Day 2 "Where do you belong?"

Fun Fact for the Day! Corymeela means "Hill of Harmony"

-After learning this meaning we had a good chuckle because whenever someone mentioned hills someone else would start to sing "The hills are alive with the sound of music..." and we were never in musical harmony.

Day 2 began with getting adjusted to our new home at Corymeela. We found a great saying on the front door as you exit to help explain what this place is about.

Our day consisted of learning more of how, what, where and why Corymeela does what it does. We still have until Sunday to be here, but we are getting a great idea of how powerful this place is and the work that it does.

The morning consisted of us getting used to the six hour time change. We awoke to find beautiful sunny skies despite "the myth" it rains all the time in Ireland (we knocked on wood after we typed this). At breakfast we were pleasantly surprised to find Corn Flakes and Rice Krispies. Some of us also sampled the other cereal called Wheatabix (we think this is right).

In order to slowly work ourselves back into the school work mindset we met with our small groups to discuss various questions we wanted to ask our guest speaker, Ivan Cross, who specializes in cross-community work in Northern Ireland. After our group discussions we met up in a large group for a quick check-in and debriefing to go over the various questions established which included: Why did he become interested in youth work? What is cross-community work? How is the program funded? How do you approach the youth about attending Corrymeela? How do you avoid burn-out?

After a delicious and filling meal of breaded chicken or vegetarian dish, bread, and salad/slaw we met in our room for our discussion with Ivan. He began the talk by asking us to go around the room and give our names and to answer the question, "Where do you belong?" This was a puzzling question for several of us as we don't often think where do we belong, it is one of those things you could say is often taken for granted. He continued his talk by explaining the significance of belonging, particularly in Northern Ireland. He explained that in order to do cross-community work, a sense of safety and security are essential, both of these elements are developed when the feeling of belonging coincides with where youth are told they belong.

Many of you may be wondering what cross-community work is or what it looks like. It can take various forms but for the most part it is bringing two different sides together to talk and discuss in a neutral setting. An important aspect is to remember it is not about converting or eroding the other group but rather hearing the other group.

Ivan shared with us some very useful and personal stories that many of us found enlightening and meaningful. Some of the main points we took away were noticing how he creates a safe space for the youth to become aware of themselves, taking responsibility for their actions, as well as knowing that they have a choice in what they do. He also takes the time to build trusting relationships with the youth he works with which helps create the secure space that is crucial to cross-community work.

After talking with Ivan we had a brief discussion about tomorrow's agenda then we all rushed off to diner. Tonight we had a version of Shephard's Pie (meat and vegetarian) with chips (french fries) as the mashed potatoes.

As the sun is setting on our day, we are left to reflect on what we have learned today. We have many questions swirling in our minds so we would like to leave this one with you to ponder... Where do you belong? Give it a thought, it may be more challenging than you think!

:)