Nº 3, 2017/18
ONLY FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION TO MEMBERS
Cover Story: IPE Moon Sang-bong Visits IFRC • RBM Action: A Lot Has Been Done. A Lot More Needs to Be Done • Document: “Increased Funding is Urgently Needed” • Movement Matters • Reflections on Our Motto • News from Areas• A Slice of History : Henry Grimes - The Shepherd of the Movement • A Matter of Concern: Food Waste Reduction Could Help Feed World's Starving • A Matter of Concern: UK Has A Minister Of Loneliness – This Is How Bad Loneliness Has Become • Reality Check: Peace on the Korean Peninsula by Max Ediger
Fellowship Across the Borders
Editor’s Page Dear Reader, World Malaria Day is observed on 25 April each year. Malaria is one epidemic that most of us wish to see eradicated in our lifetime. As YMI members, we join other partner organisations in the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership to to observe this day. “Ready to Beat Malaria” is the theme for this year and it underscores the collective energy and commitment of the global community in ensuring a malaria-free world. The initial pages of this issue of YMI World contain pertinent information on RBM and YMI’s response. We are extremely proud that we have been able to hand in our share of collection for the purchase of mosquito nets through RBM and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). We are happy to have two of our senior leaders reflecting on the motto of the organisation, “To acknowledge the duty that accompanies every right.” It is fitting that we keep reminding ourselves of the gravity of this very profound statement, which was coined by none other than the founder of YMI, Judge Paul William Alexander. Although news from Areas and clubs is hard to come by, we have been able to garner just enough from various parts of the Movement to give you an idea of the kind of activities that our members are involved in. We have flagged two concerns or issues in this edition – food wastage and loneliness. While the former is a big reality and can be countered with our proactive stand, the latter is an emerging reality in many societies. How we deal with these two realities will make or break us in the long run. Finally, “Mantra for the Soul” takes a break. But, we have a good essay from Max Ediger on his recent visit to the conflict zone of the Korean Peninsula. It is timely as we see Handing over YMI’s contribution to RBM. From left to right: Mr. Jason Peat (IFRC), Dr. Jemilah Mahmood (IFRC), IPE Moon Sang-bong and Mrs Lee Hye-sook.
Official Publication of Y’s Men International / Y Service Clubs International Headquartered at: Ave Sainte-Clotilde 9, CH-1205, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 809 1530 :: www.ysmen.org Edited and published by Koshy Mathew for YMI/YSC International. Assistant Editors: Tunji Makinde (Africa), Bill Irwin (Canada/Caribbean), B. Pavithran (India), Kim Kyun (Korea) Reprinted at the National Printing Press, Koramangala, Bangalore, India and distributed by Babu Oommen (India).
Submit your stories and pictures at: www.ysmen.org/ymiworld
signs of hope with both Koreas expressing their desire to sit across the table and talk of peace in the region. On that hopeful note, we say bye for now. Y’sly, Koshy Mathew
FROM MY BOOKSHELF Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World by Bill Clinton Here, from Bill Clinton, is a call to action. Giving is an inspiring look at how each of us can change the world. First, it reveals the extraordinary and innovative efforts now being made by companies and organizations—and by individuals—to solve problems and save lives both “down the street and around the world.” Then it urges us to seek out what each of us, “regardless of income, available time, age, and skills,” can do to help, to give people a chance to live out their dreams. Bill Clinton shares his own experiences and those of other givers, representing a global flood tide of nongovernmental, non-profit activity. These remarkable stories demonstrate that gifts of time, skills, things, and ideas are as important and effective as contributions of money. From Bill and Melinda Gates to a six-year-old California girl named McKenzie Steiner, who organized and supervised drives to clean up the beach in her community, Clinton introduces us to both well-known and unknown heroes of giving. Among them: Dr. Paul Farmer, who grew up living in the family bus in a trailer park, vowed to devote his life to giving high-quality medical care to the poor and has built innovative public healthcare clinics first in Haiti and then in Rwanda; Andre Agassi, who has created a college preparatory academy in the Las Vegas neighbourhood with the city’s highest percentage of at-risk kids. “Tennis was a stepping-stone for me,” says Agassi. “Changing a child’s life is what I always wanted to do.” Clinton writes about men and women who traded in their corporate careers, and the fulfilment they now experience through giving. He writes about energy-efficient practices, about progressive companies going green, about promoting fair wages and decent working conditions around the world. He shows us how one of the most important ways of giving can be an effort to change, improve, or protect a government policy. He outlines what we as individuals can do, the steps we can take, how much we should consider giving, and why our giving is so important. “We all have the capacity to do great things,” President Clinton says. “My hope is that the people and stories in this book will lift spirits, touch hearts, and demonstrate that citizen activism and service can be a powerful agent of change in the world.” (A Goodreads review)
Deadline for submission of contribution for next issue: 30 May 2018
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Fellowship Across the Borders .
