We all know the vital importance of education and formation. Without knowing and understanding, it is harder to act decisively and effectively. This has been a priority of The Movement since it was founded and a continuing feature of its operations.
Our most longstanding and continuing aspect of this is News Weekly, which provides in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.
The other main way The Movement has provided education and formation over the decades is through custom-built programs.
One well known to many of you is our Thomas More Centre seasonal schools. These schools were a key gathering ground when the Thomas More Centre was first established, and it is wonderful to have them back. TMC executive director Anna Krohn provides a write-up of the recent Albury Autumn school at tmc.org.au (or see page 23 of this edition of News Weekly).
One of the points she emphasises is the way the success of the school arose from the community in which it took place. Such events are truly organic, and local, and an example of subsidiarity in action.
Young Adults
This brings me to YPAT, which is planned for June 25, 2024, in Sydney. YPAT is our winter intensive, an immersive retreat exploring politics and society. We’ve run it for 15 years and have over 240 alumni. Thanks to the creativity and agility of our staff, we were even able to run modified versions of YPAT during the covid19 lockdowns.
Those attending YPAT hear from subject matter experts and experienced professionals. They explore ideas and what those ideas look like in practice. They hone their skills and gain a better understanding of their gifts and themselves.
These are people who want to make an impact and who will make an impact – no matter what they choose to do with their lives. Just last week I received feedback from a business owner: “I mostly hire recruits that the NCC has trained. You do a good job, they’re better trained than others, and more broadly educated.”
Leaders
But it’s not only in business. Campion College’s Democratic Club was established by YPAT alumni. This is the club that were our hosts and organisers last February for the Democratic Conference 2024. The club is extremely active and well connected – all while the team is undertaking one of the most demanding and rewarding undergraduate programs in the country, a Liberal Arts degree from our friends at Campion College.
We look forward to bringing you more reports on their adventures – once they have their essays done!
Our young people are not cogs in a machine. They are not volunteer slave labour to achieve the things we want done. One of the things that sets us apart is our concern for them as individual persons made in the image and likeness of God. We want them to thrive in whatever it is they do. Because if they thrive, so do we, and so does Australia.
Please consider sponsoring a young person to attend YPAT this year. Use the QR code to the right or go here. Thank you for your support to make this happen.
