"What it Means to be a Witness"

This group personal observation report by Joyce, Kayla, Nicki, Leidy, and Sarah is about our personal experiences in Northern Ireland. We explored the question “What does it mean to be a witness?” The group used personal turning points to examine the question using our thoughts and our feelings to support our stories. By telling our personal stories we were able to gain some insight into ourselves and begin to question our role as a witness.

"Gender Roles in Northern Ireland" by Joyce, Alissa, and Kayla

Our group noticed murals and other evidence of what expectations of male and female roles are in Northern Ireland. This video shows the evidence and asks the question, What does it mean to be male, female or other here?

Lighting the Way

The second digital story created by Sarah, Robbie, Nicki, and Lisa addressed some general ideas about youth work across practices, cities, and countries. That the number one importance of a youth worker is to always stand as an open invitation for young people to be part of something safe and non-exclusive. Even though the issues that come along with the work can seem insurmountable at times, that no matter how big or small the steps you take as a youth worker, they are in fact in the right direction; the direction toward possibilities.

Relationships in Rhythm

This video diary was created by Sarah, Lisa, Robbie, and Nicki with a special focus on relationships. These human connections shape the way we live our everyday lives and the space we live them in.

Staying at Corrymeela the first week of our trip taught us the importance in the notion of elastic community; a space that people can be different together through the community principles of Equity, Diversity and Interdependence. These principles work to ensure that through our relationships the focus is shifted from the self, to the other. This shift in focus works to enable endless possibilities which, in the context of Northern Ireland includes a shared future of peace and reconciliation.

"Rituals of Space" by Alissa, Kayla and Joyce

Our group noticed the impact of space and rituals on adults and children. In the contest of Northern Ireland, it explains to a degree why children can't be friends with children from the opposing side. There needs to be mutual safe space for opposing groups to share in new rituals. This space can be the corridor or hall to crossing boundaries and creating friendships based in similarities.

Digital Stories

During our course, our small groups created various digital stories exploring various themes in our learning. We would like to share those stories with you all. In the next week, our group will be posting these stories.

All good things must come to an end.

Our group had the opportunity to explore Europe on our own for our weekend off. Some people went to Scotland (Glasgow and Edinburgh) others stayed in Belfast and visited nearby towns. Robbie went to Holland to meet up with a friend and got to explore Amsterdam and other cities in Holland. Brian participated in a hundred-mile fundraising bike tour. We're EXTREMELY proud of him, as he completed the entire journey- on a 1970's road bike and wearing pink helmet to boot!

For most of us, it is time now to pack up and leave Northern Ireland. We wanted to leave our loyal followers with individual thoughts on the experience and what we've learned, what we've discovered, or what it has meant to us.

Michelle - "Its a bittersweet moment leaving this place. I have learned and experienced so much. The people, the coast, the city, my classmates and group leaders have come together to create this amazing and challenging experience that I will never forget."

Brian Hubbard - "I biked 80 miles around the surrounding Strangford Lough in Eastern Northern Ireland. I was amazed by the beauty that I witnessed on my bicycle tour around this body of water. The journey took me through rolling hills and small country roads. I observed the various landscapes and architecture. The journey was long and tough but well worth it! I took a day trip to Derry/Londonderry to see this city. I observed murals and went to a few museums."

Joyce Strand - "This trip has been eye opening to the power of history. The people we have met have so many layers and complexities to deal with and yet the youth and youth workers we've met are the ones crossing the boundaries and bringing hope to their communities. I am inspired by the work happening here."

One of the people we were able to speak to on this trip, told us lighting a candle is better than sitting in the dark. I think youth can hold that candle and they are looking for a source of fire. I am coming back from this trip with a figurative box of matches. Ross left us with the idea that one thing he's learned from a friend this trip, is that to a certain extent there will always be disappointments associated with youth work, but "you have to keep hoping for the possible."

CHEERS to Peace and Possibility!!