No 1-2015/16
Mission with Faith
The Official Publication of Y’s Men International 1
Editor’ ge Editor’ss Pa Page Nº 1 2015/16 Official publication of Y’S MEN INTERNATIONAL Ave Sainte-Clotilde 9, CH-1205, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 809 1532 www.ysmen.org EDITOR Koshy Mathew 222, 7C Main, First Block HRBR Layout Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru 560 043, India. Tel: +91-9845036147 Skype: Koshy.mathew367 koshym@gmail.com ASSISTANT EDITORS AFRICA Tunji Makinde (Nigeria) +234/8034064882 (M) tunjimakinde@yahoo.com ASIA Yaz Okano (Japan) +81/797881808 (O) +81/797844559 APYazOkano@gmail.com CANADA & CARIBBEAN Bill Irwin (Canada) +1/9025693187 (H) wci0909@hotmail.com EUROPE Liudmila Tyukina (Russia) +7/9122344611 (M) assorti44@yandex.ru INDIA B. Pavithran (Kerala, India) +91/9847220054 (M) pavithbb@yahoo.co.in KOREA Kim Kyun (Seoul) +82/27352395 (O) +82/27321205 ysmenkrhq@gmail.com LATIN AMERICA Ricardo Andre Cardenas Zanabria (Panama) +51/198772474 (M) randre.cardenas@gmail.com SOUTH PACIFIC Bill Schmidt (Australia) +61/344338599 (H) schmidts@bendigodomain.com.au USA Fred L. Leonard (USA) +1/5012623566 (H); +1/5012623566 fleonard@cablelynx.com DISTRIBUTION Babu Oommen 56, Royal Meridian Layout, Begur Road Bangalore, 560 068, India. +91/9901199863 (M) :: babuoomen@yahoo.com Reprinted at National Printing Press Koramangala, Bengaluru 560 095, India. ONLY FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION TO MEMBERS
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Greetings from Bangalore, India! This issue of Y’s Men’s World is appearing after a break of two years, the last being published in October 2013. One would have thought that paper and print editions have been given the burial in this age of electronic and digital comm-unication. But members at every level missed the printed version and expressed their desire to revive it. Accordingly, the International Council that met in Kyoto in August this year requested me to be the editor for the current year. It is indeed an honour to be so asked and I consider it a privilege to be doing this. I respectfully thank the Council members for reposing their faith in me and giving me this opportunity. Gathering news for YMW can be challenging, to say the least. Newsfeed to the international headquarters has been happening as usual in the past two years, which is why I was able to bring out this issue in a jiffy. I also relied quite a bit on social media tools such as Facebook for updated versions and I have given credit to that fact. It is my hope that every Region of YMI would be represented in at least one issue during a particular year. And, we have fortythree Regions!
For that to happen and to represent the wide diversity of regional and national priorities, we need our designated Assistant Editors to be more proactive. We also need some or all of our Regional Bulletin Editors to come into the loop and work in tandem with the Assistant Editors from each Area if we have to be a truly international magazine that represents global concerns and local actions. My sincere thanks to Wally (Alan Wallington), former Editor, who eased me into the role with his talk via Skype on the tips and tricks of the trade. Before I sign off, I reprint what Wally wrote in an earlier edition of YMW: “As the editor I do not write the Y’s Men’s World, that is the task of the membership. My job is to encourage contributors, assist in any way I can, finally select from the available articles and layout the publication. I welcome articles at any time, the earlier before the deadline the better” (YMW 3-2007/8). My position is also the same. But, for this issue, I must confess that several news items were written by me based on pictures and brief narrations found in cyberspace! Wally’s advice on how to submit photographs for publication is given below (see box). Happy reading! Until the next issue, Yours in Y’sdom
Cover picture: Some of the delegates attending the 26th Asia Area Convention at the historical heritage site of Mt. Hiei Enrayakuji temple, Kyoto. Picture courtesy: FB page of David Wong Wei Li (Singapore). Deadline for submission of articles and pictures for next issue: 20 November 2015 A NOTE TO CONTRIBUTORS: Y’s Men’s World welcomes articles/news stories and/or pictures at any time, the earlier before the deadline the better. The following advice may come in handy to you: The article/news story should be about 300 words only to improve the chance of acceptance. As for photos, the quality necessary for printing it is essential to select a resolution of at least 300 dpi when you scan the photo. Scan the photo actual size, save it maximum quality and send it by e-mail attachment in .jpg format. If the photo is taken on a digital camera do not reduce for email – send the original. Please try to use 1600 x 1200 pixels or larger. As a guide, if the electronic file is under 200 KB it is not likely to be sharp enough for printing. Pictures taken on phone cameras often end up only in the digital format. So, please avoid them. – Editor (adapted from an earlier editorial by Alan Wallington) Mission with Faith
MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL INTERNA TIONAL PRESIDENT Dear fellow members of the Y’s movement It’s my pleasure to join you through the pages of Y’s Men’s World and bring greetings from Y’s Men International along with other honourable leaders, past and present. At the outset I convey my gratitude to the International Council for taking steps to resume Y’s Men’s World and having appointed a new Editor. This magazine is our window to the world – to reach not only the 30,000-plus members and family members but also thousands of others through the YMCAs and YWCAs sharing our mission as mandated since our founding in 1922 under the inspiring leadership of Judge Paul William Alexander. The service club that he founded over 93 years ago to support the YMCAs in the United States has now spread to over 73 countries with the most challenging motto, “To acknow-ledge the duty that accompanies every right.” Let me share my dream with you as to how to fulfil our duty as members of Y’s Men’s and Y’s Service clubs. I have proposed the theme “Mission with Faith” to challenge our members, based on St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews: “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (11:1). In realizing this dream, we are challenged to commit ourselves as leaders to six major thrusts in the coming year, namely: w Find ways to grow our membership base at least by nine per cent per annum. We are committed to enrol and retain 32,700 members by July 2016; I am sure we can do it.
