On a recent visit to Cardinal Hume Catholic High School and Sixth Form, the YCW helped the school kick off their “Mission Week” - a Diocesan initiative that encourages young people to reflect on their vocations and how they can answer that call within their own lives.
The IMPACT Group brought together over 20 young people who were exploring the idea of leadership. Marc Besford, National President of the YCW in England and Wales, spoke to the young people about the focus of the YCW on building leadership amongst young people by developing their confidence and skills in their own lives.
Marc was joined by Sean Smith, the YCW National Treasurer, who set out why the YCW believed leadership was something everyone could be part of, especially young people. Sean reminded the Group that YCW founder Joseph Cardijn once said:
“A young leader is a friend and companion to others, not someone giving orders; they are not a stranger but someone who shares the same difficulties. Young people must be leaders in their homes, with their parents, brothers and sisters, at their place of work, when they go to lunch and when they speak to anyone.”
This commitment to the everyday form of leadership is a powerful and transformative tool for a YCW or IMPACT leader. It is why we have launched our own Leadership Programme, the purpose of which is to give each young person a definitive pathway to becoming a YCW leader. It is not an award scheme. Becoming a YCW leader is just a beginning!
The course is designed to help develop leadership qualities and skills through a programme of 12 units, each with 3 stages. For each stage there are instructions on how to complete it and where to find the necessary information. More information can be found here: http://www.ycwimpact.com/about-the-programme
