39th ASC Reflection

Last Updated (Thursday, 04 May 2023 16:10)

My learnings at the 39th ASC

I wish to start my learnings in chronological order. Starting with sharing the life journey, which was an excellent exercise to go down memory lane after 40+ years. It gave me time to see how I have progressed and more over how GOD has blessed me to come so far with his grace.

Next was the session by Dr Rommel Linatoc on “Creative Worships & Liturgies”. A lot of insight was given. We were questioned, “Why do we attend a worship service?”. He clearly explained the process of organizing worship and LITURGY = Life in its fulness, Interconnection, Transformative of lives, Unity of purpose, Radiance of hope, GOD deliverance, Yearning resolutions. The altar formation was a very new thing that I learnt. Most importantly, I learnt how to create a “creative liturgy”, which will suit the context.

The next session was by Mr Nam on “Responding to GOD’s calling for Mission”. At the start, it was affirmed that we must seek GOD’s calling or plan rather than execute our plan. The Quadrennial Program Plan (QPP) was a new learning among the many new learnings and revision of known facts. We were also challenged to explore the DNA of the YMCA. Ecumenism & Ecumenical Movement by Ms Sunita was the next session. I learnt various aspects and different ecumenical organizations. This was a discussion-based session. However, I still doubt whether the YMCA is moving in the correct direction.

Next was a session by Mr Nam on “Movement Strengthening & Relevancy”. During this session, the three pillars of a healthy YMCA were discussed. A clear Vision & Mission, Relevant Work, and a Viable & Sustainable Foundation. It was also shared that if the Local YMCA Presidents are called for a similar session, they will get an insight into these, which will make an impact when it comes to change.

Following that was a session by Mr Razvan from the World Alliance on Vision 2030. An introduction was given on the new mandate; I learnt there is not much Christian emphasis, though it’s a passed mandate at the 20th World Council. Therefore, we need to think critically about certain aspects for the betterment of the movement at our own local YMCA level. I feel we should have allotted more time for this session.

The next session was “Agenda 2030 & SDGs” by Ms Denise KH Yoon. Again, it was quite an informative session and also refreshed my early learnings. I felt that more of our projects need to be re-aligned with the SDGs. We were also enlightened about the YMI, its evolution, and its mission towards the YMCA. Again, this left specific questions in mind and facts for pondering the fundamental mission of this institution and its future continuity.

The next session on “Good Governance” done by Dr Subash Masters” was one of the main topics that I was looking forward to. His teachings were very practical and contextual for the current-day practices of the YMCA. He emphasized the importance of following proper Constitutions and the need to be up to date to keep up with the current requirements. He also mentioned that governance has to be evaluated regularly.

Afterwards, we had a session on “Lay Professional Partnership (LPP)” by Mr Nam where the seven principles of LPP were taught. The next session was by Mrs Cristina & Mr Beng Seng on “Climate Justice for a Sustainable Planet”. There were many new learnings during the session. The session by Dr. George on “Economy of Life”, highlighted that he returned after the COP27, where the main sponsor was COCA-COLA, and that it is a significant contributor for environmental pollution. Now this gives a message across the world for us to ponder. He also enlightened us on the concept of Eco Capitalism. The main teaching was that we must solve the root cause rather than provide bandage solutions.

Though all of the above was on zoom, we learnt and shared a lot. It was a new experience to meet daily on zoom for 2 weeks. Finally, we all met in-person in Chiang Mai. It was another experience that we were longing to meet friends.

The first in-person session we had was on “Interfaith”. It was a great experience to see all the leaders of different faith sit together and discuss on common interests. The session by Dr Muriel also gave me lot of thinking. She highlighted that without properly having the Challenge 21 grasped by local YMCAs, it is now required that we start to think on Vision 2030.

We visited 3 community projects in Chiang Mai. The MAP foundation which was working for the migrant workers and their welfare, the HUG project which was setup to address many issues related to child abuse and trafficking, and the Urban Light which was addressing issues related to youth such as sexual abuse and matters of social concern. Many positives and negatives were shared during the discussion time. I would like to place on record, that it would have been better if this was more of a field exposure where we meet the communities and see how they are being handled. I expect this to be taken as constructive criticism for the next batches.

During the next session by Dr Rey Ty on “Peace Building and Conflict Resolution” it was taught that a good listener could be a point of peace making. The activity done practically proved the capability of listening. The next session on “APAYs Response to Gender Justice” by Sunita gave a lot of facts for thought. Simultaneously it left many questions or challenges for future leaders to ascertain the impact of being for or against the proposals. This being a highly debated topic in the current context, YMCA leaders also will have to be very mindful to think critically rather than just moving towards the trends.

The next session by Bishop Dr. Coorilos on “Contextual Theology”, discussed a new aspect of theology. The content was so intense that it made me want to read more. Our visit to the Sou Hin YMCA was a great exposure getting to know their practical implementations in response to the climate crisis. This visit was the most exciting and valuable during the study. I learnt many things that could be implemented from the learnings. The garbage separation and collection, re-using, power conservation, and use of solar are a few to note.

The one before the last session by Sunita on “Proposal Writing & Resource Mobilization” was useful to recap specific past learnings. Nam’s presentation on the “Strategic Planning Process” followed this, which was also very useful. The final session by Cristina was on “Youth Empowerment, Leadership & Development”. A very good discussion-based session where I could recap most of the theories learnt in the past.

Holistically the ASC has given me a certain level of insight and new learnings to develop my skills and abilities to function in my position.

I want to convey my heartfelt thanks to the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY), the NCYSL & the board of directors of Kandy YMCA, who allowed me to follow the Advanced Studies Course with much support and encouragement. I am also very grateful to all my new friends from different parts of Asia and the Pacific region for all the support during the study.

 

Lalantha Jayasinghe
General Secretary – Kandy YMCA (Sri Lanka)
39th ASC participant