IJB Thinks #29

JUNE 2024

IJBTHINKS #29

THANK YOU JB FOR...

INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR BRANCH

IJBTHINKS #29: THANK YOU JB FOR

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HARD TO EXPLAIN...

Omar Soliman (Editor’s Note)

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ABOUT SHARING …

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THANK YOU JB FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK

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A PIECE OF MY HEART TOLD BY MY MIND

Sofi Staniczek Andrade (Poland)

Rose Wittenberg (Great Britain)

Amelia Knapik (Poland)

IJBTHINKS #29: THANK YOU JB FOR

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THANK YOU FOR GROWING UP WITH ME Juan José Moncayo (Ecuador)

LEBANESE LIGHTS: A TRIBUTE TO JB Omar Alamedine, Sara Takieddine, Zayan Idriss (Lebanon)

TWO PATHS, ONE JOURNEY! Ignacio Velasco, Vicente Felino (Spain/Portugal)

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IJBTHINKS #29: THANK YOU JB FOR

HARD TO EXPLAIN...

EDITORS’ NOTE Omar Soliman EGYPT It has been 8 years since I joined JB as a JBer and 4 years now jumping from responsibility to another. Whenever someone outside of JB asks me what I do in JB I struggle to explain it in a sentence or two.

So 2 options : either I end up giving an entire one hour speech which still doesn’t encapsulate what JB is or I take the easy way out and say you won’t understand just join. That’s because it’s hard to explain what JB is.

It’s hard to explain why we spend hours in meetings without earning a single penny. It’s hard to explain why we prefer going to JB workshops and canceling our family and friends trips instead. It’s hard to explain why our Friends in JB have a special place even tho we’re continents apart.It’s hard to explain why we keep complaining and struggle with burnout and stress during our roles but end up leaving our terms crying and cherishing the good moments and struggle at the end to let go. It’s hard to explain why even when we grow up and get into bigger roles outside of JB we still find a way to be there and return to JB in a way or another.

Amidst the struggle of explaining to someone all of the weird emotions, moments, ups and downs we face in JB, how about we express what we could thank JB for ?

I hope this edition of IJB thinks would encapsulate what JB is to us and would answer the questions of our friends outside of JB and make them understand why we're doing this and what is it what keeps us glued to this entity all of those years.

IJBThinks is a project that has faded away lately. I'm glad we’re bringing this back cause it’s a project that makes us individually take a step back and look at the bigger picture of things. IJBThinks shows the diversity of our emotions and thoughts on a global level under one umbrella and one topic in our case this time it's dedicated to Junior Branch.

Excited to be seeing this project developing and going on after those years and excited to see what you would thank JB for ?

Cheesy but worth looking at :)

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About Sharing...

Sofi Staniczek Andrade POLAND When I saw this year’s theme for IJB Thinks, I instantly knew I wanted to take part in it, because during every single conversation with my closest CISV friends, the ‘I’m so grateful for CISV’ talk always comes up.

Somehow, working on this project made me realize how hard it is to actually put it into words. After some drafts, I identified the key word I wanted to incorporate into my project: family. The Cambridge Dictionary’s first definition of family is “a group of people who are related to each other, such as a mother, a father, and their children” - but that’s not quite the kind of family I’m referring to. But “a group of people who care about each other because they have a close relationship or shared interests”... that’s more like it.

I remember when I came to my first-ever JB event, Brazil’s NJBM. I wasn’t new to CISV, so it’s not like it was all that foreign to me, but it was still very nerve-wracking. When I arrived, I was quickly calmed down when I saw my first-ever CISV friend waiting for the bus that would take us to the campsite. We had met four years before that at my very first mini-camp but never really kept in touch. So although I wasn’t totally alone, I still felt scared. It felt like everyone was so close and knew each other forever. They would share stories about the unforgettable experiences they shared, and they would laugh. And I wondered if I’d ever have that too. Three whirlwind days later, it felt like we had always known each other. It’s amazing how we built close relationships in such a short amount of time - and all because we had similar interests, that is, CISV and JB’s mission. We shared ideas, experiences, and opinions, some even controversial, but what brought us together was the willingness to change. To change our organization, our JB, our communities, and even ourselves.

How great is it to find yourself in a crowd of people who have the same eagerness and enthusiasm as you? I’d say that’s the feeling of belonging.