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towards contributing to various international programmes, especially the Endowment Fund and TOFGPF which has been instrumental in changing life of many around the world. Commit our services to the communities around us with enthusiasm; put some effort into the Emphasis Months that we have agreed. Three months have gone by and come October we have Community Service and the Brotherhood Fund as emphases. Strengthen our relationship with the YMCA under the Principle of Partnership to fulfil our Founder’s legacy. Recently, I joined the General Assembly of APAY in Korea to learn about social economy/enterprise that we could also share with the YMCA through our community service. Continue our association with the United Nations and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in relation to the Global Project on eradicating malaria. Celebrate the Y’s Week in December (7-13) throughout the Y’s world to recognize that youth is our heritage and future.
I attended and witnessed the vibrant and successful Asia Area Convention which brought together 960 delegates in Kyoto in July-August. I am grateful to PIP Hirotoshi Fujii who gracefully conducted the colourful installation ceremony of the IEOs and the AEOs combined. The Third Korea Area Convention in Gunsan with more than 600 members was held on 4 and 5 September with grand ceremonial events and celebrations. The Y’s Men’s clubs in Korea Area are looking forward to hosting the IC18 in Yeosu after the next one in Taipei, 4 to 6 August 2016. I look forward to receiving all support from our members and leaders to work harmoniously to fulfil the noble mission we are committed to. Thank you for your good work done to sustain our movement. In sharing my dream of ‘Mission with Faith’ I adhere to what Mother Teresa said once: “I believe in Love and Compassion.” Let us be equipped in our mind and spirit to do the same to the communities and neighbours and discover that Y’sdom is a vehicle of the Almighty. Thank you and God Bless. In Y’sdom, we trust, Wichian Boonmapajorn International President 2015/16
YMI Vision 2022 and Goals VISION 2022: To be a recognized, globally oriented, voluntary service organization with a strong and committed membership that strives to enhance human values, with special focus on youth development, while upholding our motto ‘To acknowledge the duty that accompanies every right’ and working in active service and close partnership with the YMCA, the United Nations and other worthy organizations to build a better world in which to live. Towards 2022 TOWARDS 2022 (Goals to realize Vision 2022): • To extend Y’s Men to at least 50,000 members based in 100 countries. • To strengthen Y’s Men at the global level as it relates to the organisation and its mission. • To offer relevant service to the YMCA and the community and, as a consequence of that, • To improve and expand the Y’s Men image and identity in the community. • To improve our members’ perception of YMI and our international programmes in general. Mission with Faith
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FROM THE INTERNA TIONAL INTERNATIONAL SECRET AR SECRETAR ARYY-GENERAL Dear friends Greetings from the International office in Geneva! We had many Area Conventions this year, the year between International Conventions that are now held once every two years and we are instantly gratified by photos of these events on social media tools such as Facebook. One of the most successful Area Conventions, the 26th Asia Area Convention, was held in Kyoto, Japan, immediately after the International Council Meeting (ICM15), also held in Kyoto, in August. Facebook and other social media sites have been flooded with postings of pictures from these events and, by now, most of us have some sense of the fellowship and camaraderie that was witnessed there. It was for the first time that the ICM was convened with 15 members, including two young members, following the decision of the previous Council to reduce its strength from 21 members. However, very unfortunately, four
Council members from India, including one of the young members, and the TOF-GPF Committee Chairperson could not get entry visas to Japan despite the best efforts of the local Host Committee and of the travel agent on their behalf. Therefore, the meetings had to be conducted with ten council members, the quorum required for the Council meeting. This became 11 on the last day when AP of Africa arrived, her late arrival, again, having been caused by visa problems. There were many items on the agenda to be discussed and decisions to be taken under the chairpersonship of IP Wichian Boonmapajorn, assisted by IEOs, including the new International Treasurer, Philips Cherian. ISG presented the new plan of having a satellite office in Thailand following the unanimous consensus at MYM 15 in Bangkok and its related budget was approved at this ICM 15 in Kyoto. This office will be functional around July 2016, subject to completing the legal formalities in Thailand. We had a very meaningful meeting and most of the participants also
Adieu! Pauline Pauline Gross retired from Y’ Men International after nearly 30 years of service at IHQ in Geneva. Among her many other responsibilities, each semester Pauline meticulously gathered and maintained the club membership data. She also beautifully prepared certificates for the Golden Book, Paul William Alexander Fellows and Charters for new clubs. Her unique understanding of the structure and operation of Y’ Men International at all levels has been an invaluable asset and will be greatly missed by her colleagues at IHQ and the worldwide Movement. Personally, I am indebted to Pauline for her support. I found her as a living encyclopedia on all Y’s Men matters. I am sure many of you will have the same affection and feeling towards her. We wish her a healthy and enjoyable retired but active life. Courtesy: IPIP Isaac Palathinkal, IP-Communique 2014-15, Issue 3 4
