Ludlow Leaders Weekend 2011

Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November saw seven key leaders from YCW groups across the country came together for a weekend of training and workshops in Ludlow. The weekend was an opportunity for the key leaders to share experiences from their groups, and discuss and gain new ideas to take back to their groups.

With YCW England and Wales hosting the International Congress of YCW movements next summer, the National Team have embarked on a new and exciting training programme to develop our key leaders to enable them to contribute fully during this historic event. Jim Barnaville, a former member who works for CAFOD in South Wales, and Anne-Marie Johnson, a former National President, attended the weekend and are working with the National Team to help them develop the course.

During the weekend the leaders developed their knowledge of taking action in the YCW, exploring its importance and how it develops them as leaders. They also explored the three key values of how action serves, educates and represents young people across the world. The young leaders created their own personal action plans that they are using to not only develop their local groups, but also to contribute to International Congress, many of which involved committing to finding volunteers. On National Youth Sunday (Feast of Christ the King), the young leaders celebrated mass together and took time to reflect on a parable of the Sheep and the Goats from Matthew's Gospel, looking at how Jesus calls us to take action in our realities.

Sarah, reflecting on her experience of the weekend, said: ‘It was a great weekend! I really enjoyed meeting other YCW leaders who are active in their local groups around the country. I particularly enjoyed hearing their ideas for the International Congress and it has inspired me to get involved as well!'