Jon Jolly's Comments

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : Young People Matter

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:07:29 +0000

Thanks Ralf for your continued conversation. There have been a couple of books published in the last few years about men and church, like Why Men Hate Going to Church. It's an interesting debate!

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : All Finished!

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:01:22 +0000

Thanks Roger. I tried replying to your last comment but my browser crashed! Sorry about that, and welcome to the blog.

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : All Finished!

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:06:53 +0000

Ha! Thanks Amy, I thought the same thing! "You've done really well but if you don't bring the books back we'll cancel the degree!"

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : YWN Article: The old rules still apply in the online world

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 10:09:48 +0000

Hi Leo, thanks for the comment and great to see your blog taking shape! It's good to know there's more critical and reflective thought happening out there. You've got a point about addressing the issue offline. I think that face-to-face interaction is vital in order to prevent misunderstanding and allow for honest conversation. I do however also think there's a need to address it online too. By simply ignoring the comment (as you would be seen to do), it gives acceptance or indifference to the bullying it implies. The writer and subsequent readers need to know that sort of comment is unacceptable. For more info and draft policies on online conduct, check out Youth Work Online and in particular, this thread which has some great advice.

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : Using SMS with youth groups

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:33:58 +0000

Thanks Ralf, if you find a suitable service in Germany please share it here so others can use it too!

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : Using SMS with youth groups

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:28:42 +0000

Hi Chris, we produced a postcard size form asking the young people to give us their mobile number separately from the main consent forms. This is so that they can voluntarily choose to give us their details. Having said that, I've also put space for it on the main consent form now as well. Both these forms have a disclaimer that we will only message them about relevant activities and they can remove themselves at any time.

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : Using SMS with youth groups

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:24:36 +0000

Good question, and one I need to experiment with. The few occasions we've had to change a session, I've simply text the whole group (as it's a one-click process). It would be interesting to try just texting a 'high-priority' smaller group and asking them to spread the word. I'd have to identify certain people who have contact with many of the others.

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : Using SMS with youth groups

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:11:52 +0000

Sounds like some winning features! Thanks for sharing Mike.

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : Christian Schools Work Conference: Schools Ministry as Mission

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:03:51 +0000

Hi Chris, we haven't booked yet but 4 of us from Littlehampton are planning to go. Sounds like a good day.

Life in Student Ministry : Enhancing communication with changes to our youth group website

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:23:34 +0000

Hi Tim, Great job with a simple design. I love the way you're pulling in the info from other sites to one central location.

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : Freezing Frenzy

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:11:28 +0000

LOL! Thanks Shaun. This one was your idea, so I've no clue where you got it from!

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : Starting Out In Youth Work

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:10:46 +0000

Hi Nick, Thanks for the comment. From what I understand, most employers will recognise your JNC Qualification and that should be enough to get you a job in Youth Justice. You may however have to do addition training, but this is usually provided by the employer. There\\\'s some more info on Youth Justice Careers http://www.yjb.gov.uk/en-gb/yjs/GetInvolved/Caree...rel=\\\"nofollow\\\">here. Looking at some of the jobs available http://www.communitycare.co.uk/jobs/browse/youth_...rel=\\\"nofollow\\\">on this site, many want YOT (Youth Offending Team) or YISP (Youth Inclusion Support Panel) Qualifications which are often youth work or social work based, while others just want experience in the field. It\\\'s best to start looking at individual posts and seeing what they require. Good luck!

Jon Jolly: My Life & Youth Work : Starting Out In Youth Work

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 17:10:21 +0000

Hi Geraldine, Firstly, sorry for the slow response! With regard to your question, I think you would represent the vast majority of people who want to get into youth work. As such, the simplest way to get involved is to volunteer at your local youth club or group! Most statutory youth services provide training for their volunteers and just by helping out each week, you are likely to be able to start studying on a Youth Support Worker qualification. Obviously this would mean some commitment to the youth club longer term, but if you have limited time this is the best way to get experience and training. If you are solely looking for training, you can enrole yourself on one of the many part-time Distance Learning courses out there. Just remember that any Part-Time training takes a long time - I studied for 5 years before I got my JNC qualification - but it gives you a great opportunity to build up experience. I hope that is helpful!

The (late) Breakfast Society : An Alternative to Accreditation

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:26:37 +0000

Hi Mike, sorry that I ducked out the conversation for a few days! I would definitely be interested in continuing to explore this area so please get something online! I still have thoughtful concerns over how the very nature of youth work seems to be against evaluating work, and instead relies on faith and trust in the process. I had some interesting conversations today where workers admitted to "playing the game" of evaluation to satisfy funders, but really felt that the facts and figures they provided didn't reflect the depth of their work. Can there be a valid model of fully evaluating youth work? Oh and what's with the switch from Disqus to Intense Debate?