News from YIP: September 2024
Dear friends of YIP,
We hope this Newsletter finds you well,
The first month of YIP 17 has gone by already… After the initial landing, YIP has begun its rhythm; having contributors and lectures in the morning and in the afternoons gardening, creative and project sessions as well as community meetings and check ins.
In this newsletter we hope to give you a bit of an insight into what is happening in YIP 17 both from the perspective of the team and the Yippies. Most of the following articles were written by Yippies Altogether we have 37 Participants representing 21 different countries this year.
The participants live in two different houses, 29 of them life in Tallevana, a big house right here on campus, while the other 8, live in a communal house 300 meters up the road in the village of Nibble
The Yippies have already settled into their new life here in YIP. Outside of the course the evenings and weekends are filled with fundraising meetings, dance parties, sauna evenings, self organised singing sessions, and much more.
This year comes with changes, in that YIP will be going on outpost, meaning we will leave the campus and Sweden for more than 90 days. All the participants and the team will relocate to India, so there’s a lot of excitement and curiosity that comes with that as well, but more on that to be found below.
We hope you will enjoy reading through this newsletter
Written by David Adámek
In this newsletter you will find:
– Opening, Introduction and Landing written by David Adamek and Milena Daniel – Local to Global written by Oliver Reynolds-Scheel
– Systems Thinking written by Branwen Clay
– Power, Privilege and Oppression written by Bella Nicolas
– Outpost written by Naomi Richards – YIP17 Organising Team
– Michaelmas written by Annie Mejer -Message from the team
– Alumni Project written by Yander Fabri
Welcome YIP17!
Opening Ceremony
On Sunday the 24th, the team, together with friends and alumni of the program, welcomed the new Yippies at the Opening Ceremony in the Kulturhuset,
The Opening Ceremony started with the wonderful contribution of Sofia Johnson, who played two of her self-written compositions on the violin
After the welcoming speeches, as is tradition, each Yippie got a sunflower with their name on it
To introduce themselves, YIP 17 performed a beautiful improvised song on stage
To finish off the Ceremony, everyone was invited to have Fika in Almandinen, the house in which YIP 17 will have their meals this year.
Written by David Adamek
Introduction and Landing
The first week of YIP 17, the participants had time to land and get to know each other and their surroundings. There were lots of walks, circles and conversations.
To welcome the Yippies to Sweden on their first weekend the northern lights came out over the Fjord! Milena wrote a poem and made a painting reflecting on the first week
FLOWERS OF SUNLIGHT
This week has been crazy
So much happening Overwhelming
Flowers moving
Rain leaving
Souls weaving
Sunflower
Orange leafs
Achieve
Wet. Warm. Rayons.
With crayons
Drawing the rainbow
Why do you have a scar on your elbow? YIP? Why?
Because this is alive
This is moving
This is touching
This is standing
And I am landing
YIP,
Can you do a backflip?
Feel the circle. Feel the light. Feel the pillow. Is there something you can’t swallow? Mellow? Hello!
We are the mirrors
You have 36.
Accept them as your apple
Who are you?
Me?
Yes.
You.
Here and now.
Wow.
Written by Milena Daniel
From Local to Global
During this week, we heard from changemakers in agriculture, education, economics, community development, and medicine, tell us about the global problems society is facing, and the local solutions needed.
Martin Fellkvist, a biodynamic farmer, explained how industrial agriculture is no longer completing its purpose of producing “nutritious” food; it only increases the profitability of the yield for the corporations and governments that control it. In response, Biodynamic farming collaborates and cultivates a sophisticated relationship with nature that produces nutritious food for human communities without using chemical poisons to wage war against nature.
Per Ahlbom (founder of Solveig school), raises consciousness that intellectualized education doesn’t recognize the developmental needs of the human spirit, resulting in using empirical science to understand humans as objects that can be manipulated however one wants. Nurturing the human soul is essential for the healthy development of the human being. Imagination and fantasy need to be fostered in a way that allows creativity to happen. Promoting curiosity through honesty is needed, without imposing authority. There must, in teachers, be a profound responsibility for each human’s soul. John Gerhard (co-founder of the Nibble Farm School) introduces that “Urban” thinking in education is missing the essential vocational knowledge necessary for learning how to live off the land, in a healthy relationship with Nature. The global problem is that urbanization controls agricultural lands by industrializing food production, only serving the consumer. Applying “Rural” thinking reconnects students to the land by teaching vocational and theoretical knowledge together. At the global level, it takes the power away from the leaders of the capitalist economy, by forming cooperatives of “decentralized” farm communities that help each other.
Peter de Voto (Co-founder/chairman of the Kulturcentrum) brought to light how “culture” allows the expression in society of the forces of what “is” and what “could” be. The importance of traditions and the evolution of creating the future are essential to humanity. The Global capitalist economy is threatening the accessibility of culture because art is becoming “unaffordable” for everyone. The Kulturcentrum is doing everything possible to preserve the artistic expression of humanity.