COVER STORY
IPE Moon Sang-bong Visits IFRC While recently visiting IHQ in Geneva, During the IFRC visit, IPE Moon Switzerland, International President presented a cheque for CHF 60,000 to Elect Moon Sang-bong and his wife Lee Under Secretary General (Partnerships) Hye-sook were welcomed by staff at the Dr Jemilah Mahmood. IPE Moon also
IPE Moon Sang-bong gives a souvenir of the forthcoming IC 2018 to Dr Jemilah Mahmood of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and heard about the IFRC’srecent work in the fight against malaria, namely the distribution of over 2.1 million LLINs in the Central African Republic (CAR) by the Ministry of Health, Central African Red Cross Society and partners. Decades of instability and the recent outbreak of extreme ethnic and sectarian violence makes CAR one of the most challenging operating environments in the world. Despite the conditions, the distribution in three regions achieved rates of 90% net ownership and 80% use, surpassing most mass campaigns taking place in Africa. Rapid mobile phone-based (RAMP) data collection uses mobile phones to allow health centres in CAR to report data which provides accountability, limits the amount of wastage of commodities, reduces drug stock-outs and rapidly provides impact data.
presented her with a small souvenir of the upcoming 2018 International Convention in Yeosu, South Korea. Y’s Men International has been supporting the Roll Back Malaria Partnership since 2008. Over the past decade, our funds have supported vital mass distributions of long-lasting
insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) in Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Togo and social mobilisation components of distribution activities in Tanzania. Since the year 2000, one billion nets have been delivered worldwide, thanks in part to the contribution of YMI clubs who have contributed more than CHF 570,000 since 2010. The support of YMI is highly valued by our primary partner, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), who depend on our donations to fill many of the funding gaps that remain, as was the case in Togo, for example, where there was a ‘net gap’ and, consequently, the urban/ peri-urban areas of Lomé and Golfe districts had not been covered. Monies from the Norwegian Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation (UNF) and Y’s Men International could be used to secure the purchase of additional nets. For more information: • Y’s Men International – www.ysmen.org/rbm • International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – http://www.ifrc.org/malaria • World Health Organization – http://www.who.int/malaria/ media/world-malaria-report-2017/ en/ James Olle, IHQ
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RBM ACTION
A Lot Has Been Done. A Lot More Needs to Be Done
SET YOUR CLUB GOALS AND DONATE LIBERALLY 4
Fellowship Across the Borders
QUOTE UNQUOTE
“Increased Funding is Urgently Needed” Excerpts from World Malaria Report 2017 The World Malaria Report 2017, published by the World Health 582 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) were reported by Organisation in November 2017, presents a comprehensive state of manufacturers as having been delivered globally. play in global progress in the fight against malaria up to the end of Of this amount, 505 million ITNs were delivered in sub-Saharan Africa, 2016. It tracks progress in investments in malaria programmes and compared with 301 million bednets in the preceding 3-year period research, apart from a host of other factors. (2011–2013). We reproduce below some of the key points of that report as it Data from national malaria control programmes (NMCPs) in Africa pertains to our concern and resource sharing through the Roll Back indicate that, between 2014 and 2016, 75% of ITNs were distributed Malaria partnership. The report is also a call to organisations such as through mass distribution campaigns. ours to redouble our efforts – Ed.. PREVENTING MALARIA MALARIA CONTROL AND Across sub-Saharan Africa, household ownership of at least one ITN ELIMINATION INVESTMENTS increased from 50% in 2010 to 80% in 2016. However, the proportion In 2016, an estimated USD 2.7 billion was invested in malaria control of households with sufficient nets (i.e. one net for every two people) and elimination efforts globally by governments of malaria endemic remains inadequate, at 43% in 2016. countries and international partners. More people at risk of malaria The majority (74%) of investments in Africa are sleeping under an in 2016 were spent in the WHO ITN. In 2016, 54% of the “Progress in the global malaria response has African Region, followed by the population was protected by this unquestionably stalled. Clearly, to get the response WHO regions of South-East Asia intervention, an increase from back on track, increased funding is urgently needed (7%), the Eastern Mediterranean 30% in 2010. and the Americas (each 6%), and Fewer people at risk of malaria from international donors and endemic countries.” the Western Pacific (4%). are being protected by indoor Dr Pedro Alonso, Director, WHO Global Malaria Programme Governments of endemic countries residual spraying (IRS), a contributed 31% of total funding prevention method that involves (USD 800 million) in 2016. spraying the inside walls of dwellings with insecticides. Globally, IRS The United States of America (USA) was the largest international source protection declined from a peak of 5.8% in 2010 to 2.9% in 2016, with of malaria financing in 2016, providing USD 1 billion (38%), followed decreases seen across all WHO regions. In the WHO African Region, by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (United coverage dropped from 80 million people at risk in 2010 to 45 million in Kingdom) and other international donors, including France, Germany 2016. and Japan. The declines in IRS coverage are occurring as countries change or INVESTMENT OUTLOOK rotate insecticides to more expensive chemicals. Although funding for malaria has remained relatively stable since 2010, PREVENTIVE THERAPIES the level of investment in 2016 is far from what is required to reach the To protect women in areas of moderate and high malaria transmission first milestone of the GTS, which is a reduction of at least 40% in in Africa, WHO recommends “intermittent preventive treatment in malaria case incidence and mortality rates globally when compared to pregnancy” (IPTp) with the antimalarial drug sulfadoxinepyrimethamine. 2015 levels. Among 23 African countries that reported on IPTp coverage levels in To reach this milestone, the GTS estimated that annual funding would 2016, an estimated 19% of eligible pregnant women received the need to increase to US$ 6.5 billion per year by 2020. The USD 2.7 recommended 3 or more doses of IPTp, compared with 18% in 2015 billion invested in malaria in 2016 represents less than half (41%) of and 13% in 2014. that amount. In 2016, 15 million children in 12 countries in Africa’s Sahel subregion Stepping up investments in malaria research and development is key were protected through seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) to achieving the GTS targets. In 2015, US$ 572 million was spent in programmes. However, about 13 million children who could have this area, representing 83% of the estimated annual need for research benefited from this intervention were not covered, mainly due to a lack and development. of funding. Since 2012, SMC has been recommended by WHO for DELIVERIES OF MALARIA COMMODITIES children aged 3-59 months living in areas of highly seasonal malaria Insecticide-treated mosquito nets: Between 2014 and 2016, a total of transmission in this subregion.
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MOVEMENT MATTERS New International President Elect for 2018/19 Mrs. Jennifer Jones, from Region Australia (Area Asia Pacific) was duly elected as International President Elect for 2018/19. The announcement was made during the Mid Year Meeting that took place in February in Valparaíso, Chile. Jennifer is the third woman to hold the position, the others being Rachelle Reeg of the USA and Joan Wilson of Canada. Just three other Australians have been elected to IPE since 1922 (Bruce Price, Arthur Cowling, and Dale Fotheringham).
A MAIL TO SHARE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A Preamble to Remember
Time of Fast-Global Project Fund
As Chairperson for the International Constitution Review Committee, I receive Constitutions – Area and Regional – from all over the world for revision, advice and recommendation for approval to the International Council, granted by the Committee after careful study. On opening the file with the recently received Japan East Regional Constitution, I was so impressed with its preamble that I immediately wished to share it with all clubs and club members in the organisation. Even with the many communication channels now at our disposal, the pages of the YMI World are the appropriate vehicle for reaching them. In this Preamble to its Regional Constitution, Japan East Region summarises the essence of YMI, the club’s role, the role of the Region and its Districts, the aim of club members. It is the perfect definition of our loving service towards a better world and it is my pleasure and privilege to share it with you all: Silvya Reyes de Croci
TOF-GPF Committee Chairperson T.M. Jose is appreciative of the raised awareness of the online application form. He informs that 2018 was the last year applications were accepted in the old ‘Word’ format. A new application deadline has been annually set as 15 March. The TOF-GPF Committee will evaluate the applications received and make recommendations to the ICM within a month from then.
