Strike Out Unemployment Start With Your Congregation

Regardless of your political affiliation, its an interesting St Andrew's Day today. As I write thousands of workers from the Public Sector in Scotland and the UK are out on strike because they feel the new proposals surrounding their revised pension scheme is unfair. Another 2 million people can't strike because they've no job. This is the world in which the church is called to minister. The question is what would be an adequate response? The fact that people have the freedom and the right to withhold their labour is an important aspect of our British democracy. Facing up to the realities of what might be in the future is never easy. I think what is galvanizing people to take to the streets and protest is the perceived unfairness surrounding bonuses in the corporate world. The fact that a small number of decision makers in the financial sector world-wide,seem to be able to make poor decisions and still be highly rewarded, would appear to most people unjust. Changing the order of the world economic system will be a long term strategy and no doubt we all have a part to play in bringing about such changes. If the current strike highlights these injustices it may well be justified, but in the short term, will it simply mean less pay in pay-packets next month? I've been thinking today about the people who can't go on strike because they don't have a job. What has been exercising my mind is the plight of many young people who at present are disheartened and disappointed because they have no job. They can't even think about a pension. I also know of many people who are working and can't afford to pay into a pension. There are just so many tensions that come to the surface when one group highlights their issues over against another. It's not to say they shouldn't but it arouses others to speak of their situation. Its interesting to see how sections of the media are seeking to highlight the differences between those who work in the Corporate Sector and those who work in the Public Sector. So I guess I've been thinking what can we in the church nationwide can do to support and encourage the thousands of young people who are unemployed? According to the statistics of the Scottish Office there are 215,000 people unemployed in Scotland and over 1 million in the UK. A large number of those unemployed fall into the 16-24 age group. I'm sure the numbers in this age group would be higher, but they are camoflaged by the fact that a huge number attend college for a few hours every week and are no longer on the unemployed register. There is surely something that we in the church can do to help and support young people who live in our parishes and are facing the prospect of long term unemployment? Many of our churches could become hubs out of which work teams engage in parishes and communities. I'm thinking could we encourage congregations across the land to adopt a young person and give them a job to do around the church and pay them at least the minimum hourly rate? What would happen if an older member of the congregation was given the role of mentoring such a young person? You might be amazed at the number of young people who would take up the offer. I'd be interested to hear what some of you think? So what would be the list of jobs you'd get a young person between 16-24 to do for your congregation? Its interesting to note that Andrew the disciple was the one who brought a young boy to Jesus. The boy who wanted to offer the Lord his loaves and fishes and look what happened. I'm convinced there are still young people who want to bring their gifts to the service of the church. Let's work out how to use them use them! remember its St Andrew's Day and miracles can happen.
7 Comments
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Posted By: Helmut   On: 11 Dec 2011   At: 10:46am

Something along those lines is done in Germany, the actual layout varying from authority to authority.

And yes indeed, the red tape coming along with this is awesome and killing off quite a few valuable ideas.

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Posted By: Lilias   On: 5 Dec 2011   At: 6:26pm

I know that young people have definitely benefited from volunteering around Avenue Youth Programme.  Its amazing hearing how young people have spent their whole interview chatting about Valley FM or their experience in India.

I keep a note of hours young people volunteer at the Church its amazing how the hours mount up.  Will count it all up one day and let you know.

 

Employing young people is a great idea - challenging tho.

 

Jackie just for your info.  Bo’ness Academy, I’m sure, would welcome your offer of week long work placements with open arms :o)

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Posted By: italker   On: 5 Dec 2011   At: 12:52am

Yes exactly Jackie.

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Posted By: Jackie   On: 1 Dec 2011   At: 12:31pm

Got me thinking about my working environment and how tight it can be working in the Private sector.  We run our business always looking for ways to save and watch every penny is being spent wisely.    Maybe there is an opportunity within our business to offer a young person some work experience,  they could shadow me for a week or so,  sadly with no pay,  but it would give them an insight into what life is like in the big wide world of life.  It would give them a purpose to get up in the morning.

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Posted By: Louise Hankin   On: 1 Dec 2011   At: 11:24am

I read a response earlier in the week from a guy saying that the employment/legal aspects of providing jobs in churches can make people reluctant to doing so.  I can see where he’s coming from, however there are excellent resources available on the internet that speak plainly about setting up and developing an employment relationship.  I’ve found http://www.businesslink.gov.uk and www.worksmart.org.uk to be especially helpful - especially for small organisations.  Also, it’s worth remembering that volunteering is an excellent way for people without a paid job to contribute to society and find the sense of purpose/meaning that often goes hand in hand with that.  I know it doesn’t pay the bills but one day it might just get them as far as an interview or even a job offer.

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Posted By: Jim Ritchie   On: 1 Dec 2011   At: 8:08am

Fantastic idea Albert. A really creative way of being gooe news and practically blessing our communities. We’ve worked with young people over the years giving them positive, productive jobs and it makes such a difference to their life, their confidence and their personal development for the future. To see this arise all over the country would be a wonderful response by the church to the hopelessness around today.

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Posted By: Mike Munro   On: 30 Nov 2011   At: 10:39pm

I think it is an excellent idea, so many young people have lost any sense of worth and we need to encourage them in that they are valued.

At today’s national prayer gathering we were reminded of how essential it is to pray into all aspects of working life and business.

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