Mission with Faith
enjoyed the Asia Area Convention that followed with great fellowship, meeting new friends and renewing old friendships. During the Asia Area Convention, IP 14/15 Isaac Palathinkal announced that PIP Benson Wabule was awarded the Harry M. Ballantyne Award for 2014-15. He, unfortunately, was not at the convention but those attending the convention, especially those who know PIP Ben from the IC10 at Yokohama, were happy to hear this news. The next International Convention is being hosted by Taiwan Region and will be held in Taipei. It is a ‘first’ in the history of the movement, especially for Taiwan, and there were 100 delegates from Taiwan at this year’s Asia Convention to promote IC16. Also, it was decided to hold IC18 at Yeosu, Korea. A television crew from Korea recorded the news in Kyoto and had it broadcast on national TV. You can now see that clipping on YouTube (http:// youtu.be/uwqaxPEXHnQ). Please share this excitement with your home club members and encourage everyone to be at IC16 Taipei and IC18 Korea! Y’sly, ISG Nishi
IP-ELECT’S THOUGHTS edge and honour them. Let’s remempositive examples of this include: Dear friends w hands-on service to people in ber to celebrate the good things we see! As your IPE, I am grateful to be As we look towards the future, we need in all Areas and Regions, following in the footsteps of so many must also accept that we face some notably in India and Africa; fine leaders. I w membership growth and club challenges unthought of in 1922. Rather am especially extension, with long-ter m than seeing these as only negative, let’s conscious of mentoring to ensure that new embrace them as opportunities to the fact that I am clubs will become and remain evolve positively. I believe that as a only the second movement, Y Service is at a crossroads, woman to successful; achieve this honw helping fellow clubs in times of where either we make some significant our. While I see difficulty, such as the Sendai Tsu- changes in how we get things done, or myself as a Y nami fundraising initiative and we fade away. I believe that most of us are eager to be part of this Service member first and foremost, I the Korean doctors program do realize that my gender is significant w sharing of resources and exper- evolutionary process, and are willing to in the progress of our movement totise between a “have” club/Re- use our skills and talents towards that wards full equality in leadership. I angion and one in greater need, end. So I appeal to you all to work ticipate that the future will hold an insuch as Europe’s financial aid for with and support your leaders at all creasing number of women leaders. Resome Districts within their Area; levels in celebrating our successes together and in turning the challenges gardless of gender, we should be seand lecting our leaders for their vision and w collaborating with the YMCA we face into positive growth goals for our movement. on projects and goals, as evident opportunities for our YMI movement. Y’s Men members around the in the cooperation between Asia Working together we can achieve so world have been doing, and continue and Latin America Areas and much more! With all good wishes, their YMCAs to do, great things for others. LikeThere are so many wonderful Yours in Y’sdom wise there are many opportunities for Joan Wilson the stronger clubs/Regions/Areas to things happening in our movement, and International President-Elect help those who are less strong. Some we must find better ways to acknowl2015/16
IC AT WORK IN KYOTO
L to R: Poul-Henrik Hove Jakobsen, ISD-YL to World YMCA making a point; Korean ICMs and translators along with AP Asia Edward Ong and new Young member from Romania awaiting decision on IC2018; IPE Joan discisses a point with fellow Council members. Bottom row (L-R): AP-EUR makes her pressentation; IPIP Isaac Palathinkal hands over the Bible and gavel to IP Wichian; IP Wichian Wichian officially installing the new ICMs and APs/ APEs on the first day of the International Council meeting
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Y’S MENETTES IN ACTION Y’ tional Director Carole Dunbar writes: Y’ss Menettes Interna International As International Director (ID) for Y’s Menettes I attended the International Council Meeting held in Kyoto, Japan. The Y’s Menettes’ ID sits as a non-voting member of the Council but the interests and concerns of Y’s Menettes are certainly heard and considered. I was fortunate to spend some time with former ID Silvya Reyes de Croci (1985-86). Silvya attended the Council Meeting to offer her expertise in relation to international constitution matters but her knowledge and background regarding Y’s Menettes issues is vast. Following the Council Meeting I was able to attend the Asia Area Convention and to meet many Y’s Menettes from that Area while there. Thanks so much Japan West for your hospitality! During the past year the Y’s Menettes International Manual has been updated to incorporate revisions that had been accepted over the years. The Manual was circulated to all Area Directors and has been uploaded to the international website www.ysmen.org. It is the responsibility of each Area to pass this information along to Regions then onward to Clubs so that all members will have this valuable resource at their fingertips. A locally-translated version should be made available in Areas where necessary for Clubs. Some Menettes Activities aatt a Glance Several Y’s Menettes from Area Canada/Caribbean travelled from Nova Scotia to attend the Area Convention hosted by District Jamaica this year. District Jamaica certainly demonstrated to the convention that working with youth is where our future lies.