PREAMBLE This Constitution has been adopted to stipulate the structure and the operational foundation of the Japan East Region based on the International Constitution and Guidelines of the International Association of Y’s Men’s Clubs in the hope that the Region and each club in the Region should develop further. Let it be known that each club should take initiative regarding its own Y’s Men’s Club activities. The Region and the Districts inside the Region exist to help each club promote more enriched activities and enhance the solidarity and exchange among the clubs. Our motto is “To acknowledge the duty that accompanies every right.” Grounded by this motto, we will contribute to the YMCA and the communities extensively by overcoming the differences in and respecting the diversity of nationality, generation, gender and religion. The members of the International Association of Y’s Men’s Clubs in the Japan East Region and throughout the world will strengthen our mutual bond and through love and service, we will strive unremittingly to contribute to the realisation of world peace and human happiness. 6
Global Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD 2.0) Task Force Chairperson David Hall informs that the curriculum is now complete after many reviews and changes. Some testing with young members has taken place in Kenya, Canada and Jamaica. The initial response has been very positive to the experimental, interactive methodology used – a big change from just viewing a PowerPoint and making notes. It is time to move to the next level, said Hall. Funds available for projects to reduce carbon emissions of Y’s Men International All Areas, Regions, Districts and Clubs are invited to submit applications for projects that will reduce the carbon emissions of Y’s Men International, or to reduce other carbon emissions. Projects worth up to CHF 5,000 are more likely to be considered as opposed to projects worth more than CHF 5,000. The deadline for each annual round of applications is 15 March. Criteria include: w Cost of GHG emissions reduced on a per tonne basis. w Cost and ease of measuring / verifying the rate of reduction of GHG emissions. w Life and rate of reduction in both early years and later years of the project. w The benefit of the project to Y’s Men International, the YMCA and local community. Process Projects are to be submitted to the Green Team Chair, Mr Colin Lambie though the prescribed form. The Green Team will prioritise the appropriate projects that meet the criteria and recommend to the following International Council Meeting. The ICM will approve projects that fit within the budget. For details log on to: http://www.ysmen.org/environment
Fellowship Across the Borders
“T “Too Acknowledge the Duty tha thatt Accompanies Ever Everyy Right”
REFLECTIONS
Living our Motto Today and into the Future As members of Y’s Men International (YMI), I am sure that all of us are able to recite our motto from memory any time and at any place. Perhaps we don’t reflect very often on what this really means for us. Let’s take a moment to consider the different ways this can apply to each of us. For most of us, the first thought that comes to mind is that, in order to have the right to be members of YMI, we have a duty to pay our international dues. Despite this being our basic responsibility, too often we hear that some of our member clubs, or even whole Regions, do not comply with dues payments or are extremely late in their submission. Let’s all work to turn that around and ensure that we consistently pay our dues and do it on time. It is our DUTY to do so! As noted, along with the duty to pay dues comes the right to vote on international issues. Sadly many clubs that are in good standing (having 15 or more members and who have paid their dues for three semesters, and therefore have the right to vote) have not taken the time to study the issues and then actually vote. In fact, it would be wise to consider it a duty to fulfil their voting rights, as it is only through careful and knowledgeable decisions by our members that the best choices are made. Let’s work on having a higher participation in international voting by our member clubs! Most of us will know the words of the Golden Rule which directs us to “do to others what we would have done to us.” Although this is explicitly part of Christian teachings, similar sentiments are found in the holy books of all major faith groups. Just as we each feel we have a right to be treated with respect and kindness, we therefore have a DUTY to help those who are more needy than ourselves. Imagine what could happen if all those people in average or well-off
By IPIP Joan Wilson circumstances around the world acknowledged this duty to care for others! Let’s try to bring more caring people into our clubs to increase our ability to serve! Each of us has been blessed with some skills or talents, whether great or small. It is up to us to acknowledge them, while recognising that we have the right to use them or not. One of our duties as YMI members is to use our abilities to help grow our clubs, serve the needy, organise projects, mentor others, etc. as needed. In my travels over the last few years as an Executive Officer, I have heard too often that this person or that person would make a great Club President (or DG, RD, project coordinator, etc.) but they are resisting taking on that duty. Let’s encourage
the most capable of our members – noting that perhaps this may even be YOU! - to accept positions of responsibility, and then we all have the DUTY to support and assist them in being successful. And so, my dear Y’s friends, it is important to recognise the great privilege is to be part of our worldwide YMI family. In so doing, we gain amazing rights, but also must accept our duties as well. I challenge each of you to participate in and enjoy all of your YMI RIGHTS while acknowledging and acting on your DUTIES. If we each do this, we will indeed see our YMI future changing from today onward, as we share the workload and responsibilities. Remember that “together we can do so much more”!
