Roots & Next Quarterly #12 is here – a detailed reflection upon the last 3 months of 2022!
Please stay safe, all of you – we have a lot to do, together!
The Roots & Next Quarterly is available as pdf here.
YMCA Europe Roots
Peace Award 2023
Call For Nominations
In our pursuit to sustain and enhance peace-building initiatives across the continent, YMCA Europe is pleased to announce the fourth call for the Roots Local Capacities for Peace Award.
This initiative is part of YMCA Europe Roots for Peace project, with Brot für die Welt Germany as our key funding partner.
YMCA Europe member and cooperating organizations are invited to submit applications to receive the Award of € 10,000.
In doing so, the applicant organizations are expected to:
- With maximum of 500 words demonstrate the organization’s contribution specifically towards YMCA Europe Roots project. Let us know what you think was that unique footprint of your organization that enriched the Roots so far, and now deserves due appreciation.
- With a maximum 500 words elaborate on the concept of the project, which you plan to implement if awarded. Let us know how far that project promotes peace and whether it is in line with YMCA Europe Roots’ theory of change and what innovation it offers. Please indicate clearly who are the target group(s) benefiting from the initiative.
- Indicate the estimated project budget, and whereby over € 10,000, provide clear information on co-funding sources and guarantees.
- Provide a piece of visual material (free style) exhibiting your case for further use in YMCA Europe Roots online platforms.
The applications have to be submitted by March the 31st, 2023, through email to YMCA Europe Executive Secretary – Vardan Hambardzumyan.
The shortlisted applications will be nominated for final selection through online assessment exclusively by YMCA Europe Roots Peace Work Institute Alumni by April the 15th, 2023.
Disbursement of the Award funds is subject to a formal agreement to be signed between YMCA Europe and laureate organization, assuming the following responsibilities for the recipient organization:
★ As part of the contracting process, to provide YMCA Europe with an implementation plan, timeframe and budget breakdown of the granted project.
★ Upon the completion of the project, to provide YMCA Europe with a narrative report, including the list of participants, summary evaluations (if available), and visual (video, photo, publications, etc.) materials.
★ Upon the completion of the project, to provide YMCA Europe with financial reports, incl. the proofs of expenditure (receipts, checks, etc.) and/or audit resolution.
★ Ensure the visibility of Roots for Peace Project with the YMCA Europe Roots logo, as well as the reference to the Roots Peace Award to appear on any document, publication, website, etc. linked to the project.
★ The 75 % of the award sum will be disbursed prior to the planned activity; the remaining 25 % will be released to the implementing organization only upon the fulfillment of the above-mentioned requirements.
★ All Project-related activities must be completed within the Calendar Year of 2023.
2020 was the inaugural year of YMCA Europe Roots Peace Award. After a highly competitive and participatory process YMCA Georgia was selected to receive it. In 2021 YMCA Kosovo was the prizewinner. In 2022 – YMCA Artsakh for the “Camp for Peace” for war affected young people in Nagorno Karabakh.
Good luck & we are looking forward to hearing back from you!
Rootsmade Initiative Report 2022
The “Rootsmade” charity e-commerce start-up was launched in Armenia for people who suffered from wars in the Middle East and the Caucasus. The aim of this initiative is to offer an online platform to artisans from war-affected areas to showcase their handicrafts and tell their life stories, thus supporting their small businesses as social entrepreneurs.
Being released in 2021, the initiative continued its work in 2022 too.
– The “Rootsmade” webpage has undergone further development and improvement. Accordingly, Facebook and Instagram shops became available for customers. Steps were undertaken to increase the quality of photos taken for handmade items, to make them more presentable.
– New artisans were enrolled into the program.
– In close cooperation with the Municipality of Yerevan and the Syrian Armenians Union, 4 charity fairs were organized in downtown Yerevan, each involving up to 30 vendors.
– Since mid-summer backstopping was provided to 8 students from the American University of Armenia, who joined the “Rootsmade” internship program within YMCA Europe Generation Next project. They are expected to support the “Rootsmade” beneficiaries in improving and promoting their entrepreneurship activities, as well as assist in operating the online platforms. Regular online meetings and continued on-job training is organised for them. However, the students don’t have the capacity to successfully meet all the tasks of the “Rootsmade” without our backstopping.
2023 will be a crucial year in reaching the “Rootsmade” self-sustainability. YMCA Europe has made contacts with USAID, which is planning to finance a project that may become an umbrella for the “Rootsmade”. The project aims at assisting the Armenian artisans to sell their handmade crafts abroad, as well as to help to arrange their shipping using the international “Novica” online platform. An agreement is reached to help the “Rootsmade” vendors to improve their qualification for being presented at “Novica”.