support plants and 100 coconut saplings to the poor and needy. ‘Forming Skills through Projects Pedagogy’ in Vila Maria, Sao Paulo, Brazil helps young children and teenagers of both genders, from six to 15 years old from low-income families with no access to public services and difficult livClub Treasurer Eleanor Smith and a couple of ing conditions. YMCA Vila Maria is revolunteers preparing for the book fair sponsible for the programme and local library, children’s hospital, includ- YMC-Sao Paulo Centro is related to the ing a local cadet group who help with project. the heavy lifting. Carole Dunbar
The group was excited to tour The Source in Savanna la mar (pictured above), a community resource centre, an idea started by the only Y’s Menettes Club in the Caribbean. The Source offers an internet access site, computer training, skills training, summer camps, a community garden, etc. Pictou County Y’s Menettes (Area Canada/Caribbean, Region Maritimes) are busy setting up for their 42nd annual used book sale to be held in October. Funds raised are utilized to support their many community projects - YMCA Day Camps and Youth Leadership Group, Fuel Fund, Food Bank, 6
Project ‘Rehabilitation of Widows and Poor Women’ in Kerala, India, was inaugurated in September 2014. The distribution of vegetable plants seems to have been a big event. In the first phase of the project several training workshops such as on banking procedures, how to be self-employed, opportunities for entrepreneurship, etc. were conducted. An Agricultural Seminar for widows and poor women was conducted was held recently with a trainer from the Department of Agriculture, Kerala. They distributed 1,000 banana seeds and 6,000 packets of vegetable seeds with 1,000 kilograms of basic fertilizers apart from 150 Mission with Faith
Children engaged in creative skills
The activities are sports and recreation, linking knowledge through informatics, incentive communication and oral/written expression exercises, and dance. They have bought computers, a printer, TV, and other equipment with part of the grant given by YMI. Gurli Holm, Y’s Menettes Project Coordinator 2012-16
ENVIRONMENT POLICY AND ACTION YMCA Upgrades Lighting – saving both money and emissions The Chiangrai YMCA applied to the Y’s Men International Carbon Offset fund to upgrade its old fluorescent lighting to new energy efficient lamps. The project met the conditions of the carbon offset fund, which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a reasonable cost. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by projects like this offset the emissions of the Y’s Men International leaders travelling to meetings. The Chiangrai YMCA project replaced 459 old T8 36W fluorescent tubes with new T5 28W tubes. The project also replaced old ballasts in each light fitting, resulting in a total saving per tube of about 15W. Based on hours of use the project saves Chiangrai YMCA considerable electricity cost, but also reduces emissions by about 27 tons per annum. Over life of T5 tubes, the reduction in emissions will cost about US$40 per ton. Given the saving in electricity and emissions will be ongoing
Y’s Men International Environment Policy Y’s Men International is committed to being an environmentally responsible organisation. It accepts its responsibility to reduce its environmental ‘footprint’. This is a duty that accompanies the right to be involved in Y’s Men’s activities. Y’s Men International’s environmental policy will be to: act in a sustainable way; minimise its environmental impact ; and protect, sustain and restore our natural environment. Y’s Men International will demonstrate its commitment to the environment through: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; sustainable use of water – we will adopt and promote water-efficient strategies; sustainable use of land and resources; and community leadership and advocacy.
after life of initial T5 tubes, the long term benefit is even greater. In February 2015 Chiangrai YMCA provided an environmental awareness training session to school students about importance of environment and energy conser vation for better awareness and understanding A volunteer leads a session on climate change of the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. It involved 763 school climate change and the relationships students aged between 8 and 12 years between saving energ y in nine schools with YMCA teaching and environmental conservation. them the effect of global warming, Colin Lambie*
Compost Bins ffor or Better Environment The YMCA in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, a project to educate the community on with financial assistance from the Green sorting waste and promoting the use Team of YMI, recently implemented of compost bins in order to improve the living environment. The project reached 300 people through 60 compost bins that were distributed to selected households who were interested in starting home gardens but eventually, it will benefit the entire population in the neighbourhood. Inputs on the project objectives and on the correct use of the bins were given to the The bin reaches a neighbourhood project partici-pants prior to
the distribution of bins. They were also taught to separate organic waste and non-biodegradable waste such as plastic and bottles. The participants entered into an agreement with the YMCA regarding proper use, maintenance, and periodic inspection of the compost bins. A special committee of the Moratuwa YMCA will review the progress of project every month. Education programmes on waste management including composting for school children are also planned for in the next phase of the project. Colin Lambie*
*Colin Lambie is Chair of Y’s Men International Green Team. Y’s Men are encouraged to consider implementing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Applications for funding of projects can be sent to ColinLambie@ysmen.org.au. Visit http://ysmen.org/index.php?id=236 for details. – Editor Mission with Faith
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TOF-GPF – AN UPDA TE UPDATE Time of Fast-Global Project Fund – An Upda te Update The TOF-GPF programme is gaining popularity among members, an indication of which is the steady increase in the number of proposals received from different Areas. For the current year we received 24 project proposals, of which two were rejected for vari-
Since the inception of the TOFY’ss GPF programme in 1973, Y’ Men International has contributed around US$ 66.2 .2 million to various YMCA and community projects and emergencies around the world
The poster released by TOF-GPF Chairman to raise awareness among members
w Project East Jerusalem YMCA
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ous reasons and four kept pending for consideration next year. Of the remaining 18 proposals, project summaries and relevant supporting details were w sent to the TOF-GPF committee members for evaluation with a total request of CHF 459,411. After due consideration the following proposals were approved by the w Council for the year 2015/16: w Myanmar Kachin Drug Rehabilitation Project of the APAY and YMCA Singapore Beta to be implemented in Myitkyina, Kachin State, Myanmar.
