SPA Youth Report 2006
Since my election as the HQ Youth Leader, it has been my personal objective to rebuild and organise the Youth across the country. I noticed prior that this was one of the major obstacles we had to overcome and one that would take time to develop and implement. Such obstacles that created problems, which I knew Chaya, had spent time and effort working towards. This was especially due to the lengthy period when our executive committee had no elected Youth Leader present.
Unfortunately, it is sad to report that we are still facing poor communication levels between Youth teams at branches and HQ. Communication via email has been pursued but to no avail which is quite unacceptable. I have deliberately avoided sending out printed documentation to branches via HQ consequently to help increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact.
It is troubling to find that some branches are facing extreme difficulty, when attempting to initiate local youth interest and develop a local committee. And predict that we are all going to face a similar dilemma in the near future, which is currently the cause of a rapid decline in Youth members at branches.
The last generation were keen and full of motivation to develop and persevere pushing the limits that continue to be imposed down. Teams were full of multi talented individuals that came from various backgrounds, students, graduates and skilled professionals. As time has past their personal commitments have considerably increased, thus a particular interest or responsibility had to be either reduced to a manageable amount or simply stopped. Also the drive to enrol new members was either non-existent or was not given enough attention.
Many have married and opted to spend valuable time building a new life whilst continuing with a career, family etc. We all should understand that this is an important part of our tradition and culture.
This is true fact and should not be ignored!
“The whole Samaj community must take a valid interest and help to develop a sustainable future”
We need to remove the reputation i.e. stereotyping that is associated with every branch. The north, midlands and south divide has to be stopped for us to move forward.
I urge every branch to share information about successful ventures and ideal youth activities where it has proved successful. Together we can learn and help each other build a secure future for our Samaj.
Nevertheless, we should not forget what activities we have achieved. The Ball continues to grow in strength and Sports day proved that we still have many forthcoming members wanting to play sport for fun. I was particularly impressed with the Ball teams decision to use an email account to manage tickets, which drastically helped improve efficiency and reduce errors. One person who dealt directly with our Treasurer also managed tickets funds. The sports team introduced a questionnaire to help improve the processes and management of sports day. Though this questionnaire was long and possibly a little complicated it set a working example that others could learn from. The Ball team are considering using something similar.
The Ball Team originally developed the mailing database, which was specifically designed for emailing out newsletters, promotional material and reviews about the Ball. This has now been opened to all Branches so that important information can be sent out directly to people, instead of paper copies. I encourage other youth teams to use this facility to reach out to young people who are already registered.
Working as team and with open dialogue do help at all times and brings together talent, determination and the drive to succeed.
Youth Ball
The 2006 ball was held at the Hilton Hotel in Coventry back in February.
After months of preparation, tickets were ready for sale but only lasted a few hours with all 450 tickets reserved within hours. Just as previous the team used a single email account for ticket requests to help reduce ambiguity and potential errors.
Attendees were able to walk down the red carpet and photographed by our very own paparazzi (just like the real stars!) before entering the room of the night. Giant movie posters covered every wall to put our attendees in the right frame of mind and tables were simply decorated with clapperboards for a real atmosphere.
The team even hosted our very own Oscars ceremony complete with mini Oscar statuettes and award categories.
The team and past teams have been solely responsible for organising and putting together great SPA (UK) Youth Balls.
This year we’re sad to see some of our long-standing team members step down from the committee after numerous years dedicated to organising and coordinating the youth ball. Shatish Lad and Hitesh Mistry have both helped with the continuing success of the ball and their commitment and hard work over the last 10 years will remain as the foundation for future success providing we are able to encourage further support and help from new members.
Shatish played an instrumental role since the first event. From coordinating event agreements with Hotels and most visibly fulfilling the role as a DJ at each event. And so from the team’s perspective we are grateful and saddened to see him step down. However his departure has left an open space for an up coming DJ and we are on the look out for potential candidates hopefully from our community. A ‘Wanted DJ’ flyer design is being considered and would be distributed to all Branches. I simply request that we all help encourage local talent within our community to come forward, but we also intend to tender for an external contract. More specific details will be made available but I am happy to receive information or suggestions from anyone who may wish to contribute.
Also this year we received two requests from our youth to help promote and raise awareness for a life-threatening illness, Leukaemia and the shortage of blood donors from the Asian community. I am glad to report that with the support from our HQ Executives we were able to facilitate this request. Flyers from the National Blood Service were left at the reception desks and a flyer about the Anthony Nolan Trust was left on each of the 45 tables. I hope that this will continue at all levels throughout our Samaj to help increase awareness and detection of life-threatening illnesses that have continued to plague our generations.
REI Trip
Last year in October 2005 SPA (UK) united forces with London to support the REI Project (Rotary Eye Institute) in Navsari, India. Representation from SPA (UK) came from every branch, young and old that decided to travel to India for this momentous day. The Mobile Eye Unit (Drashti Vahini) was inaugurated on 26th October 2005 in Navsari, India.
The Project’s focus was to donate a mobile surgical unit to the Rotary Eye Institute in Navsari. To generate awareness about the importance of eye care treatment and the potential cure by simple methods that remote areas of population are usually at a disadvantage. This significant stumbling block could be avoided with the help of a mobile surgery clinic which with the added advantage of being able to reach remote places where no electricity or an unreliable service exists.
It is a unique and fantastic opportunity for young members to travel to India and witness the miracle of generosity. It is also a step forward to see young members taking a valid interest and initiative to help this worthy cause. Young members who attended this trip portrayed a professional image that has made an impact on many people in India and thus strengthening SPA (UK) reputation. More trips are likely to be arranged giving more the chance to help another.
In closing, I would like to say thank you to all Prajapati members who have supported the youth teams and me over the last year and for giving me the opportunity again to serve the Samaj as the Youth Leader for the year 2006/2007.
“The future depends on what we do in the present”
Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948)
Regards,
Jeetain Lad, Youth Leader – SPA (UK)