Ursula Flatters (anthroposophic doctor and co-founder of the “VidarKliniken”) warns against the danger in “Modern Medicine” of viewing the individual parts of the human being as a complex machine, without putting them into the context of the whole human, including the soul. A “humanist” view that only acknowledges the mind and body results in epidemics being the current biggest threat to humanity. Anthroposophic medicine works with the human spirit’s self-healing power, by applying the therapeutic forces present in Nature. Instead of combating illnesses, understanding the entirety of the cause allows medical treatment that strengthens the immunity of humanity.
Gerard Latour (founder of the Saltå By special needs community) raises awareness of the absence of “taking care” in society’s current era of individualist living. The battle for financial support from the Swedish Government limits the possibility of creating inclusive societies, because on one hand, without money there are no means of building the infrastructure needed for community whilst on the other hand, without ideas, there is no possibility to receive financial support. True service for others is needed to create a society in which everyone is included.
Kristoffer Luthi (Co-chairman of the Ekobanken) reveals the truth about private banks’ anonymous use of clients’ “electronic” money to invest in causes they are completely unaware of. When the trust is broken between producer and consumer, consciousness of the value behind the electronic currency of
today’s economy gets lost. Without consciousness of what the currency is actually based upon, you lose touch with the ethical consideration of how to spend your money. In response, the Ekobanken is reintegrating consciousness into the economy by creating trust between the producer and consumer, so that true sustainable initiatives are made possible without being controlled by the ones in charge of the global capitalist economy.
After considering all the wisdom passed on from the contributors, the message is clear, there is a desperate need to prioritize spiritual meaning in all of society, in order to break free from the materialistic driven capitalist economy that is destroying nature and humanity along with it.
.
Written by Oliver Reynolds-Scheel
Systems Thinking
with Nora Bateson
As the first visiting contributor, Nora Bateson came to YIP to talk about Systems Thinking and Warm Data. During the week the yippies had a chance to broaden their view on how complex systems work, and how to work with(in) them through lectures and discussion groups.
Branwen took the time to make a painting and reflect on the week
Power, Privilege and Oppression
with Didintle Ntsie
In this week’s course of Power, Privilege and Oppression led by Didintle Ntsie, a few of us Yippies had to sit with a lot of feelings of discomfort but also of intrigue as we faced the realities of our privileges and marginalizations and the different ways our identities intertwined with one another and the world. Through the course we learned different terminologies related to social issues in the world, we underwent activities such as the privilege walk, had intense discussions, listened to personal stories relating to the course, which concluded by us making action plans and commitments with the intention of alleviating the current problems society is facing.
Personally, I appreciated the emphasis that was put on the importance of listening and the different levels of listening there are. It brings importance to the question: How are we showing up in our everyday lives that signals that we are a safe space for people who are marginalized? I was also pleased with how Didi shed light on the concept of inaction being action. Because it is my opinion that situations such as the bystander effect have become quite prevalent in our society. Most important to me was how the course made me reflect more deeply into my relationships and history as someone whose identity is affected by both power and oppression and inspires me to create my own narrative in our ever changing world
written by Bella Nicolas
YIP17 Outpost
Once again YIP has been met with the challenge of finding a way of enabling international participants to attend the entirety of the program due to tightening VISA restrictions, of which we were made aware only in summer, having already accepted most of this year’s participants.
As the international character is such an important part of the learning and experience at YIP we have been busy working to find an outpost (a relocation outside of Schengen with the whole group and team) that will enable all participants to take part and that will, in a small way, support with interest the community that will be welcoming us and that will deepen and broaden the educational experience for participants.
After carefully considering, having many meetings and visiting some of the wonderful initiatives that have offered to work with us on outpost, we have decided that this year’s outpost will take us to two inspiring movements based in India.
For the first period we will be staying at a campus called CESCI that is run and hosted by the organisation Ekta Parishad on their campus near Madurai. https://www.ektaparishadindia.com/
Ekta Parishad is a grassroots peoples’ movement for land rights with an active membership of 250,000 landless poor and is regarded as one of the biggest people’s movement in India with an iconic status globally. Its founder, his wife and their team will be our hosts and will introduce their work and vision in addition to the contributors and curriculum we will be offering.
For the second period we will be staying at Auroville. https://auroville.org/
Auroville is a universal township in the making for a population of up to 50,000 people from around the world. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity – in diversity. Today Auroville is recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness, also concerned with – and practically researching into – sustainable living and the future cultural, environmental, social and spiritual needs of humankind.
We are extremely grateful that both Ekta Parishad and Auroville are willing and keen to welcome us and allow us to learn from their rich experience and multilayered organisations.