Youth Potentials of the East Jerusalem YMWC & Region Sweden in East Jerusalem, Palestine. A Bridge for Social Inclusion over Educational Gap – project of Montevideo YMCA and YSC in the marginal neighbourhoods of Montevideo, Uruguay. Women Empower ment Programme & Youth Resource Center, project of YMCA Fort Kochi and YMC-Kochin West in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India. Training Schools in Creative Technologies, a project of YMCA Quito and YSC Quito, Ecuador in Province Pichincha, Canton Quito, Ecuador. Youth and Women Empowerment through Self-Employment, joint project of YMCA Airapuram and YMC Airapuram in Ernakulam district of Kerala. T. M. Jose Chairman, TOF-GPF Committee
TOF Fund Helps YMCA Open Charity Shop The charity shop that opened recently with the help of a Time of Fast grant is a project of George Williams Youth Association (the Y in Kosovo) and the availability of goods for sale was also made possible by Y’s Men, who donated a truckload of clothes that came from Y’s Men in Denmark, organized by the Holstebro Y’s Men’s Club. The Charity Shop in Gjakova, Kosova was opened by the Mayor of the city, Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila and the Kosovo Field Group members. This is not the first charitable initiative of the GWYA: around Christmas time they provide food parcels to fami8
lies in need and this is highly appreciated by the community. The GWYA is growing both in programmes and in structure. During the Field Group meeting members pre- Mayor of Gjakova city, Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila inaugurating the Charity Shop sented impressive projects such as ‘after-school ac- vided by the municipality of Gjakova, tivities for school children’ and ‘Y- a great supporter of all Y services for Women empowerment’. These pro- community. Courtesy: ysmen.org grammes are run in the premises proMission with Faith
NEW FRONTIERS IN EXTENSION
Y’ sdom Extends into Hitherto Unexplored Areas Y’sdom Ulaanbaa tar Ulaanbaatar tar,, Mongolia The Y Service Club of Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia was inaugurated in late 2014, a first in that land-locked country in central-east Asia. This is also the first Club
Club. The launch comes eight months after orientation visits by YMCA leaders from Mongolia to Singapore and to Hong Kong. This showcases the strong partnership between Y’s Men and YMCA through the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs whose General Secretary Kohei Yamada is concurrently Club President of the Tsimshatsui Club and ASD-Ext for Asia. David Lua, ISD-Extension
Members at the statue of the great leader, Genghis Khan
chartered beyond borders by the Tsimshatsui Club in Hong Kong and the Tokyo Musashino Tama Y’s Men’s
Suva, Fiji A new club in the Pacific island of Fiji was chartered in June this year – the Y Service Club of Suva. The initiative for this club also came from a joint meeting of the APAY and Y Service Club Presidents. After a series of orientation
Suva club members with South Pacific Area leaders
meetings in Suva, a group of energetic young members came together to be chartered into a club. Leigh Ditchfield (Regional Director), Jennifer Jones (Area President) Russel Jones (Area Treasurer) and Christine Van Der Zee (RD-E) were at the inaugural ceremony. Source: South Pacific Area Bulletin
RBM PROJECT UPDA TE UPDATE YMI-IFRC Leaders Meet and Af firm Partnership Affirm Representatives from YMI recently met with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Under Secretary General for Programme Services Mr Walter Cotte to hand over CHF 210,000 as the next instalment of RBM funding. Since the beginning of the five-year fundraising campaign, YMI has raised CHF 340,000 - with 2014-15 contributions still to be added. At the last International Council Meeting in July 2014, the Council showed their added support for the campaign by approving an extension to the fundraising project, with the campaign not due to end before 30 June 2018. Mr Cotte was very positive about the existing partnership and stressed that this is only the “tip of the iceberg.” He expressed his hope for
further extension to the relationship, particularly given our unique connection to the worldwide YMCA. Most recently YMI funding has been used in Sierra Leone for part of a long-lasting insecti(L-R) James Olle (YMI), Tinna Rós Steinsdóttir (YMI), ISG Nishi cidal net (LLIN) dis(YMI), Mr Walter Cotte (IFRC), Shunichiro Asaba (YMI), Ms Melanie tribution. Integrated Caruso (IFRC), Mr Jason Peat (IFRC). with a maternal and child health week and with large sup- generous financial contri-bution which port from the Norwegian Red Cross permitted the LLIN mass distribution and United Nations Foundation, a to- campaign to be a success in the midst tal of 3,523,766 LLINs were success- of the Ebola outbreak and a growing fully delivered nationwide. IFRC and humanitarian crisis which hit the counSierra Leone Red Cross Society have try at the time of the planned activities. thanked Y’s Men International for their Source: ysmen.org Mission with Faith
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Y SERVICE IN ACTION STORIES FROM FFAR AR AND NEAR An Active Ser vice Club Down Under Service The Y Service Club of Bendigo in Australia is creating ripples in the local community with its dedicated band of members responding to community and environmental needs world over.
