WHO WE ARE?

The YCW is an international Movement of Young Adults who work together to make a difference in our lives, communities, parishes, schools, and in our Society. We do this by coming together organizing events, actions and social activities. Empowering ourselves with knowledge and building a Just Society for all.

WELCOME TO THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN WORKERS MOVEMENT!

Thanks be to God, we the Young Workers of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Achimota, Accra, have agreed to participate fully in the social and spiritual development of the church.

Noting the importance of the adoption of a unified and cohesive approach towards the welfare needs of the association members as well as the entire youth in the Parish for our spiritual growth, forge a stronger commitment with the Catholic Church and aid in its development and growth at all times. Having the above in mind, the need to attain such noble goals in a cordial, peaceful and matured manner hereby decided to come together to act, adopt and give ourselves the ideals of YCW which we are proud to have adopted in this parish for the past six (6) years.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Young Christian Workers Movement is an international youth movement which values the dignity and worth of each young person. It enables its members to challenge social exclusion and take action to bring about change in their home, workplace and society.

The YCW is a movement of young adults who, by reflection and action, attempt to change and improve their lives and society. The YCW is based on three fundamental truths:

• The Truth of Faith,
• The Truth of Reality
• The Truth of Method.

AIMS

• To serve, represent and educate young adults through the method of See, Judge, Act.
• To examine the underlying causes and consequencies of social injustice.
• To challenge the existing structures on those issues.
• To develop the members of YCW in a holistic way.
• To achieve change in the individual and the environs and to activate others to take action.

WHO RUNS YCW?

YCW is organised and run at every level (local, regional, national and international) by young adults. They decide the programme of action after reflecting on their reality and the conditions of those around them.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• As a Christian movement, the YCW promotes Christian values.
• The YCW is a movement of young people, for young people, run by young people.
• The YCW strives towards each person fulfilling their potential and through the unique method of YCW, See-Judge-Act, making real changes in their lives.

WHAT DOES YCW DO

YCW brings young adults together in local groups and helps them answer their own needs and the needs of those around them through taking action. This action is decided in the group through discussions called enquiries.

Using the YCW method of analysis See, Judge, Act, Review the group reflects on issues of concern and takes appropriate action in response, either individually or as a group. Actions are often taken in the local community, organizing events or activities at local level.

In this way YCW can help to develop the individual and the local community.

WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT YCW?

In addition to the fact that YCW is organised by the members themselves there are three other good reasons for being involved:

• It is a chance to take action to improve the local community and wider society.
• YCW helps to develop the confidence, social skills, faith and social awareness of the young people it touches.
• YCW helps young people meet new friends from all over the country and world-wide, through its actions, meetings, training events, holidays and social occasions. YCW is an enjoyable worthwhile experience.

HOW DID IT START?

YCW was founded in Belgium by a young priest called Joseph Cardijin in 1925. He believed that each young person had a unique and special contribution to make to society. However he knew that the experience of young people was somewhat different, they were often treated unfairly and denied the opportunity to participate and bring about change. If this situation was to change the only way was to organise young people to take actions for themselves. And so the YCW was born.

HOW DO I JOIN?

Membership in St Thomas More Catholic Church- Ahimota is open to all Catholic workers of or above eighteen (18) years of age.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

Interested Catholics must complete an admission form provided by the Association, pay admission fee, to be determined by the executive committee and serve probation of three (3) calendar months.