Movers and Shakers again
proved popular for Catholic youth leaders from around Queensland as well as
some interstate participants from the Maitland Newcastle Diocese.
The Christian leadership
training program, run from 29 March to 2 April at the James Byrne Centre,
provided young people from a variety of parishes, schools and youth movements’ high
quality leadership training in a safe and fun environment. It also provided an
opportunity for the group, aged 16 to 25, to support and network with others in
person outside of social media or their immediate circle of friends.
Movers and Shakers is led
by a team of youth ministry professionals, facilitated by Dave Jorna from Project Hatch and is one of the longest running leadership training initiatives in
Australia. Since beginning in 1991, over 2000 people have participated in the
program. Dave himself is part of the Movers and Shakers family, not just as
facilitator, but as past participant!
“It was incredible watching so many participants create a
deep inner shift in their understanding and practice of leadership,” observed
Dave. “Understandably, a lot of young people view leadership in terms of giving
directions, solutions and ideas in order to create an outcome. During the
program however, a lot of the young people had their “Aha” moments by
experiencing, practicing and identifying leadership in terms of a process which
creates a positive influence.”
One of the strengths of the
program is its ability to combine theory and practical leadership development
with different activities to challenge participants. During the residential
five day program participants were
challenged both individually, and in small groups, to work on problem solving,
teamwork and adventure based activities.
Another highlight is the
“Questions of Faith” session with Fr Morgan Batt of the Vocations Office
Brisbane. This year’s participants really valued Fr Morgan’s honesty, openness
and input into this session. Fr Morgan has been a part of the Movers and
Shakers family for some 19 years now by giving his time as chaplain and
pastoral support to the program.
Sarah de Byl, Youth
Coordinator for the Toowoomba Diocese said this year’s program continues to
build on the successes of the past. The hard work of past coordinators and
facilitators make Movers and Shakers the exceptional program it is today.
“Every year we learn
something new about the program and how we can improve the experience for the
young people who attend. The program is evolving and constantly growing. It
keeps it fresh and dynamic.” She said ”It’s important to the leadership team
that the program is flexible and can be tailored to suit individual
participants and the Movers and Shakers group that attend from year to year.”
Participant Daniel
Duskovic, from Villanova College Brisbane, reflected, “Movers and Shakers is a
life changing program that helped me to develop effective leadership skills,
expand my faith and make connections with like minded young people.”
Photos and information
about Movers and Shakers 2016 can be found on the Movers and Shakers Facebook
page as well as www.moversandshakers.org.au. The
program will again run in 2017, keep an eye out for promotional material
available later in the year or check back at the website for updates.