And that’s exactly what I felt when I spent a summer here in Poland and attended a national camp. I met so many amazing people that pushed me to study here. I knew that even though moving to another continent was frightening, I’d have someone to rely on, just like family. Today, I can confirm that that just might have been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Just the experiences I’ve shared themselves taught me so much about the world, my environment, other people, and myself. But I think the most valuable thing JB has brought to my life, were the people I met. These are my best friends, the people I’m taking with me for the rest of my life. The people I share experiences, jokes, opinions, traditions, ideas, secrets, and, most importantly, memories with. Just because we aren’t blood related, that doesn’t make us any less family. Our common safe place has brought us together to create moments we will reminisce and I couldn’t be more grateful for these being the people I will look back on them with. So, as corny as it sounds, here’s to friends, the family we choose :)

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THANK YOU JB FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK Rose Wittenberg GREAT BRITAIN Thank you JB for saving my life.

I debated a lot about what I was going to title this but I kept coming back to my first response. JB has saved my life and I can’t thank it enough for doing so. If you know me and have worked with me you’ll know that I don’t hide my mental health, and am very open about my struggles. Junior Branch has given me a space to be me and a huge group of friends I am eternally grateful for.

When I first came into contact with CISV I was 10 years’ old terrified of my own shadow and riddled with social anxiety, hard to believe that now. I went on my Village in the summer of 2010 and that was the beginning of it all. My first 9 years in CISV, including my small toe dips into the Junior Branch world were amazing, I came out of my shell and made some amazing memories. I attest the majority of this to my great friend Dewi, he always treated me with care and uplifted me to speak out in groups and meet new people.

In 2019 Dewi died and took a part of my confidence with him, I struggled to attend my local JB and started to drift away from the person I had become. I lost 2 other people that year and almost completely cut ties to everything CISV. The pandemic came and went with little interaction other than an Instagram like here and there.

Around came the summer of 2021, my mental health was shot and I had agreed to do 2 national camps to get back into the thing I loved. It was here that my life took a huge shift in pace, I was persuaded that I should run for NJR by Penny. This was a terrifying thought, I’d run twice previously before my hiatus, but I did and I got it.

My term as NJR was nothing short of a rollercoaster, but I just so happen to love a theme park. I have been the brunt of a torrid of complaints, but always had others there to lift me back up.

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I have facilitated numerous activities that maybe didn’t go to plan, but I no longer feel anxious getting up in front of a room full of people. One of the biggest lessons I have learnt is that not everything has to go write for something to be good. I have formed relationships I didn’t even think were possible, who have stuck through and made it all good.

Junior Branch has given me back my voice and the life I knew was possible. For the first time in a long time I can say I love my life and who I’ve become. I will be eternally grateful to Junior Branch and the hundreds of JBers that have been a part of my journey. Thank you JB for saving my life.

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A PIECE OF MY HEART TOLD BY MY MIND Amelia Knapik POLAND In a world so enthralled with talking and creating and achieving and succeeding, JB is a space for listening. Sharing your views, opinions and reflections tastes so much better, when you know they will be truly heard and savored. There is a passion present, which is not present in many places else. JB saying we care about other perspectives and openness is not just saying. After some time it becomes an innate part of you: to listen is to respect, to be listened to is to be loved.

I love myJB. but to say I love myJB is to say I love all JB, because everywhere I go my heart and mind are open. Open to new perspectives and opinions, but also open to whatever the day brings. Whether it be being a shoulder to cry on, being a participant in a flaming hot discussion or simply being a part of an inside joke, no matter how small or big. Because no matter how small or big you or your feelings are, they matter to us. They may matter a lot, or just a little, but they really do, because they are yours.

And because they are yours, because they are someone's, they deserve to be considered. Whether they are agreed with or not is another thing, but if they will not be agreed with, it will be a thoughtful and peaceful disagreement. And that is okay.

But the one agreement we all have, despite never having written it down, is to accept. Accept the people for who they are, as well as for who they are not. For simple things, trivial even, like the way we look or the way we speak. With so much unwanted weights present everywhere else, JB is such a safe space. I am so grateful for being able to put all my worries and insecurities in a pocket for just a few days on JB workshops. I take them out every time the weekend ends, because that’s just who I am, at least for now, but the short breaks are my haven. And they give me hope, that maybe one day I will be brave enough to put them in my pocket forever, as a memory, and never feel like taking them out again.

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Thank you JB for making me so aware of the world and people around me, sometimes it's a burden. But it's a burden I love to carry, because I am privileged enough to have it. I am grateful for being so lucky that I get to know so many different perspectives, views, cultures and ways of thinking - the people, so thoroughly and intimately.

And although nearly every sentence above starts with I, it is not about I and more about I and the world. Having learnt how to be patient and willing and curious makes me hopeful about 'small acts, big changes', hopeful about making the world a better place, and hopeful about constantly improving ourselves as individuals and doing so, because we truly want to.