We on the team have tried to discern the right path to take with YIP17 in the current climate of an even greater reduction of freedom of movement for many of those wanting to attend who live outside Europe. We hold the complexity of our commitment to bring a high quality, inspiring and relevant programme that meets the needs of our time as well as our concern for what is ethically appropriate, reckoning with the implications of our choice to fly to a far away context, being awake to the colonial legacy and working with the themes of privilege and responsibility. This is why it has been really important to be in close communication and collaboration with the host organisations engaged in on the ground, grassroots action in India. We will host a hybrid program of both elements and contributors that YIP will invite as well as working with the projects and content of the hosting organisations.
Our time in India will be divided in two periods of approximately 6 weeks punctuated by the winter- break.
We feel this Outpost matches our ethos and aspirations to enable YIP to be an international program and very much look forward to preparing ourselves and the participants to be sensitive and grateful guests.
Written by Naomi Richards, on behalf on the team
YIP17 Organising Team
Here we are,
The organising team for YIP 17.
(from top left) Alexa, David, Reinoud, (from bottom left) Leonora, Annie, Naomi, Sydney . Sydney and David joined us for this year to work in YIP 17.
If you want to learn more about the team, click here.
Michaelmas
At this time of year, it is always the case that we comment to each other on the team that we begin lighting candles, both early in the morning and in the evenings as the darkness increases outside. The mood has shifted and Michaelmas approaches.
On the 29th of September, we will gather in the Whitehouse from mid-day onwards and begin our Michaelmas preparations. There will be people in the fika room making dragon bread, Sydney and I will be in the kitchen making spiced pumpkin soup, others will be making salads, hummus and garlic herb butter. A team will be collecting apples both for hot spiced apple juice made in the apple press outside and apple crumble. The decoration team will be preparing the tables and lighting the fire.
Sydney has been practising a number of Michaelmas songs with us this week and we will gather before
the harvest feast to sing together and remind ourselves of the mission and task of Michael: to bring strength, courage, the will to do good deeds and love to those who are willing to undertake self transformation and look towards that which is divine in every human being.
Michaelmas is a festival of inner strength and initiative. The battle with the dragon and the inner transformation possible are uniquely individual and reside within our powers of thought. It is a time when our higher being can conquer anxiety and fear, for it is the task of Michael to awaken humankind to the eternal within.
We on the team very much look forward to celebrating this festival, who’s themes lie at the core of YIP, together with the yippies and the local community on Sunday.
written by Annie Meijer
Message from the Yippies
Hello Everyone
Message from the Yippies
We are the participants of the International Youth Initiative Program (YIP).
As part of the program, in February 2025, all 37 of us will take part in international internships with grassroots organizations and we are fundraising to make this possible. Our internships, and the process of fundraising for them, will provide us with essential skills in our personal and professional development. We will learn from experts, collaborate with local changemakers, and amplify innovative solutions to challenges that the world is facing today. The internships that we have chosen align with YIP’s values of environmental sustainability, social justice, holistic education, and community development.
The program does not include internship costs in the tuition fee. This enables young people from a range of backgrounds to attend the course, however it also means we have the collective challenge to collect the needed funding to enable all of us to participate in the internships.
Where do your donations go?
Every donation will go directly towards covering the essential costs of our internships, such as travel, accommodation, and materials. Your generosity will allow us to focus on learning and giving back, without financial barriers standing in our way.
Why does it matter?
Through donating to this cause, you will be investing in the future generation of change makers. As young people, we feel responsible for the world we have inherited and are committed to tackling the environmental, political, and social challenges we face. Our internships focus on positive, real-life solutions to tackle such challenges. Participating in them will equip us with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to enact positive change in today’s complex world.
If you feel called to help us make these internships happen we would be so grateful for any contribution.
Just click right here
Thank you for your support! With love,
YIP 17
Message from the team
Tallevana and the Hive/ Honeypot available for rent
As the team and participants embark on the outpost in mid November, I will be staying here in the deepening inwardness of the Swedish end of the year and am hoping to be able to rent out Tallevana/the Hive and Honeypot for some periods of time between November and February.
If we are able to receive some rent for this time it would support us enormously to cover the double rent we are required to pay (both in Sweden and on outpost). We are also keen to have the wonderful building here in Ytterjärna put to use.
I realise it may not be such an enticing time of year for some groups to be here in the depths of winter but then again, it does have a certain charm…..
If you would like to rent any spaces or know of any groups who might be interested in renting accommodation or educational spaces during this time then please pass on the following: Beautiful group accommodation and educational spaces to rent in the Swedish winter on the Kulturcentrum Järna campus.
Dates: 18th February – 23rd March 2025
Cost: Open for negotiation (we are happy for the spaces to be used and to cover some costs of the rent
we pay)
Please contact me: annie@yip.se
Written by Annie Mejer