Getting the Emphasis Right Where does the emphasis lie in our motto, “To acknowledge the duty that accompanies every right”? If we think about it in the context of Y”s Men’s Clubs/Y Service Clubs (YMC/YSC), probably the first thing that comes to our mind is about “my Rights.” Most of the time we do not associate them with “our Duties.” This comes up clearly in working, or any other nature, conflict situations; the human being has the tendency to fight for “his Rights” without seeing “his Duties.” But, we have to see this motto within the context of our Movement as an organisation based on volunteers. In this case there is no doubt that the emphasis should be on “our Duties,” so the organisation can develop and accomplish its objectives and mission. It is amazing to think and feel that a world movement such as ours works and is developed based on volunteers assuming great responsibilities. Members in general, club leaders, District Governors, Regional Directors, Area Presidents, International Council Members, International Presidents, all of them in a joint and volunteer effort go on accomplishing programme objectives and the mission of the organisation assuming the “individual duties” that the institution requires. It is necessary, of course, to balance between “Duties” and “Rights.” Every YMI member has the “Right” to be elected to different leadership positions, to have the “Right” to participate at different levels of the organisation, but when the “Rights” prevail within the life of the organisation it is easy to fall into internal conflicts. These conflicts do not help with a harmonic institutional life; on the contrary, many times they bring negative conflicts for the organisation. As I mentioned at the beginning of this reflection, there is no doubt that the emphasis should be on “our Duties,” so that our organisation can develop and accomplish its objectives and mission. Rolando Dalmas, former International Secretary General, YMI Fellowship Across the Borders
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NEWS FROM AREAS
Europe: Region Denmark’s Service Beyond Borders An Eventful Year in Kosovo In all ways, 2017 was a good year for the project “Help to Selfhelp in Kosovo” that the Hardernes Y’s Men’s Club has been leading. The project is also supported practically and economically by a number of Y’s Men’s Clubs in Region Denmark. This year’s major goal was to collect the budgeted Danish Krone (DKK) 525,000 (approx. USD 87,000) for the construction of a course and camp centre in Gjakova for children, young people and vulnerable families, through the regional project. It succeeded in full and more. The collection exceeded the target and netted DKK 700,000 (USD 115,700). Thus, the YMCA, as the ideal solution, even managed to buy the campsite, located in a very scenic area located just outside Gjakova. The YMCA is ready to start construction here in spring 2018. In 2017, Hardernes Y’s Men’s Club sent approximately six tonnes of emergency and recycled goods to Gjakova, which is the centre of the YMCA’s work in Kosovo. Dorina Lluka is the lead person and the moving spirit behind the growth and progress of the YMCA in Kosovo. In addition to the distribution of free emergency aid to vulnerable and poor families, the goods are sold in the charity shop in Gjakova. The surplus is primarily used for activities for the 600 children and young people who gather each week.
In addition to the gifts mentioned above, the giant Danish toymaker, LEGO donated 12 crates of interlocking plastic bricks that would enable 100 children to play at the same time. This is fantastic news for the centres and camping project in Kosovo. 8
The stacked up gifts ready to shipped to Kosovo
It is also very pleasing to note that in 2017 the financial position was strong enough to start YMCA work for children and youth in the towns of Junik and Peja. It is expected that in Peja, the YMCA will be able to start a second-hand store in the premises that the municipality makes available for free. Arne Nielsen, Hardernes Y’s Men’s Club
Humanitarian Aid to La tvia Latvia
Twice a year, Lemvig Y's Men’s and Y's Menettes’ Club of Denmark Region send a truck full of humanitarian aid to Y's Menettes in Cesis and Livani in Latvia.
Fellowship Across the Borders
NEWS FROM AREAS
Korea: Every Picture Tells a Story
The Y’s Men’s Club of Gunsan Jinpo (Korea Chonbuk Region), under the leadership of its President Jang Sung-bok recently donated USD 16,000 to enable teenagers from low-income families to undertake an overseas tour to broaden their horizons of knowledge and promote international goodwill (pic on left). This will be an ongoing support programme of the club every year. Likewise, at the end of the year, the club provided financial aid of USD 6,000 to those in dire straits to purchase essential items to ensure their security and well-being.
Come winter and members of the Y’s Men’s Club of Yeosu Ocean are out on the streets with briquettes to be distributed to the poorest of the poor to combat the harshness of the season.
A regular activity of the Y’s Men’s Club of Hanryeosudo of Yeosu District, Korea Jeonnam Region is the annual blood donation camp that has been conducted every year since the Club was chartered in 2012.
The Y’s Men’s Club of Kim-Hae in Kimhae District, joined hands with the Kimhae YMCA to celebrate the 14th Asia Culture Festival for 3 days in October 2017. Multi-cultural families and immigrant workers living in the area were invited. Several cultural events were held including the Peace Music Festival, the world flea market street, Young Barista contest and drawing contest. The Kim-Hae Club ran food stalls to raise funds for charity.