At the same time I am hopeful for those who do not feel enough to consciously be any of that just yet. I think what JB shows us, is how everyone and everything is part of the process, part of the big whole, it's just the matter of us realizing and embracing that we are it, we are everything. We may not fully realize it yet, but please trust me when I say that we all are.

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THANK YOU FOR GROWING UP WITH ME...

Juan José Moncayo ECUADOR What is CISV without the Junior Branch, and what am I without CISV? Hyperbole for storytelling purposes aside, these are questions I found myself pondering upon reading the title for this edition of IJB Thinks.

I had the blessing of attending a Village in 2015 in my hometown of Quito. Back then, I was too young to even understand how important this experience would be for my development as an individual, citizen of the world. Some folks, such as national representatives (Caro San, Xime, and Chio <33), taught me about passion and dedication through the example they set for CISV Ecuador. I never felt the desire to disconnect from CISV, and once I turned 13, I was finally old enough to sign up for the JB. The years I spent active in my local chapter were amazing, eventually taking on bigger responsibilities where I met a lot of amazing people who are now some of my closest friends.

As I begin adulthood in a completely different part of the world from the one I called home my whole life, my involvement with the JB remains. Now, taking on even bigger responsibilities, I am reaching places that small 11-year-old me never assumed were possible. I recently attended my first international JB event, an AJBM, where I met some of the most passionate and hardworking individuals, who at the same time reminded me why year after year we keep coming back for more.

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I thank the JB for a lot of things: for the opportunity it gave me to grow, by allowing me to connect with individuals who for some reason seemed different from everyone else I interacted with day-to-day; for providing me with a sense of belonging, where I can travel to the other side of the world and still find a group of people with the same values as those back home; for providing me with a sense of purpose, as now I know that people not only depend on me but also expect my efforts and continue to push me forward, and for putting me in the same room as some of the coolest people in the world, who despite the distance, I continue to call my friends, and to know that I will always have a couch to crash on for as long as a JB chapter exists there.

Junior Branch is not just a part of my past; it is intertwined with the very fabric of my identity. And for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Junior Branch, for growing up with me, and for continuing to be a vital part of my journey.

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LEBANESE LIGHTS: A TRIBUTE TO JB Zayan Idriss, Omar Alameddine, Sara Takieddine

LEBANON Welcome! We, the Lebanese NJRs, would like to express our gratitude to JB for the significant influence it has had on each of our lives. First, Sara will reflect on how JB provided her an environment to grow and develop into a better version of herself. Then, Zayan will discuss the bonds and lifelong friendships she has formed through JB. Finally, Omar will highlight how JB has empowered him to make a positive impact on his local community, aiming to restore Lebanon's former prosperity. We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we enjoyed writing it!

Sara: JB has had a profound impact on my personal growth and development. Before becoming involved with CISV, I was an anxious child, often hesitant to speak up and lacking confidence in unfamiliar situations. However, my experiences within CISV gradually transformed me into a more confident and self-assured individual, with valuable leadership skills and a deeper appreciation for diversity. Working collaboratively on projects, whether it was organizing events or discussing global issues, allowed me to find my voice and express my ideas confidently. Moreover, JB provided numerous opportunities for public speaking and leadership roles. At first, the idea of speaking in front of a group was daunting, but through supportive environments within CISV, I learned to communicate effectively and present my thoughts with clarity. Whether leading a discussion or facilitating activities, I gained valuable leadership experience that translated into other areas of my life. The transformation I underwent within JB has been instrumental in shaping who I am today. I am no longer the timid child I once was; instead, I am more self-assured, adaptable, and capable of navigating diverse environments. CISV instilled in me a belief in the power of communication and cooperation to bridge differences and promote peace. My journey with CISV and JB has been transformative, leaving me better equipped to navigate life's challenges with confidence and a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.

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Zayan: Thank you JB, for giving me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and forge friendships that will last a lifetime. Throughout my years in JB, I've had the chance to connect with a diverse range of individuals, exchanging aspirations and ideas that have enriched my life. I want to start off by cherishing the bond I've formed with my two NJR partners, who have been by my side through every step of my JB journey. Working with them has not only strengthened our friendship but has also taught us how to grow together, identify our strengths and weaknesses, and support each other unconditionally. Through JB Lebanon, I've found friends who not only share my values but have also been there for me during critical periods of my development. Together, we've faced the challenges of living in Lebanon, drawing strength from our shared experiences and our shared vision to improve our community. On a global scale, JB has introduced me to individuals from diverse backgrounds, expanding my worldview and challenging my perspectives. These connections have fueled my passion for understanding different cultures and learning from them. This mosaic of connections has truly shaped who I am today. Wherever I go, I carry a piece of these people with me. JB has given me the opportunity to create bonds that have left a lasting imprint on me. I know that no matter where life takes me, the friendships I've formed in JB will endure, and for that, I am truly thankful.

