Taking Care of Business

From 2:30 to 5:30 today, Tim and I attended the yMedia 'Briefing Workshop' held at Microsoft's office building in Auckland's viaduct (along with other teams and community groups). While we were all briefed on the processes, terms and conditions of the competition, the focus of today was to collaborate (this was the word of the day) ideas and work on a two-week action plan with Amanda and Rebecca, who are part of our chosen community group YouthworX.





With chocolate chip cookies, Toffee Pops, Moro bars, Crunchie bars and Just Juice to fuel us, we all sat around a table discussing not just their wants for their organisation, but the very passion that drives them to work for their organisation. Tim and I got to learn a great many interesting things about Amanda and Rebecca that steps beyond their work. We all talked about who we are, what we do, and aspirations of where we would like be in future. Through talking we got to know and understand each other further.

We find ourselves inspired by their drive and determination to build a stronger link of communication between the youth organisations, to ultimately improve services to the youth of the North Shore. It makes us want to help them even more!

As we listened to the needs and wants of YouthworX further, Tim and I pitched possible network and digital solutions to help improve the running of their organisation. We ran through many ideas, working out pros and cons of each idea and trying to figure out what works best for them. Amanda and Rebecca were mostly supportive of the solutions we provided. We proposed our solutions to the yMedia Mentors Adele and Sheena who both constructively offered us advice on our ideas and how to approach these two weeks wisely.

We were both flattered that we already received positive feedback from Amanda and Rebecca, who said they're impressed that we're able to clearly understand the purpose of YouthworX, and what they want to achieve with it. That was a compliment to our confidence and gives us that extra bit of motivation we need, knowing that we're doing good so far. It was evident in today's workshop that the level of clear communication and understanding between the four of us is already working phenomenally. It provides great hope for all of us working together on this project.

After today, things are shaping up to look great. Having made a plan of action, set meeting dates with YouthworX and organised a list of tasks to follow according to a strict time table over the next couple of weeks, all we can say is;

"Sorted." ;)

- Kenneth and Tim