Announcement of this year’s Book Fair
The Spring Book Fair is one of the ways the Y Service Club of Bendigo raises funds for the worthwhile community projects we support, for example, the Bendigo Youth Choir; Bendigo
Y Service Club of Bendigo is one of the first to donate funds toward the Community-owned Solar PV cells on the Bendigo Library - the $800-donation will pay for two of the 80 panels. Donors of panels are acMembers of the Bendigo Club at work on the bench and (inset) the bench knowledged on a Regional YMCA; Bendigo Radio- screen in the Library. therapy; Flying Doctor Service; In the last six months Bendigo Y Bendigo Discovery Centre; Centre for Service Club supported the Leprosy Non-Violence; OTIS Foundation, and Mission with the funds raised from its so on. fund raising projects, especially the Y Service Club of Bendigo do- Easter Book Fair. As supporters of nated funds for a seat/table on the CFA (Country Fire Authority) brigades, O’Keeth Rail Trail, which was installed it also gave $ 1,500 to Maiden Gully by Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Brigade for new radio. Rail Trail Inc. Source: FB pages of YSC-Bendigo
Socks and Hats to Russia with Love “Excuse me, do you still have the project where ladies from Norway knit things for the Russian orphans? I read about it,” said a lady to me shyly at the Area Convention in Arendal. To tell the truth there was no special project. There was a kind soul – a friend of friends
of Norwegian Y’smen, whose name is Reidun Lyby. And who, for many years, has been knitting socks and hats for the Russian children. And because of whom all Russian guests who came to stay in Norway were asked to bring an empty bag with them. Yes, I assured the second ‘kind soul’. And after a few minutes she brought a plastic bag with wool hats. Then and there itself we divided the presents among the three Russian regions whose representatives were at the Con-
A suitcase full of socks and hats from Norway. Inset: Liv Gjerstad 10
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vention. The lady’s name is Liv Gjerstad. A retired dentist. She likes music and especially operas and they inspire her to knit beautiful hats. My ‘Petersburg share’ has already reached its recipient – a 15year old YMC member who got into a family trouble and now stays in a children’s shelter. The rest were given to her new friends. On our way back home from the Convention we met Reidun Lyby in Oslo. How to thank a Norwegian kind angel? Our solution was to give her a fragile glass angel, made by a Russian artiste. Angels are so invisible doing their jobs, but so important in our life! God bless you, Lyby and Liv! Marina Makarova PRD, Russia
Y SERVICE IN ACTION STORIES FROM FFAR AR AND NEAR From the Philippines The Y’s Men’s Clubs of Makati Golden Makati. Y’s Men’s Club of RAHA-Philipand Sampiro and the Manotok family volunteers together with the Makati pines and the Makati YMCA jointly conYMCA conducted a free eye check-up ducted a workshop on the first step to disaster Preparedness, “Getting Informed.” The volunteers of Y’s Men’s Club of RAHA, led by Sir Kiko (Francisco Vargas, EMT) led a seminar on disaster preparedness Beneficiaries thronging to the counter for registration and fire safety for and distributed free reading glasses to the hostel and operations staff and seabout 180 people, mostly senior citizens curity personnel of Makati YMCA. from the Barangays around the YMCA Volunteers from the Senior Y Club and
IP Wichian with the volunteers and the ambulance van at the Raha camp
other occupants from the Kids Playlab pre-school were also present. The second phase of the training will be the planning stage and the drill. Courtesy: Makati YMCA
Y’ Y’ss Men Join the Green Wave in Hong Kong Y’s Men’s Club of New Territories, Hong Kong joined the Green Wave Campaign in a joint action with OISCA International-Hong Kong,, YMCATuen Mun and other organisations. The campaign was conducted in 21 schools and 9 associations. For example, in one school, teachers guided more than 230 students to join Green Wave activities and gave useful tips on environmental protection and how to take care of various kinds of plants. In another
Y’s members at one of the venues and (below) enthusiastic school children
school more than 700 students participated in planting fruit trees this year. They planted five kinds of fruit trees – papaya, lemon, grape, peach and common fig. OISCA (Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement) International, is a non-governmental organization working in Asia, Africa and Latin America and contributes to humanity’s environmentally sustainable development through a holistic approach emphasizing the interconnectedness of agriculture, ecological integrity, and human spirit. Source: FB pages of YMC-NT and OISCA-HK Mission with Faith
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Y SERVICE IN ACTION STORIES FROM FFAR AR AND NEAR The Y Service Club of Ottawa and the Kibera YMCA in Kenya has had an historical relationship with the former supporting several of its projects over the years. The latest and the most visible one is the Kibera YMCA Education Centre, which is a venue for community-centred projects of the YMCA. For example, in July this year over 200 children had their typhoid vaccinations at a free medical camp held in its premises. The name on the building, “David F. Hall” is that of Dave Hall, a former Area President and current member of the Ottawa International Y Service Club. The plaque (inset) recalls the historical link between these two organisations.