Omar: Since my CISV journey began at age 10, I have been shaped by experiences that have instilled in me a strong desire to give back to my community. I am grateful to JB for making this possible. Growing up in Lebanon during the 2006 civil war, I have had a front-row seat to my country's ups and downs.

Beginning in 2019, Lebanon has spiraled from revolution and pandemic to economic collapse—the darkest period I've ever witnessed, with recovery seeming out of reach. Joining JB at age 14 introduced me to individuals eager to effect change in our community, regardless of the circumstances. Inspired by the confidence of our former senior JB members, I began to actively participate in projects whose tangible impact reinforced my belief in this organization’s ability to make a difference. Our approach has always been consistent: we dedicate all our resources, energy, and connections to tackling one specific local issue, giving it our all to resolve it. From raising funds to support displaced citizens in Southern Lebanon, to cleaning streets after the Beirut explosion, to holding weekly meetings to promote peace education across Lebanon, I believe that we are part of something greater: an effort to reignite Lebanon’s lost radiance. Our tenure in JB Lebanon may be fleeting, and the nation's hurdles will remain beyond our time. As former senior members passed the torch to us, keeping JB Lebanon vibrant, it's now our turn to ignite that same passion in the next generation, ensuring the legacy of impact and unity endures.

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TWO PATHS, ONE JOURNEY! Ignacio Velasco & Vicente Felino

SPAIN-PORTUGAL Hello, hello everyone!

We first would like to start with a small introduction for those of you that have no clue who we are :) On the left, I’m Vicky, I'm 23 years old born and raised in sunny Lisbon, Portugal. Currently struggling on a daily basis with my masters in computer science, maybe spending more time studying than with friends would help with that.On the right, I’m Ignacio, I’m 23 years old and I’m from Madrid, Spain. I am an industrial engineer and looking for a job to become a real adult. One of my passions is food, you can easily make me happy through my belly.

When we saw this IJB Thinks opportunity, we wanted to tell our story, as JB has been a space that has been very present for us for the last 4 years. We have pretty much done everything together, international JB friends, NJRs and EMEA JB Team. We have invested a lot of our energy, time and love into this project that we believe JB is, and that it became our home.

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For us, the main feature that keeps JB (and CISV) going is friendships that are built by working together. In our case, we became friends by bonding through hardship and lows. Our NJR terms had both barely started when COVID hit and we struggled massively. As Peninsula countries (Spain, Italy and Portugal) our culture really appreciates in person gatherings, physical touch and welp, that went downhill very fast. And in a very uncertain way too, as there was no clear future onto when the curfew would end. During those times, we found ways of trying to be creative with online gatherings, sneaking into some small in person activities as soon as we could and figuring out loopholes within regulation (that were RM compliant), etc. We called a lot (a big chunk of our life resumes in this picture) and we shared how difficult it was being, which helped us distribute the burden among ourselves. We want to shout out all of those who were COVID NJRs/Regional JB Teams because keeping motivation when most reward is gone, requires big resilience.

We both have the idea that CISV starts by being for local/national people and we fully invested into this idea.

A big goal of ours during the NJR term, was creating a healthy community in JB that people could go to, get to discover friendships, develop themselves, learn from others and have fun. We developed tools to translate that internationally, and we ran for EMEA JB Team. Our goal was always to build a home for people to come within JB, regardless of where that was. JB is a safe space for us, and we wanted to make sure that everyone that came to JB felt welcomed. There was always this feeling that we could constantly improve, that there were more projects that we could do, more ideas to develop. Both of our JB journeys are slowly coming to an end, but we are now putting into practice that ASKs that we learnt here, within CISV International.

JB has been for us a place to apply what we have learnt in CISV. We were granted a platform with JB to give shape to a lot of our crazy projects. Some of them failed, some of them succeeded but what we got from the process of putting them out was what was most important. A lot of who we are, how we have grown in the years we owe to the opportunities that JB granted us.

For our JB experience, there always was this excitement that runs in JB of meeting a friend again to work together which fueled each other to do better and we wanted to share it as it made us very happy. We would like to thank JB for filling ourselves with inspiration, ideas, projects and a place to develop ourselves. We also thank JB for all the people that came during the way, that are now our friends and we hold very dear within our heart.

Reflecting upon it, most of our CISV friends have been made not in CISV camps but in JB, in the fun of getting to work together. We would like to thank JB and everyone that has been a part of it

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