A Seed Takes Root

We often describe one aspect of our ministry here as casting seeds. We do so without any expectation that the seeds will fall on to fertile ground or that they will take root with our knowing. It is simply a matter of being faithful. So it is with gratitude to God (and not without a little satisfaction and much excitement) to see the following announcement to all Friends in the NZ yearly meeting. Please pray with us that suitable candidates will be moved to apply.

Engaging our young people in Quaker learning

An exciting opportunity to draw on success stories from USA and elsewhere. A generous gift has made it possible for a New Zealand Quaker or Attender to experience and be inspired by Quaker children’s and young people’s (up to 18 years) programmes overseas. A specific outcome will be to nurture and engage Junior Young Friends so that they want to become Young Friends.

The project will include:

• Networking to understand the strengths and weaknesses of Quaker educational opportunities for young people already existing in New Zealand.
• Project planning with the guidance and oversight of a New Zealand support group with understanding of this area.
• Mentors who may be drawn from a wider field (beyond New Zealand).
• Between 2-3 months travelling in USA, with a focus on New England.
• Report to YM with key findings and recommendations.
• Follow-up networking with Junior Young Friends, Meetings and Worship Groups with young families to introduce children’s activities that work for individual situations.
• Development of appropriate educational resources for New Zealand.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience/understanding of Junior Young Friends and Young Friends in New Zealand and existing educational opportunities for them. (Preferable)
• Enthusiasm and commitment for the project.
• Vision to see and translate overseas programmes into a New Zealand context.
• Communication skills to inspire New Zealand Quakers in the potential opportunities to engage young people.
• Ability to project and budget with the guidance of a support group.
• Time to commit to the project for up to 2 years on a part-time basis.

Timeframe:

An exceptional opportunity in New England, USA to network with a rich array of (international) Friends doing children’s and youth programmes is offered in August-September 2018. This has prompted the early advertising of this position. If, however, a start time of August 2018 is impossible to meet, QEF and the support group will discuss possible timeframes with interested candidates.

Remuneration:

A total of $50,000 has been committed to this project. It is expected to include the main project elements outlined above, with the exception of resources material development and other elements of follow-up to be determined by the support group.

Applications:

Please include: name, age, address and contact information together with support information re successful candidate attributes before July 28. Send to Joy Rising, “risingjoy2004@yahoo.com”.