THE cream of Queensland’s Catholic youth leaders gathered on the Sunshine Coast from April 8-13 for an exciting and challenging week of training at the annual Movers and Shakers: Youth Leadership Training Program.
For the past 16 years Movers and Shakers has helped young people develop their leadership skills.
This year 75 young leaders aged 16-25 from across the state took part in the program, an initiative of the Queensland Catholic diocesan youth co-ordinators and the Queensland bishops, at Maranatha Recreation Camp, Yandina.
Movers and Shakers brings together leaders from schools, parishes and youth organisations and movements, encouraging them to practise their leadership skills in a safe, community atmosphere.
Brisbane Youth and Children’s Ministry Team ministry development officer Malcolm Hart said the program’s success depended on each group’s willingness to move beyond their own perceptions and challenging them to lead in ways that aren’t in their normal habits and behaviours.
Thirty-one young people from Brisbane joined 19 from Townsville, seven from Toowoomba and 18 from Rockhampton, bringing with them a diverse range of experiences and needs.
St Francis School, Ayr, assistant principal for religious education and program convener, Justen Orford, said it was a blessing to have so many young people from Townsville diocese attend the program and get so much out of it.
“The young members of our community really did us proud, participating in all aspects of the program enthusiastically,” Justen said.
“The process used to develop leadership skills was well structured and yet flexible to cater for needs or interests within the group.”
Carmel College, Thornlands student Kiri Groeneveld said this year’s program was an inspiration and had given her the confidence and skills to become a leader within her school.
“For me, Movers and Shakers was easily the best experience of my life,” Kiri said.
“The entire program was well constructed to test people’s boundaries and push them out of their ‘comfort zones’, especially through the activities.
“The thing that changed me most was the incredible people, and from their encouragement I feel that I can now continue that encouragement in my own communities.”
Emily Guy, a young leader from Rochedale parish on Brisbane’s southside, attended the program for the second time as a small group facilitator.
“My experience at this year’s program was different from my last,” Emily said.
“It brought new challenges and experiences which will be particularly helpful in my ministry with the parish youth group.”
A highlight was a presentation on World Youth Day 2008, presented by Brisbane Youth and Children’s Ministry Team ministry development officer Michael Hart.
He talked to them about their possible involvement in World Youth Day 2008 and on the newly released logo.
“The young people who attend Movers and Shakers each year are key leaders in their communities,” Michael said.
“It is important to share with them the excitement and vision around World Youth Day so that they can begin to animate their communities to make the most of this unique opportunity.
The Queensland Catholic diocesan youth co-ordinators hope to use Movers and Shakers as a key leadership training strategy as part of Queensland’s preparation for World Youth Day and youth ministry over the coming years.