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NEWS FROM AREAS
India: 3900 Pairs of Refurbished Footwear Distributed Bangalore District 2 (South India Region) carried out a major “Shoe Recycling Project” beginnging 15 August in partnership with GreenSole, an NGO based in Mumbai that collects used footwear. The effort is both environment friendly and costeffective, yet highly beneficial for those who are too poor to afford any footwear. This project was executed with the active
Over 150 bags of footwear collected by Bangalore District 2 that were sent to the Greensole factory in Maharashtra were refurbished and 3,900 pairs have been recently distributed freely to the poor villagers in Parli Village of Maharashtra State in India. The refurbishment was funded by HDFC Bank, one of the leading banks in India.
The District team embarking on a collection spree of used footwear
Some of the beneficiaries at the distribution ceremony
involvement of all clubs in the District and coordinated by the District cabinet. Once the used shoes reach GreenSole’s manufacturing unit, they are sorted and disassembled and the sole is used to make the base of the slippers while the uppers are used to make straps and the laces to pad the footwear.
It is estimated, worldwide, that more than 350 million pairs of footwear are discarded every year and end up in landfills. According to UNESCO , in 2013 alone, more than 1.5 billion people did not have any footwear and millions died due to diseases contracted due to unprotected feet. M. Sebastian, District Bulletin Editor, Bangalore II
A Meal a Week: Two Projects in Two Cities of India
Coimbatore Y’s Men has been distributing free meals to the poor in institutions and on the street once a week since the beginning of this Y’s year
Similarly, the Y’s Men’s Club of Hosur has been handing over close to 100 meals to poor in-patients in various hospitals in their city 10
Fellowship Across the Borders
NEWS FROM AREAS
Cancer Awareness and Detection Camps a Regular Activity in India
Ymt. Kanakam Janardhan of the Y’s Men’s Club of Anna Nagar West in Chennai is passionate about women’s health. Though not a doctor, she has taken it upon herself to get as many women as a possible checked up for cancer. In the last 35 months she has found sponsors and well-wishers to conduct as many as 60 Cancer Awareness and Detection camps in the economically poorer areas of the city with the help of the Adyar Cancer Insitute. The pictures above are from two recent camps.
USA: With a Grateful Heart
The North Coast Y Service Club in San Diego District of California, USA, distributed over 100 poinsettias as an expression of their appreciation to military families at Camp Pendleton. They again went back in March to serve lunch to some of the finest young men and women celebrating the end of their basic training.
Canada: Supporting Food Bank
Phils: Prosthesis Camp
Raymond Haynes of the Pictou County Food Bank receives a cheque from Murray Dunbar, President of the Pictou County Y Service Club. Looking on is Sandy Reynolds, Secretary of the Pictou County Y Service Club.
Manila Downtown Y's Men's Club, in cooperation with the Y's Men's Club of Kyoto Palace (IBC partner), held a prosthesis camp in Quezon City, Philippines. Patients received gifts of groceries and had lunch with club members.
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A SLICE OF HISTORY
Henry Grimes - The Shepherd of the Movement (Excerpted and consolidated from tributes given in 1963 by then International President Jason McCoy and President Emeritus Judge Paul William Alexander.)
There once was a man. He had recently joined the Lawrence, Massachusetts, Y’s Men’s Club. He attended his first International Convention in 1925 at Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was more than just a convention for him. He liked what he saw of Y’sdom, Henry Grimes a Christian service movement with its roots imbedded in the Young Men’s Christian Association. What he saw of its potential moved him to take it quite seriously. That potential increased in 1925, when he was nominated as Secretary-Treasurer. Nothing better than his election ever happened to the Y’s Men’s Movement. He set up a Y’s Men’s office in the basement of his home. He secured part time help as the money could be provided. As Treasurer, he knew how much or how little (usually the latter) he could spend. He maintained the records accurately. He recorded and reported our semi–annual reports. He wrote thousands of letters. He counselled and advised. He never missed
a convention. He became known as “Mr. Y’s Man.” Henry Grimes was the mainspring and balance wheel of Y’sdom. At all times he had his finger on the pulse of the Movement. He was a mountain of strength, a monolith of wisdom, an ocean of encouragement. He knew our problems as no one else did. If there was an answer, he knew it. And he never required of others what he would not do himself. For all his intellectual acumen, he was a man of action. He gave and gave until there was no more time to give. He served with increased zeal. He gave up a lucrative position to become this Movement’s first full-time Secretary Treasurer. He shepherded a Movement that today is
providing service to others in 39 countries on six continents. The Creator has now seen fit to call him home. But I can hear Henry challenging not just the officers and leaders who are left, but every Y’s Man to carry on, reminding us that Y’sdom never was a one-man show, but a manysided, many-handed Movement; that the eternal truths upon which it is founded, the perennial principles, the thoughtful ethics woven into its being, are not diminished or weakened by any mortal passing. We have the right and the duty jointly and severally, here and now to put those truths to the test by carrying on as he would have us do if he were still sitting among us! The life of Henry Dustin Grimes spanned 55 years from December 28, 1897–December 27, 1962.
