'We grew in our appreciation and understanding of the complexities of the world around us, and where we fit in it.'
Senior Conference 2023: Aidan Ashcroft & Aspen Stopard-English
‘Our exploration of the theme took a creative and experimental turn.’
‘From 19-26 August we gathered at Sibford School for fun, friendship and spiritual growth. Through speaker sessions and time as a community, we explored “Simplicity and Sustainability in an Unequal World”. We grew in our appreciation and understanding of the complexities of the world around us, and where we fit in it.
‘Our first speaker session was the Black Lives Matter and climate crisis activist Queen Niche, aka, Nelly Adams. Nelly gave a powerful, challenging and occasionally uncomfortable talk on racism, identity and its intersectionalities. She spoke on self empowerment and finding her “roar”, including through poetry, and encouraged us to speak out against injustice. We discussed the power of allyship, how what we say can make ripples that change the world, and how the first step must include recognizing White privilege, as well as embracing our diversities. We found the session engaging, thought-provoking and inspiring.
‘QPSW campaigns co-ordinator Anna Lewis gave us new insight into the importance of viewing climate change through the lens of justice, including Anna’s work with Make Polluters Pay. Consideration of the continuing legacy of colonialism, slavery and global power imbalances, and the resulting disproportionate impact of carbon emissions overwhelmingly produced by the West and the adverse effects of the climate crisis, led us to explore new perspectives on sustainability. We discussed reparations and the forms they can take, looking towards building a just future as well as taking accountability for the wrongs of the past.
‘Our exploration of the theme took a creative and experimental turn with the third speaker Julia Dover. In her drama workshop, we used the power of imagination to turn chaos to simplicity. We celebrated the power, and the gift to those around us, of showing up as ourselves. It took us a step outside our comfort zones. In it, we embodied adversity, and explored how small changes inspired by the Light can completely transform our perspective.
‘Throughout the event, the sense of community and friendship was tangible. Secret Friends, bedtime stories and even a hug bandana helped create an inclusive, warm, welcoming atmosphere. The fun continued with workshops from sports to crochet and a trip to Oxford with Junior Gathering. In our adult volunteer “Any Questions” session, we shared laughter and vulnerability, and learned important life lessons. Evening entertainments such as Hunt the Committee, the Base Group Challenge, disco, night walk, and quiz offered an opportunity for new friends, experiences and fun!
‘In daily prologues and epilogues, the value of having safe spaces, and of being completely yourself was explored through powerful, fruitful and diverse ministry. In worship, including several meetings outdoors, we celebrated our connection to the natural world around us, and beautiful centrepieces grounded us and opened our hearts, resulting in rich ministry. We leave the week feeling tired, but happy and fulfilled, with new and rekindled connections to each other, and a greater sense of our power to change the world.’
Signed by Aiden &Aspen, clerks. Edited for length.
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