itplainly, the YMCA’s of the world have an exciting few years ahead of themwith his leadership.

Two evenings ago there was a cultural night in which each area of the world contributed some form of entertainment to the schedule. Canada’s presentation went so well!! Essentially, we played through a slideshow that demonstrated the land diversity across Canada. Simultaneously, Canadian delegates had the chance to speak a short moment about why we are proud to live in Canada, and what they loved most about it. After this first portion, we played ‘Waving Flag’ by Canadian refugee, Ka’an. In the end, people inthe crowd stood to their feet and waved a YMCA or Canadian flag. It was very moving and heart warming! Although this was an amazing moment, the Lion Dancers took the cake again with their performance. The athleticism and coordination! I am starting to think that many people in Hong Kong are over-achievers!

Yesterday evening, I was scheduled to go on a Social Exposure tour with the World Council. I feel as though we have been ‘over programmed’, and so I ended up skipping my social tour. Instead, a few of us went swimming, had a quick nap, and then took the train down to a Night Market with a group of 10-12 people. Shopping in the middle of a typhoon was something else! I was wearing flip flops and so I am just waiting in order to ensure that I haven’t caught any foot diseases by wading through the calf-deep water.Still, the things that I bought were great treasures, and the experience in itself was far better than any social exposure tour.

I must go now, to another workshop. Take care & tune in soon for my next entry!

-Alex

Opening Ceremonies and Presentations. . .

I am sure I have surprised everyone with writing two entries in one day! This morning we have a four-hour long plenary session as an introduction to the World Council. I figure that during the financial reporting portion of this session, there would be no harm done if I distracted myself for a few minutes and wrote a blog entry.

Last night was the opening ceremoniesfor the 17th World Council meetings. Dressed in formal wear or cultural clothes, 1100 people piled into buses at the Wu Kwai Shai Youth Village. We were transported 45 minutes to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, where we enjoyed a program of speeches, dances, music and youth presentations. It was here that I felt as though I was apart of a large, exciting, international movement. My absolute favourite part of the entertainment was the Lion Dancers. They were so amusing and athletic that it truly was a treat to watch!

After the program, the entire group walked underneath the subway to the Salisbury YMCA. This is a huge, beautiful YMCA Hotel, right in the centre of downtown Hong Kong by the harbour. We ate from a tantalizing buffet, and later made it back to the youth village by 10PM. On our way back to the buses, the group that I was with decided to take a walk along the harbour. The Hong Kong skyline at night is so beautiful - the individual skyscrapers are lit up with colourful lights to music on the street, and there is definetly an energy in downtown Hong Kong.

Now that the World Council has officially began, I am excited for the plenary and break out sessions. As well, there is a level three typhoon warning issued for tomorrow, and so my day will be full of excitement in some form or another!

Talk soon,

Alex

Here we go. . .

For those of you who have been curious of my experiences at the International Youth Forum (IYF) and the World Council - I must apologize for my lack of contact! We have had full, 14 hour days of programming. In the short moments before breakfast or during our 15 minute lunch breaks, I have made a point to make new friends and enjoy my experience here to its fullest! I hope that this entry will be enough to tide you over until I have a chance to write next.

So here is my attempt of bringing everyone back at home up to speed about the happenings here in Hong Kong. The International Youth Forum (IYF) had about 400 participants from around the globe. Our main discussions and key note speakers were centred around the Millennium Development Goals and ‘Striving for Global Citizenship for All’. I enjoyed myself the most when we were able to express ourselves in smaller break-out sessions. It was also difficult as many youth delegates were as young as 15 years old with a range to age 35 (as defined as youth in Africa). There was such a broad age of life experiences and knowledge of international issues that it was difficult to focus some of the discussions and presentations that we were having.

The Canadian Youth Delegation has truly represented our country proudly. We are made up of individuals whose strengths and personalities are very complimentary to each other. Our preparation for the World Council was far beyond many of the countries here. We have been able to contribute to various committees, and have shared meaningfully on many different platforms.

At the end of the IYF, the youth collectively had to make a statement and recommendations to be presented to the World Council at the opening ceremonies. It was very interesting to be apart of the deliberation process between so many different countries. At the end of these deliberations, there was a small dose of conflict and Canadians were in the centre of it. Who would have thought that this would ever be the case! Essentially, a debate was sparked between the YMCA’s about the ‘C’ in the YMCA. How Canadians interpret our mission at the Y is very unique internationally. There are many countries that are curious about how we operate, and are intrigued about how inclusive we are in Canada. There are other countries who do not understand how we exist as a YMCA without a Christian emphasis in our work. This has sparked many interesting conversations and debates. Watch out - Canada is making waves in Hong Kong!

I think I will end this entry on this note, mostly because I have six minutes remaining on my laptops battery. I promise to write soon and describe the World Council’s Opening Ceremony, which was amazing!

Take care,

Alex

On my way. . .

Hello All!

I just wanted to write a quick message before jumping on a plane to Vancouver this morning. I woke up extra- early from an uneasy sleep. I don't know what it is about this trip, but it has my stomach doing somersaults. It is probably because I have never travelled this far before. . . and so these nerves is maybe another way that I my body is interpreting excitement. I hope that once I jump on the plane, all of my nerves and last-minute stresses melt away. I have been preparing for the World Council Meetings for over six months!

Once I arrive in Hong Kong, I will be met by some Y people who will bring me to the Youth Village, where I will be staying until July 25th. There, I will register and get settled in and then find my fellow Canadian Youth Delegates. Carlo from Edmonton will have been in Hong Kong for a full three days before anyone else arrives, competing in a video contest of some time. I can't wait to see what he has been up to! The other youth delegates are Koray from Calgary, Sara from Niagra, Rachel from Montreal, Zaid from Toronto and Charlotte from Vancouver.

Anyways, it is about that time that I go and freak-out about last minute packing decisions. Wish me luck!

~A

Bon Voyage!

Wow, time has gone by so fast! Last September I was chosen to be a Youth Delegate for YMCA Canada at the 17th World Council meetings in Hong Kong. I am now leaving on Wednesday and I could not tell you where time has gone.

My flights to Hong Kong will be its own exciting journey. I will be flying from Regina- Vancouver- Beijing- Hong Kong. When I arrive, I will be attending the YMCA International Youth Forum from July 17th-19th. All delegates under 30 years old will be attending presentations and engaging in discussions surrounding the theme 'Striving for Global Citizenship for All'. This topic is very intriguing to me because I convocated from the University of Regina with a B.A. in International Affairs.

After the Youth Forum, the 5 other youth delegates and myself will join a larger Canadian delegation of around 30 people. I am sure that I will be exhausted and inspired from the exchange of information that will behappening. I will try my best to blog often amidst balancing the conference & cultural activities. Please follow this blog if you are interested in discovering how YMCA's collaborate and work together in an international setting. Or if you are only wanting to hear about my first-time discoveries in Asia - follow along as well.

Talk to you soon,

Alex Rhead

Director of Leadership Devleopment

YMCA of Regina