The house in which Grimes lived, the basement of which housed his office for the growing worldwide Movement
World Fellowship Journey The international organisation was greatly concerned about increasing conflict throughout the world and a proposal was made to support a World Fellowship Journey. The journey would be made by Henry Grimes and his wife, Agnes, who was an indispensable assistant to Grimes. The purpose would be to have them visit Y’s Men’s Clubs in Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia creating new clubs and gathering information on ways in which the organization and its services could be utilised for world benefit. The journey was to be financed with donations from clubs throughout the world with a suggested contribution of USD 1.50 per member. The journey was promoted through Y’s Men’s World with a map of the proposed journey route published monthly showing how much money had been raised and how far the journey had been financed to date. The proposal was that if money from the clubs fell short of what was needed to complete the trip, the difference would be made up by the International Office. Sufficient funds were contributed to finance the trip as far as China. The entire trip was not completed because of a rapid deterioration in world conditions. Thus it was when the decade [of the 1930s] came to an end that the International Association of Y’s Men’s Clubs was immersed in an international crisis that would get worse before it got better. But it also had achieved amazing growth and was emerging as a strong, effective international force for service to the YMCA and the communities in which clubs were located. 12
Fellowship Across the Borders
MATTERS OF CONCERN
Food Waste Reduction Could Help Feed World's Starving Around one-third of all food, by weight, is spoiled or thrown away worldwide as it moves from where it is produced to where it is eaten, costing globally up to USD 940 billion per year, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has estimated. “There’s simply no reason that so much food should be lost and wasted,” says Andrew Steer, president of the World Resources Institute. Key facts on food loss and waste we should know! w Roughly one-third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year — approximately 1.3 billion tonnes — gets lost or wasted. w Food losses and waste amounts to roughly US$ 680 billion in industrialised countries and US$ 310 billion in developing countries. w Industrialised and developing countries dissipate roughly the same quantities of food — respectively 670 and 630 million tonnes. w Fruits and vegetables, plus roots and tubers have the highest wastage rates of any food. w Global quantitative food losses and waste per year are roughly 30% for cereals, 4050% for root crops, fruits and vegetables, 20% for oil seeds, meat and dairy plus 35% for fish. w Every year, consumers in rich countries waste almost as much food (222 million tonnes) as the entire net food production of sub-Saharan Africa (230 million tonnes). w The amount of food lost or wasted every year is equivalent to more than half of the world’s annual cereals crop (2.3 billion tonnes in 2009/2010).
UK Has A Minister Of Loneliness: This Is How Bad Loneliness Has Become Loneliness has become such a problem in the United Kingdom (UK) that the country now has a Minister of Loneliness. While Minister of Loneliness may sound like a new song or a Lord of the Rings character, it is a real new position addressing a real increasing problem. On Wednesday, January 17, British Prime Minister Theresa May announced the creation of this new position. May stated, "For far too many people, loneliness is the sad reality of modern life." The announcement cited the statistic that more than 9 million people always or often feel lonely in the UK. But people in the UK are not alone in feeling lonely. In a Harvard Business Review article, the 19th Surgeon General of the United States Vivek Murthy, who served from 2014 to 2017, wrote that "Loneliness is a growing health epidemic. We live in the most technologically connected age in the history of civilization, yet rates of
loneliness have doubled since the 1980s." He continued by saying that "Today, over 40% of adults in America report feeling lonely, and research suggests that the real number may well be higher." It's a health epidemic because loneliness doesn't just lead to good songs and song titles. Loneliness may have a number of negative health consequences. For example, feeling Fellowship Across the Borders
isolated may increase your risk of sleep disturbances, substance abuse, depression, and suicide. Feeling lonely may increase your stress hormones and blood pressure and decrease your ability to cope with different obstacles and challenges. Moreover, maintaining a healthier lifestyle such as eating healthy, getting physical activity, and seeing the doctor can be more challenging when you don't have social support. The current UK Minister for Sport and Civil Society will serve as the inaugural Minister of Loneliness. Of course, Crouch's goal will not be to create more loneliness, and she won't be alone in the battle against loneliness. Instead, Crouch's office will now help spearhead a number of initiatives including developing an overall strategy on how to address loneliness in England and a dedicated fund to germinate innovative solutions and provide seed funding for communities to combat loneliness. Bruce Y. Lee in www.forbes.com 13
