RESPECT is the keyword in the latest Young Christian Student’s (YCS) campaign.
Launched at last month’s conference, the “100 percent Respect: Youth Refugees and Asylum Seekers” initiative gathered momentum on Australia Day.
This Australia Day Facebook event was described as “the biggest nationally co-ordinated action from the movement for very many years”.
Almost 1000 people were estimated to have joined in the “bare skin for refugees and asylum seekers” which asked them to write “For those that come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share” from Australia’s national anthem, on their skin.
Hundreds of photos of the anthem lyrics were posted on the Australian YCS Facebook page as a result.
YCS uses the Cardijnian method of “see, judge and act” to “empower high school students to critically analyse issues around them in light of their faith and take action to change the situation”.
Perth senior student Mai Mitsumori-Miller has carried out “see, judge and act” with issues surrounding youth refugees and asylum seekers.
Her action is said to have resulted in education in the local community and advocacy for the federal government to uphold the United Nations Convention for Rights of a Child refugee and asylum seeker under the age of eighteen.
“The 100 percent Respect: Youth Refugees and Asylum Seekers campaign was chosen as it was an issue that was identified as relative to many of the students throughout 2011,” she said.
“Refugees and asylum seekers is a major political, social and media topic in our society today and as students the lives of people our own age was seen as an important place to begin our relationship and understanding of those fleeing their homelands.
“Students will be continually reviewing the issues throughout the two year campaign and be equipped with the necessary skills to take action on local and national levels based on their faith.”
More than 40 students attended the January conference as well as Bishop Justin Bianchini of Geraldton and Bishop Greg O’Kelly of Port Pirie.
Conference co-ordinator Stavrou said the gathering “gave like-minded and passionate students the chance to create great action that will transform not only themselves but their communities and the world”.
Former YCS national chairperson Liam McGuire of Townsville said he is “excited about the campaign”.
“With all members excited about the new campaign, having their say and already taking action, we hope this is going to be the most effective campaign in our recent history,” he said.
