storm clouds gathering July 6, 2009
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had quite a few contacts today with colleagues of days gone by. Most of them have pressing needs/fears/hurts and there are uncertainties ahead. None of them are related but my heart goes out to them.
It is impossible to carry all their burdens but it is possible to walk with them on their journey – after all, that is what we are here for. Isn’t it?
underground deception June 25, 2009
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this is one of my favourite pictures and over a year old – since then the expenses scandal has hit and the title I gave it has far more connotations than when I first posted.
I do wonder what the next 12 months will bring?
death of a youthworker? June 16, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: volunteer, youth, youth ministry, youthwork
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The last 9 months have been an interesting journey. My change in jobs has meant that I am no longer considered a “youth” worker/minister/pastor. For some, this is not an issue but for others it is – and for me it has been a time of reflection. 20 years in youthwork has been fun, exhausting and the best ride of my life. However, I still consider myself part of the youthworker club (couldn’t think of a better name – youthdom??!!) and still engage with youth – the difference is that it is as a volunteer and no longer as a salaried role.
Over the years my priorities changed, my ways of working altered and my views on success changed radically. With so many years experience people view you as some kind of authority and whilst the experience counts for a great deal, even those of us with significant years under our belts can make mistakes. My job role may have changed but I still consider myself a youthworker and will always fight the youthwork corner in any debate – this youthworker has not died.
So, as a volunteer and as a vocal supporter of youthdom in my salaried role, I have found the same struggles, joys and exhaustion as before. Even last night my sleep was restless as I pondered the youthwork of my local church – my desire is still the best, my passion still for the young and my heart beats with the same old drum. Is this the death of a youthworker? Not a chance – here’s to another 20 years!
Another goodbye June 14, 2009
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Our youthworker is leaving! Gutted!
End of the Road?….hopefully not! May 26, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: endings, social networks, wisdom, ysmarko
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Well today Marko announced the withdrawal from social networking sights and a possible termination of blog updates. I have utmost respect for his decision (have done the same myself before resurrecting just the blog!) and trust that he enjoys the new found freedoms that it brings.
However, I do hope that this does not start a swathe of “endings” as the social media networks have managed to provide me (and others) an opportunity to engage in new ideas, difficult subjects and challenging thinking. There are many blogs that have provided a living room space that have been as iron sharpening iron – so whilst this course of action is right/may be right for some, I do hope that not everyone follows the same path, your wisdom and insight is a valuable thing.
Inspirational people May 19, 2009
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With talk of greed abounding, I had the priviledge of meeting Bill and Eve today. A couple who have chosen to build community in their local area, develop people and to invest time in people on the margins. They demonstrate a life of sacrifice and are full of humility too. They achieve this on limited means and use a cafe in the east end as their base – they did not tell me but Bill has not been paid for 2 months. The fruit of their labour is evident to all around – I felt humbled, challenged and inspired by them both. This is Christian ministry at it’s best, not co-ordinated by organisation or institution but by 2 individuals who have put their lives on the line in order that others may be blessed. Awesome.
preventing volunteer fallout May 11, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: support, volunteers
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One issue that raises its head again and again is retention of volunteers. I am sure we can all come out with stories of the good, bad and ugly but there are some things that are useful to remember – all said before but always worth repeating;
1) Communicate expectations well – no hidden agendas or additions to the list
2) Give plenty of notice to any changes/alterations
3) Treat them well – if you are not sure how, think of how you would like to be treated and do the same
4) Honour their commitment – thanks, praise and understanding goes a long way
5) Support them – in words and actions
6) Remember that sometimes it is right for them to leave – we all have seasons in our lives, and seasons change, treat them well and they may come back or better still be your best supporter in recruiting new volunteers
7) Be a person of integrity
There is no easy route but creating a team that people want to be a part of will help retain people. These are just a few thoughts to remind myself, hopefully it will help others too!
meetings from asbojesus May 8, 2009
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Asbojesus strikes again….never a truer word!!
Does the NBA care? May 7, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: nba, nba cares, nba league pass, poor service
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as a fan of basketball and the NBA it is wonderful to reach playoffs and enjoy the post season. This year I fell hook line and sinker for the advert from NBA League Pass Broadband International which told me that I would not miss a minute of playoff action. How wrong this is – the best playoff series in history and there were regular blackouts to the service – made worse by their timing. The last 8 minutes of the 4th quarter of a game 7!! You can get to see the bits you miss if you sit through the whole game again – was told to ring and ask when the 4th quarter would be replayed.
Not only is the service appalling but the customer service sends you on a merry go round of inaction. Live help is non existent, email help is a cut and paste repeat each time. the “NBA cares” is a slogan that they use to demonstrate that people matter – but paying customers seem to be excluded fom the caring rota!
If you are thinking of paying out, think twice – it may not be worth it!
