Downpours and Dim Sump

A few brave souls (including myself) ventured out yesterday afternoon

to visit a historic area of Hong Kong Island. Five minutes into our explorations and the heavens opened. Lordy, those typhoons pack some serious rain. We had to take shelter in an antique shop and the nice family running it gave us some seats and even a book on Chinese history (english version) to pass the time. It eased, so we made a run for it and of course got caught. Needless to say it was a soggy trip home. A group of us ended up at a tapas place around the corner from the Salisbury and next to Ned Kelly's. Yes a fair dinkum Owustralian Bar where you can enjoy a Bondi Burger and Bundy and listen to jazz (?). If you are into that sort of thing. I am not. The Tapas place did however have buckets of beer and cocktails. Needless to say we shall be going back tonight.

Workshops again today and I went and heard about Y Care International's approach to project management. It was a good session and great to make a contact at Y Care as their work is really interesting to me. It was somewhat reassuring to hear that other Y's are guilty of being too busy in the doing and focusing on the activity rather that the outcome. We did some group exercises using project logic frameworks. Engaging stakeholders was also covered and the Y needing to get better at being able to state what the problem is, what we are going to do about it and why us (our unique seeling point) really hit home. Particularly in an increasingly competitive funding environment.

Dim Sum was the call for the afternoon at Maxim's Palace at the City Hall. Meh... was ok, but I am looking forward to tasting the dumplings the cheapest Michelin-star restaurant soon.

Last day of the World Council tomorrow, so my final chance to offload some clip on koala.

Till then!

Workshops, elections and a photo opportunity

Over the last two days we have had the opportunity to attended workshops run by Y's from around the world. I was lucky to spend some time in a very inspiring session yesterday presented by YMCA England regarding their methods to engage policy decision makers. A very simple but extremely effective way of working with the politicians and key decision makers that focuses on advocacy and highlights what the Y does and how the Y can be part of the solution. Due to the similarities of our political environments and the Y associations this is something that could be adapted and implemented back home. I have put up my hand for this so watch this space :)

Today I went to a workshop run by YMCA USA regarding their Leadership Competency Model. There was some heated debate about the relevance of the model for other countries and cultures, however for me I definitely found it useful with the development of the Community Leadership Program currently in the pipe-works.

The elections for the new president and other important positions for the World Alliance was held yesterday, and I must say it was interesting to hear about and see the lobbying that was taking place around the village. Having never being exposed to the political side of the YMCA before it was quite an eye opener.

The Aussie contingentcaught up yesterday (see photo) Pretty rough looking bunch, some of whom looked even rougher after two for one cocktails and a visit to the Ned Kelly Bar. Unfortunately no compromising photos available at the time of this post - but I am working on it :)

We were due to take part in a number of 'culture exposure visits' this afternoon however with what seems to be a common theme this has not gone to plan. While many of us booked prior to the conference our names seemed to have dropped off this list. However with a current Typhoon warning perhaps this is a good thing.

Till next time ....

GOP Success story told today...

Today's program featured a report on the Global Operating Plan, a massive effort by the World Alliance to support national movements to have mission clarity, program relevance and institutional viability.  Great progress reported, whilst electioneering went on everywhere around the village for the elections for World Council Executive.  Fascinating to watch who leaves the main hall, and when.  Huddles of close heads in deep conversation...
Meanwhile the promised typhoon has fizzled, ah well hot 'n' wet is challenging in itself on our 1 hour commute to and from the village.  All good fun.

A Cultural Buffet Opens the 17th World Council

A giant glowing globe, cute kids in costumes, and a dance off between tai chi fan artists and a hip hop crew heralded the opening of the 17th World Council of YMCA's.

Striving for Global Citizenship for All is the theme for the next five days and it was thread throughout the performances and addresses of the Opening Ceremony.

Written and performed by staff, volunteers and members of the Hong Kong YMCA we were entertained with dance, flower arranging (yes - it's true), music and even a special appearance from a popular pop star from Trinidad and Tobago (apologies, his name escapes me). Audience participation was encouraged and we were provided with the words for 'Global Citizens' the theme song for the Council.

The Key Note Address was from Mr Admir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships (now that would be a cool job!) who praised the YMCA on its commitment to global citizenship and addressing the Millenium Development Goals.

The 'cultural team' from the Youth Delegate provided an interesting interpretation of the outcomes from the Youth Forum which included some dancing, drama and comedy.

Of course no YMCA event is complete without that 70's disco anthem and the Chinese orchestra certainly provided an interesting version. Peter put in his all and we were all so very proud.

Greetings from Hong Kong!

True to my word, I have started to work this blogging caper out and have even managed to upload some photos I took yesterday.

Hit the gym this morning at the Salisbury, which ain't no Northcote Y but it will suffice. It's either that or running along the harbour which would mean I could do cardio and have a sauna at the same time!

The rest of the Australian contingent have arrived this morning so it's nice to see some familiar, if a little weary faces having caught the red-eye over last night.

The International Youth Forum has been held over the last couple of days at Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village. Daniel Law from Perth, Kirsty Page-Wood and Kate Phillips from Victoria, Amber Grayson and Kate Saunders from Y Australia have been representing us (unfortunately I am too old) and along with 400 others have been celebrating and highlighting the importance of youth advocacy in achieving the Millenium Development Goals.

This afternoon we have the offical opening of the 17th World Council just across the road from the Sailsbury YMCA - our home for the next week or so. The location of this Y is amazing. Situated right near the water and in busy Kowloon it is close to the MTR and ferries, not to mention right in the heart of one of Hong Kongs shopping precinicts (of which there are many).

So far I have met a couple of nice delegates from the UK but am looking forward to meeting many more Y folks tonight. So best be off and start frocking up. Will be taking plenty of pics of tonights festivities so stay tuned

Cheers,

Ari

Jackie Chan doing his thing on the Star Walk. He wasnt very chatty. Must have been 'in the zone'

Monday 19/07/10

Day one reflections...

Welcome

Welcome to our blog. The YMCA Australia delegation to the World Council of YMCAs in Hong Kong, July 2010 plans to update our colleagues from Australia and around the world on our involvement in the event.We hope you enjoy our photographs, stories and insights from sharing with YMCA is around the globe.