REALITY CHECK by Max Ediger* Peace on the Korean Peninsula The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) divides the Korean Peninsula east to west along the 38th Parallel and is one of the heaviest militarised borders in the world. A two-mile wide stretch of land on either side of the line is now home only to nature and a plethora of mines and booby traps. It is closely monitored by both South and North Korean military troops. No one is allowed to enter here. On the southern side of the DMZ is a further line of defense called the Civilian Restricted Zone, or CRZ. This stretch of land is from 5 to 10 miles wide and was created to provide another buffer zone against a possible North Korean incursion. The South Korean military monitors it very carefully. Farmers, tourists and a few local organisations are allowed into the CRZ only with permission and only during the day time. They must register at military check points when they enter or leave the area. Nestled against the CRZ is the village of Cheorwon. During the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, this area saw some of the bloodiest fighting between Korean, American and Chinese armies. Everything was devastated and mines still cover much of the village area. Along many of the roads, fences and flags mark mined areas and warn travelers to “stay on the road.” Now Cheorwon is mostly inhabited by South Korean soldiers responsible for protecting South Korea from any possible North Korean assault. Farmers who still live in the village plant their crops in fields already cleared of land mines and also cross through *Max Ediger directs the School of Peace from Cambodia. Reprinted with permission of PeaceSigns, the online publication of the Peace and Justice Support Network of Mennonite Church USA, www.mennolink.org/ peace 14
Our small group on the mountain praying for reunification and peace
military check points into the CRZ to manage more fields and gardens. At night everyone leaves the CRZ and only soldiers are allowed in. Not far from the military check point for the CRZ is Mt. Soisan, a 1,188 foot hill that once served as a US military observation post. It is still covered with secret bunkers and from this vantage point one can look out across the CRZ and DMZ to North Korea in the distance. Now open to visitors, Mt. Soisan has become a place of pilgrimage for South Koreans who want to look across to the forbidden area of North Korea where they still have relatives whom they have not seen for almost 70 years. Here, where war once raged, they pray for peace and reunification of their country and the wellbeing of their family members living in the North. And here, every afternoon, no matter the weather, Dr. Jung Jiseok, along with a small group of his students and friends take the 20-minute walk up the hill to spend 20 minutes in silent meditation and prayer for reunification. Peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula Fellowship Across the Borders
is a top priority on most Korean people’s minds, especially now that the harsh and hateful rhetoric between the leaders of U.S. and North Korea has been escalating. Dr. Jung believes peace is possible with trust in the God who created the world and loves everyone in it.
invites Club leaders to send stories of activities undertaken with one or more high-resolution pictures and appropriate captions. Write-ups must not exceed 150 words. Readers are also requested to send their views and notes on matters of concern for the globallyy. Movement, globall Submit your stories and pictures at: www.ysmen.org/ymiworld Last date for submission for next issue: 30 May 2018
Dr. Jung does not just spend time in silent meditation and prayer. He has established the Border Peace School in the CRZ, literally just a stone’s throw from the heavily militarised line that is the southern-most barrier of the DMZ. The academy offers a three-year graduate diploma in peace studies with faculty coming from as far away as Northern Ireland, Costa Rica and the United Nations Peace College in America. Students also come from many different countries and in the academy they not only learn about peace, but also join farmers in gardening and other productive activities. Dr. Jung emphasises that the people of North and South Korea are not enemies but rather are brothers and sisters divided by a DMZ which they never wanted. “We can talk to them,” he says. “If the powerful countries of the world would just give us space and stop interfering, I am convinced that, with God’s help, we can reunify our country and our people.” These words were echoed by Dr. David Sun, former president of the World YMCA, who said in his recent keynote address to the 7th KoreaChina-Japan YMCA Peace Forum, “I would like to remind you that in the
View from Mt. Soisan looking across the DMZ to North Korea
last 2000 years of Korean history there was no Korean invasion to another neighbouring country. This means, and I would like to stress this point, that if the surrounding powers of the Korean Peninsula such as Japan, China, Russia and US would leave us Koreans alone, we would be able to keep ourselves in peace. We painfully remember the division of Korea was against the will of the Korean people, and the Korean War of 1950-1953 was the product of the Cold War between the East and the West. Unfortunately, it was a
‘Proxy’ war of the US against Soviet Union and China.” The American people must realise that peace on the peninsula is being hindered by our country’s refusal to finally sign a ceasefire with North Korea and with the provocative rhetoric which our political leaders constantly use to threaten the North. Let us step aside, listen to the people of Korea and trust that God can bring about peace and reunification without resorting to another devastating war. 28 December 2017
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