Therefore, YMCA Europe continued support during 2023 will be key in making the “Rootsmade” a best practice initiative to be modeled by other YMCAs operating in war affected areas and for war affected people.
See the full report here ⬇️
Season’s Message of the Roots Staff Team
“It’s that time of the year again… When the air is filled with joy and hope, when people seem to be happier and friendlier than usual, when we all start believing in magic… It’s Christmas time! So there can be no better moment to pray for peace as will many children and adults in different corners of the world – because it is the most precious gift they may receive! Not a toy, or a candy, or a gadget – just a calm day with a clear sky.. Let us all join our efforts to make sure that those prayers are answered and there will be no kid with fear and tears in his or her eyes… And I am sure it is possible if we really try… I do believe… Because It’s Christmas time!” Rezi Shavladze.
“It’s that time of the year again… When everyone is following Mother Teresa’s words – goes home and loves their families. This year was not an easy one. Being a part of a project focused on peace education and peace work, I painfully admit that 2022 brought so many wars, pain and conflicts… And I have one wish for all of us – Peace… I wish people in Ukraine can celebrate Christmas in their homes with all their family members… I wish all the blockaded people in Artsakh can have food to put on a table during this special day and all the other ordinary days; that many people who are left on the other side of the blockade can go home and join their families… I wish on Christmas day every child gets a present and no child would be sad about losing a father in a war, instead of hugging him and feeling the protective warmth of a Father… I wish all families being together and having a piece of bread to share. I wish… Because it’s Christmas time!” Lika Zakaryan.
“It’s that time of the year again… When, regardless of our age and position, we often find ourselves reflecting on the past year, on the passing times. And 2022 has been hard times, as was 2021, or 2020. Yet at the Roots we have been resilient and agile all the way, not giving up our pursuit of Peace. Because we know Peace is the most precious gift one can have, the best miracle that can happen… So let’s make Peace shine. Because it’s Christmas time!” Vardan Hambardzumyan.
“We waited all through the year
For the day to appear
When we could be together in harmony
You know the time will come
Peace on earth for everyone
And we can live forever
In a world where we are free
Let it shine for you and me
There’s something about Christmas time…“, a famous song says.
Merry Christmas! May love, peace and joy are with you in the coming new year.” Šárka Čiháková.
Roots at the European YMCA Mission Network Conference 2022
YMCA Europe Roots for Peace attended the European YMCA Mission Network Conference with the theme “Refreshed. Renewed. Moved.” held on October 20-23, in Vienna. The Unify conference brought 120 participants from 15 different countries, celebrating Christian Unity together.
Opening the conference, the President of the YMCA Europe, Emma Osmundsen White, and Secretary General Juan Simoe Iglesias welcomed delegations and expressed gratitude for the outstanding job accomplished by Unify. They highlighted the importance of Christian values at the YMCA and emphasized Unify’s contribution to strengthening the movement.
The Unify conference was a safe space to talk, share, and listen. Alongside the Worship and prayers, participants had discussions and seminars. The program involved several sessions held by Keynote speakers such as Rotmi Benjamin from YMCA Heart of England, who spoke about being “renewed”. His speech was inspirational and enlightening in many ways, especially after the discussion participants had before the session about Psalm 23. Followed by Fredrik Glad-Gjernes from YMCA Norway, who conducted a session on “How the gospel moves us to social action”. The balanced program and the quality of the content had an incredible reviving effect on everyone.
YMCA Europe Roots represented by Irina Berdzenishvili also had the honor to conduct sessions during the conference. Participants learned about the Theory of Change and Do No Harm and obtained practical tips on how to use this knowledge in their YMCAs. During the presentation, they spoke about their perception of peace and how they imagine achieving it, followed by a prayer for peace and for those who need peace the most.
Apart from these, one of the most empowering activities was the prayer walk. 120 people in 14 small groups, spread in the streets of Vienna, praying together for peace and reconciliation, Christian unity, young people, children, elderly citizens, art, and education. Followed by the delightful ceremony at the cathedral, where participants from different delegations had a chance to pray in their languages.
The conference was closed by going back to the roots and committing to the Paris Basis. It was a great opportunity for everyone to grow in Body, Mind, and Spirit and become better people. We wish good luck to Unify on its spiritual journey to the roots of the YMCA.
Rooting for Humanity: Vardan Hambardzumyan
Today we want to talk about a man who is the initiator, the mastermind, and the powerhouse of the Roots. This program has been changing the lives of many people for years now, and it is important to know who is behind that change.