Inter -Continental Ser vice Link Inter-Continental Service
Martin Dand, Canada (through FB pages)
Parpidom – home for the homeless Parpidom (shelter) is a major project of Mid-West India Region . Over a dozen houses have been handed over this year to the poor who did not have their own homes but had the land to construct. Nearly 40 houses are under various stages of construction and will be handed over to the beneficiaries in the course of the year. The project aims to donate about 70 houses this year. The total cost of construction would cross Rs. 40 million (approx. USD 615,000) because, in some cases, beneficiaries or their well-wishers and relatives are contributing a part of the expenses. Y’s members have also come forward to defray the cost of land, where needed. Each house will be about 400 to 750 sq. feet in area and cost about Rs. 1,000 per square foot to construct. Poor families who had to stop construction of
their homes midway for want of funds are also considered under this project. For them, Parpidom will undertake the remaining part of the work before handing over the house. In some cases land is also donated to Nisha Kayee and her family under the new roof. poor families who (Inset). One of the houses under constructiion can mobilize the of the members came forward to bear funds to construct the houses. One of the beneficiaries is Nisha the entire cost of construction of a 750Kayee’s family. She is a 72-year-old square-feet house costing Rs. 750,000. widow, who lives with her daughter, She and her small family are happy that whoi is divorcee, and her two school- they will not be on the streets for want going children, who had about one thou- of a shelter. B. Pavithran, Assistant Editor, Area India sand square feet of land in a colony. One
Y’ Y’ss Men’ Men’ss Way in Canada Members of the Saint John Y Service Club (Canada) presented a $100,000 cheque in anticipation of the opening of the facility on Churchill Blvd. Because of the donation, the main entrance way is being called Y’s Men’s Way, which leads to a giant mural by Sheryl Crowley in the front lobby. Earl Foster, Area Canada/Caribbean 12
Mission with Faith
Y SERVICE IN ACTION AR AND NEAR STORIES FROM FFAR Carondelet Y’ Y’ss Annual Book Fair Members of the Y Service Club of Carondelet (Mid America Region) actively participate each year in the Annual Book Fair as volunteers and cofundraisers for Y’s activities in the community around the St. Louis area.
The YMCA Annual Book Fair has been held since 1978 and began as a small event in the gymnasium by members of the Carondelet Y Service Club of the historic Carondelet YMCA on Lough-borough in South St. Louis City. Today, it has expanded to become a five-day event and has moved to a larger location, the St. Louis County Parks Department in St. Louis County, to accommodate
the large numbers of books re-ceived as donations. Many months of gathering and then categorizing thousands of books by hundreds of volunteers lead up to the event usually held in August. The book fair benefits Y Community Literacy programmes as well as other youth programmes for the Carondelet Park Rec Complex and Washington University Campus Y. Over the years, the cumulative amount of sales has surpassed Two Million Dollars. The 2015 edition of the Book Fair opened its doors on a Thursday in August for “Preview Day”,the only day that requires a paid admission fee. But from Friday to Monday, admission to the Book Fair was free.
the family. As for the tutoring of children of single-parents, the YMCA has hired fulltime American English teachers. This year 130 children are attending classes,
which run for 180 minutes per week, 48 weeks per year. Thus far more than 300 children have benefitted from this programme, with some attending a second or third time.
Debbie Redmond, PAP USA
Books waiting to be picked up at Carondelet
YMCA Charity Bazaar All 11 clubs in Central District of Y’s Men Taiwan support YMCA-Taichung to hold a big charity sale involving more than 200 booths every December for the past 12 years. Each of the participating clubs that sets up the booths donate a wide variety of items such as new household electrical appliances, clothes, shoes, paintings, tools, handicrafts, stationery and food, for sale. This last year we had 17 booths and raised US$ 6,700 for the YMCA to implement programmes for single women to overcome poverty and for children of single parents to attend English classes. YMCA teaches single women how to become gourmet cooks and promote their products, which has now become favourites of the customers who buy them. This way they get a regular income and are able to support
Han-Jung Chou, RSD BE, Taiwan
A scene from the 2014 Charity Bazar Mission with Faith
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INTERNA TIONAL PROGRAMME INTERNATIONAL STEP FOR ALL Introducing the STEP For All prog ramme programme to peace and justice, and aiming to meet the needs of people and help reduce poverty. To make these visions and dreams more viable in international work, there needs to be a way to have some practical in- Local participants in the TOF-GPF project “Light Up Costa Rica” prepare to travel inland to set up solar panels in remote mountain homes Pic by Brian volvement “on Minielly, the first person to apply for a STEP For All grant. the spot”. This is why the STEP For All program was the STEP For All Task Force was apcreated. pointed at the Stavanger ICM 2012, and Each person who is involved in ac- got to work right away. Collaboration tivities of TOF/GPF is part of build- with the TOF-GPF Chair and the ing a better world in which to live. BFECC was necessary since both of STEP for All suggests that we open these are affected by this new program. up these projects for active participa- At the Chennai ICM 2014, the policy, tion and service, involving members of procedures and supporting documents all ages, strong in advocacy and work- were approved. ing in partnership with local YMCAs STEP for All has been open for and clubs. We believe the program will applications since then. While members open up more opportunities for youth may apply and become a volunteer in involvement. As a participant you will the program using their own funds for meet first-hand the global issues of their trip, it is also possible to apply for poverty, justice and human rights. a subsidy from the YMI funds (BHF With this mission and background, reserve ). As co-chairs we are passionate for the STEP For All concept and look forward to seeing it up and running. We are convinced that this program will that the Brotherhood Fund (BHF) was originally offer our members a new dimension called the Bishop’ Bishop’ss Fund? Here’ Here’ss why… in our movement as advocates and The 1931 International Convention in Cleveland recorded a sum of $800 as ‘profit’ spokespersons for global issues in reafter all bills were paid. This money was turned over to the international Secretarylation to TOF-GGP, not to mention a Treasurer “for such purpose as he, personally deemed proper for the advancement once in a lifetime experience! of the cause of International.” With this money, the Bishop’s Fund was started. We encourage you to apply to These funds were used to bring Y’s Men to the international Conventions, so they STEP For All!
