Well, let me tell you a treat is waiting for you in this entry, a two for one type of deal, if you will, about my lovely weekend in London, and starting to find my place at my job. I will start with the work I am doing, because it might be a bit more boring, and that way you have to keep reading to get to the fun stuff.
As I may have stated before, I have been on assignment at the YMCA in West Bromwich, where
thus far I have been working in all its various departments. Which is cool, but I did not come here to be a childcare worker, or a dishwasher, but I am willing to do whatever, it takes, if it means a helping hand to someone. Then as the weeks continued I found it to be more busy work. I didn't feel fully utilized and needed, and I found myself asking; why did the YMCA request to have social justice volunteers here? Then I remembered my initial interview which had made me accept this project in the first place; which was to work with the 16-25 year old residents who live here. To be a part of the support work team here, which helps the residents gain independence, and hopefully empowerment.
Now the question was how do I do that? The residents come from all different backgrounds, with lots of different stories to explain why they are at the YMCA, some simply wanted to get out of their parents' house, some…have a greater need, but regardless they are all a part of this community, yet they have no ownership of it other than a small dorm room. So, with my type A personality and my go getter attitude Julian (my partnenr in this enterprise) and I set off to create a Residents' Activities Panel (RAP). Allowing the residents to start leading, planning, and having a bit of fun during their stay at the YM. We have gathered a group of about 12, and like a good Presbyterian, we have divided them into committees, and even appointed two co-chairs for the RAP. Now all we need is a bit of money and support from the powers that be at the YM.
The next project I have started on with some of the staff, is working on the qualifications program (basically high school certificates) that has recently started here at the YM. The program has the residents complete 150 hours of course work, that vary from sex education, to healthy living, and leadership. The program lacks resources (again no money, and this time no academic projects) which makes it a little hard to complete the requirements. So off we went again, volunteering my time, to help research funding sources and grants, and to find coursework available to help the residents accomplish this task. Finally, I feel like I am beginning to serve the people and fulfill needs here at the YM, and not simply being a warm body. Not to mention its been a lot of fun getting to know the residents who live here, they truly are a wonderful group of people.
Now for the fun….
I had the joy of spending an amazing weekend in London, where I finally got myself out of this sleepy slump and out enjoying travelling and exploring my new surroundings along with a fellow volunteer Sally (who is such an incredible person). London is truly a fantastic city, and I found myself having a Carrie (from Sex and the City) moment, of falling in love with the city, and the city becoming my friend. Walking along the South Bank, hanging out in Piccadilly Circus, attending Rupert Everett’s book signing at Harrods’s (yes the guy from my Best Friend's Wedding), ice cream in the afternoon, going to cool flea markets, and open air markets, seeing Kensington Palace (Princess Di's previous home), the dreadful tower of London, and of course my favourite thing just sitting on a park bench and people watching.
It was one of those weekends that renewed and awakened the spirit, and reminded me why I love to travel, and that I can only make my year in the UK even better depending on what I put into it.
As I may have stated before, I have been on assignment at the YMCA in West Bromwich, where
thus far I have been working in all its various departments. Which is cool, but I did not come here to be a childcare worker, or a dishwasher, but I am willing to do whatever, it takes, if it means a helping hand to someone. Then as the weeks continued I found it to be more busy work. I didn't feel fully utilized and needed, and I found myself asking; why did the YMCA request to have social justice volunteers here? Then I remembered my initial interview which had made me accept this project in the first place; which was to work with the 16-25 year old residents who live here. To be a part of the support work team here, which helps the residents gain independence, and hopefully empowerment.Now the question was how do I do that? The residents come from all different backgrounds, with lots of different stories to explain why they are at the YMCA, some simply wanted to get out of their parents' house, some…have a greater need, but regardless they are all a part of this community, yet they have no ownership of it other than a small dorm room. So, with my type A personality and my go getter attitude Julian (my partnenr in this enterprise) and I set off to create a Residents' Activities Panel (RAP). Allowing the residents to start leading, planning, and having a bit of fun during their stay at the YM. We have gathered a group of about 12, and like a good Presbyterian, we have divided them into committees, and even appointed two co-chairs for the RAP. Now all we need is a bit of money and support from the powers that be at the YM.
The next project I have started on with some of the staff, is working on the qualifications program (basically high school certificates) that has recently started here at the YM. The program has the residents complete 150 hours of course work, that vary from sex education, to healthy living, and leadership. The program lacks resources (again no money, and this time no academic projects) which makes it a little hard to complete the requirements. So off we went again, volunteering my time, to help research funding sources and grants, and to find coursework available to help the residents accomplish this task. Finally, I feel like I am beginning to serve the people and fulfill needs here at the YM, and not simply being a warm body. Not to mention its been a lot of fun getting to know the residents who live here, they truly are a wonderful group of people.
Now for the fun….
I had the joy of spending an amazing weekend in London, where I finally got myself out of this sleepy slump and out enjoying travelling and exploring my new surroundings along with a fellow volunteer Sally (who is such an incredible person). London is truly a fantastic city, and I found myself having a Carrie (from Sex and the City) moment, of falling in love with the city, and the city becoming my friend. Walking along the South Bank, hanging out in Piccadilly Circus, attending Rupert Everett’s book signing at Harrods’s (yes the guy from my Best Friend's Wedding), ice cream in the afternoon, going to cool flea markets, and open air markets, seeing Kensington Palace (Princess Di's previous home), the dreadful tower of London, and of course my favourite thing just sitting on a park bench and people watching. It was one of those weekends that renewed and awakened the spirit, and reminded me why I love to travel, and that I can only make my year in the UK even better depending on what I put into it.
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1 comment:
Oh happy days! Glad you've started the RAP. When you are able to make others smile, you've almost done your work. Shabaash! Ismith.
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