Roles, Responsibilities and Dilemmas

During this conference Methodist youth workers came together to share practice, network and explore the theme “roles, responsibilities and dilemmas.”
Maxine Green and Stephen Harrison were key note speakers who both have a wealth of experience and knowledge and are youth work consultants and trainers.

The key note speeches had different focuses but both covered a vast amount of information.  Here is just a snip it!  Maxine’s speech explored the purpose and values of youth work.   Maxine presented the theory of transactional analysis encouraging delegates to use this theory as a tool for looking after ourselves, being in relationship and working with young people, our employers and managing dilemmas. (See downloads for more information and power point presentation) 

Stephen focused upon ethics and caring for young people.  Stephen proposed that ethics are about how we live our lives.  “To break a rule is ok if you have a higher and justifiable purpose.” 

We went onto explore care as an ethic but something you may not be able to teach?  Within youth work friendship, love and care can be a bit of a taboo as it clashes with professional caring language.  We were challenged to think about the sustainability of separating the personal and professional relationship.  Stephen suggested that relationships should be informed by a “good” value base.       

Throughout the conference there were a variety of workshops ranging from detached youth work, sexuality, being accountable, managing volunteers, film and theology, make poverty history, spirituality and working with teenage parents. 

For information on next years conference contact youthwork@mayc.info