Do you get excited by our movement’s international projects? Have you ever wished that you met the age requirements to have a STEP placement in another country? Would you like to get personal experience in helping with a Time of Fast project in another Area? If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, then perhaps STEP For All, the newest programme of Y Service International, is a perfect match for you! It was launched in September 2014. STEP For All offers individual Y Service members the opportunity to participate in a volunteering holiday connected to a Time of Fast-Global Project Fund project. In turn members will be supporting our organisation’s strong commitment to global issues. There is also an option to apply for financial support for part of the travel costs, through a reserve set aside within the Brotherhood Fund. Y Service Club´s International aspires in its key wordings and actions to become a more relevant voluntary organisation, active in global issues related
Did You Know …
might become educated as to the workings of the organization as a whole. The name was derived from similar funds available to Bishops of certain religious denominations to use as they deemed proper. It was only in 1969 that the name was changed to Brotherhood Fund.
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Mission with Faith
Barbro Thorén Joan Wilson Co-chairpersons Task Force-STEP for All PRD 2013-14 IPE 2015-16 Sweden Canada
INTERNA TIONAL BROTHER INTERNATIONAL CLUB RELA TIONSHIPS RELATIONSHIPS Hydera bad and Hikone Clubs Celebra te 50 Years of IBC Rela tionship Hyderabad Celebrate Relationship The International Brother Club Rela- Hikone and Hyderabad. Thereafter, he tionship between the Y’s Men’s Clubs used to send photos, mementos, pins and other memorabilia which we used to auction among our club members and credit the proceeds to the Brotherhood Fund. Exchange of greetings on Christmas and New Year and other occasions was a regular feature, the cards being signed by all members present at a club meeting. Displaying the special poster released on the occasion After Happy’s deof Hikone (West Japan Region) and mise in the 1970s Yoshimichi Shimano Hyderabad (Central India Region) has assumed leadership and under his accompleted 50 glorious years. It all tive guidance the relationship continued started in 1964 when D.S. Chinnadorai, to grow as also the steady correspondGeneral Secretary of the Hyderabad ence and exchanges of goodwill visits YMCA and charter-member of YMC between both countries. Shimano visHyderabad visited Hikone (Shiga Pre- ited India and Hyderabad more than fecture) and made friends with Happy 35 times and also led groups of Y’s Nishimori of the YMCA there. Men and YMCA men from Hikone Happy Nishimori visited to India on annual study tours. In the Hyderabad in 1969 which cemented last week of December of every year, the bonds of brotherhood between a team of Y’s men from Hikone
YMCA come to Hyderabad and spend the New Year holidays with Hyderabad Y’s men. This has been a regular feature for the last several years. V. Narasimha Rao, PAP (India Area) was instrumental in arranging and organising home stays and hospitality for the visiting groups in Hyderabad. Thus far, more than 300 Japanese have visited Hyderabad to learn about India culture, education system, and the way people live. They also visit important historical monuments. The Y’s Men’s Club of Hyderabad later took Y’s Men’s Club of Numazu as another Brother Club and we are now in the IBC Triangle relationship. From Hyderabad many leaders visited Hikone and other cities in Japan on different occasions to take part in the official celebrations of Hikone Y’s Men’s Club and enjoyed the hospitality of our Japanese friends there. I just returned to Hyderabad after participating in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of IBC at Hikone and Numazu clubs. V. Vijaya Kumar International Service Director – IBC
Meanwhile in Kyoto...
On the sidelines of the Asia Convention held in August, two sets of Brother Clubs met and exchanged notes and gifts, sang songs and danced and strengthened their relationships. On the left are members of the YMC-Island East Hong Kong with members of the YMC-Taoyuan in Taiwan (Asia Area). On the right are members of the Nuuanu Y’s Men’s and Women’s Club, Hawaii (USA); Bauhinia YMC, Hong Kong and the Osaka Centennial YMC, Japan (Asia). (Both pictures are from Andy Fu’s Facebook pages.) Mission with Faith
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SNAPHOTS FROM KYOTO
L: Installation of International President and Asia Area President by PIP FUJII Hirotoshi. R: The Mayor of Kyoto addresses the Asia Cenvention
Attendees of the International Council meeting at Kyoto, Japan, August 2015
Left: Jubilant members of the Korean delegation after winning the bid to host IC 2018, and (right): Taipei IC 2016 promotional poster 16
Mission with Faith