Today we want to tell you about Vardan Hambardzumyan, whose work is a vivid example that one should not be afraid to be the stone throne into the ocean.
First of all, Vardan has an exceptional talent for gathering gifted, proficient, and kind-hearted people around him. Together they are ready to share the difficult path to peace and overcome any obstacles. This has been the key to the success of the Roots and this is how it is functioning up to today.
Many ask how the Roots continue implementing robust events – like the Peace Work Institute and preaching peace in these difficult times when the whole world is crazy about war. A good question, especially considering the fact that Vardan does not come from a country enjoying a peaceful life – thus, propagating ideals of love and tolerance as self-esteem… Not at all. He is a person who has been under shelling many times, who has witnessed the destruction of war all his life, including today. Vardan is from Armenia. He was a war correspondent before joining the YMCA, covering the First Karabakh War, the Civil War in Georgia. Before that, he was the eyewitness to the devastating Earthquake that hit his homeland… And that’s when he decided to give his best to make this world a better place. As he loves to say: “Be the change you want”!
How much willpower and faith it takes to continue your work regardless of anything? A few months ago, there was a tense situation at the borders of Armenia again – and this time Vardan’s hometown was under fire. After evacuating his mother from shelling during those difficult days, he returned to Yerevan and continued to organize the Peace Work Institute and a few days later hosted a large international group of young people under his trusted guidance.
Vardan is a respected leader, a genuine mentor, and a true friend. The entire Roots and YMCA Europe team always knows that the priority for Vardan is always the well-being, growth, and recognition of his team. Thanks to him, there is only an atmosphere of respect and honesty, caring and responsibility in the Roots.
What he does for the program, the organization, and the mission is priceless. People like him change this world for the better. As it is said: “Weak leaders create hard times, hard times make strong leaders, strong leaders create good times, good times make weak leaders, and so the wheel continues”. Difficult times gave birth to a strong person like Vardan and he keeps on creating good times. In the meanwhile, he remains unceasingly committed to opening up the next generation of Rooters so that they too can be strong leaders, appreciate what they have, and distinguish the important from the secondary.
Vardan carries on strong, and we believe that until the end of the days he will keep on doing his best anyway!
Roots provides expertise in Do No Harm
YMCA Europe continues spreading the methodology of Do No Harm (DNH) via Roots for Peace, which helps to extend the circle of friends and partners who work to promote peace and cooperation.
On October 24-29 Yerevan, Armenia the Roots experts provided training for multipliers – activists of a German NGO Dialogue for Understanding (D4U) which works for intercultural cooperation and exchange, and its partners. The planning meeting of this event took place in Yerevan earlier this year, in June.
Five working days of the session were filled with theoretical presentations and practical activities that helped to understand and apply the DNH approach in people’s personal life and professional projects. Using the Do No Harm methodology, the multipliers created a clear concept of their projects, which is easy to adapt in different contexts and situations.
Vardan Hambardzumyan (YMCA Europe Roots for Peace), Lika Zakaryan (YMCA Europe Roots for Peace) and Haykuhi Karapetyan from Armenia, Alexei Kostyakov and Anastasia Tsygankova from YMCA Russia presented the Do No Harm concept through learning-by-doing approach, SWOT analysis, project planning matrix and other elements of the Roots Peacework Guidebook. The session also featured such traditional YMCA program blocks as energizers, team-building games, devotions, and work in small groups.
At this event, the Roots team also officially presented the Russian version of the Peace Work Guidebook, which was translated by Roots for Peace staff and participants and financed by Bread for the World.
The Roots team will also continue consulting the D4U partners on various aspects of using the Do No Harm methodology and serve as mentors at the stage of holding a regional training session and projects by D4U multipliers.
OFFICIAL RELEASE OF THE RUSSIAN VERSION OF PEACEWORK GUIDEBOOK
A know-how toolkit of The Roots project, Peacework Guidebook was published as the YMCA movement celebrated its 175th anniversary. Subtitled “Peace Roots: From Seeds to Fruits”, this handbook was intended to be available and easy to use for a wider public; so in order to extend the geography of its practical application, we decided to translate it into Russian – one of the most shared languages in the post-Soviet countries. The YMCA Europe Roots team is now happy to announce that this work has finally been done!
As the inspirer and coordinator of Roots for Peace Vardan Hambardzumyan says, “We never let the flag of Peace lie on the ground”. This Peacework Guidebook has proved that YMCA is a unique cross-cultural and cross-language platform that helps to build friendships and collaborations. An international team of believers and colleagues made a special and – at times – challenging journey, which resulted in the beautiful book.
The Piecework Navigator, as it is entitled in Russian, is not about conflict avoidance or finding a quiet and peaceful place to hide away from the world’s turbulences. On the contrary, this book inspires one for active and dedicated steps towards critical thinking, intercultural dialogue, breaking of stereotypes, and making friends worldwide.
The Peacework Navigator in Russian was officially presented at a joint event between YMCA Europe Roots for Peace and the German NGO “Dialogue for Understanding” that took place in Yerevan in October 2022. This collaboration has made for further expansion of the Roots peace work methodology, such as Do No Harm and others, and we are grateful to our partners for this shared journey.
Our Peacework Guidebook is:
- A reflection on the Roots’ history and development, key components, and activities;
- A testimony of Roots participants’ impressions about the project and its impact on their lives;
- A comprehensive summary of the unique know-how and all the tools that have been fundamental to the Roots’ peace work success;
- A treasury of valuable references for peace practitioners and activists.
The Peacework Guidebook e-copy in Russian consists of six parts and is available here.
Part one begins with a case study based on the Roots for Reconciliation (Previous title for actual Roots for Peace project) Project peacebuilding experience. It focuses on the project’s best practices and know-how, particularly its Peace Work Institute. We hope it will inspire individuals, organizations and institutions interested in and – more importantly – implementing conflict transformation and peacebuilding projects with young activists worldwide to learn from our Europe-wide practice.
In the second part, the Guidebook offers an overview of the knowledge and skills the Peace Work Institute participants acquired and later applied in cross-border ‘homework’ projects of their own design. These projects were implemented in their respective regions and communities, using their own resources.
While the third part shares the Peace Work Institute participants’ and stakeholders’ personal stories, part four provides a brief statistical overview of their learning, activism, and professional journey.
The Guidebook ends with a comprehensive list of resources with references to practical training and activity tools used in the Peace Work Institute curriculum design and implementation.
In the words of Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it is done!” the Peace Work Institute people – its participants, staff, and various contributors – are living proof of these inspiring words.
We hope this Guidebook will inspire its readers to action. Feel free to share it and let us know about your experience with it.
“I believe that just saying that the translation and publishing of the Peacebuilding Guidebook into Russian and Croatian lasted from mid-2021 till nearly the end of 2022 speaks volumes about the complexity and significance of such an endeavor. Although we were aware of the potential these two publications brought to their respective regions and readers, none of us, I believe, expected that the tides would turn quite the way they have, making the Guidebook as actual and needed as it is today. The Russian translation was done under especially challenging circumstances, so I consider its publication an especially valuable achievement of peacebuilders brought together by the Peace Work Institute of the Roots for Peace Project of YMCA Europe. I feel honored and humbled to have been a part of the team behind the entire process, the significance and impact of which is yet to be seen.”
Ankica Dragin
One of the authors of the Peacebuilding Guidebook
Links to all Peacework Guidebook versions:
YMCA SCHOLARSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE AT AUA
On 23 July 2022, a mid-term evaluation meeting with the group of the 8 YMCA Scholarship holders from the American University of Armenia (AUA), the representative of the university and the YMCA Europe team took place. The Scholarship holders prepared thank-you-letters that were shared with YMCA Europe before the meeting. These letters were certainly a good tool that helped to know the participants better, to learn their personal stories and to know a bit more about their challenges and motivations in life.
The main aim of the meeting was to sum up the overall progress of the internship component of the Scholarship program and to assess the involvement of each of the participants through their monthly timesheets and by hearing the feedback of both the Program coordinators and the participants themselves. Certain practical and technical issues related to communication and coordination, as well as further steps, were discussed at the meeting too.
The meeting passed in a very friendly and warm atmosphere since throughout the 3 months the group have already been working together, they have built up a good team spirit with a clear distinction of roles and responsibilities among themselves. Small working groups have been formed on different topics.
The leadership of YMCA Russia, visiting Armenia these days, joint the meeting in the end. It was a good opportunity for them to learn about YMCA Scholarship program, and for the students about the YMCA at large.
On the same day, the next Rootsmade charity-fair was organised in Misak Manushyan Park in Yerevan and after the meeting the Scholarship holders helped the Syrian Armenian masters exposing their handmade arts and crafts items on display for sale.
The Scholarship Program is one of the components of the YMCA Europe Generation Next regional initiative designed to enhance knowledge and skills amongst socially vulnerable young people and empowering them to lead a meaningful and independent life able to contribute to building up a strong civil society.
The Eleventh Roots & Next Quarterly is Issued
Roots & Next Quarterly #11 is here – a detailed reflection of July, August, and September of 2022.
The Roots & Next Quarterly is available as a PDF.