Being a youth worker can be a lonely job.  I know that sounds odd, especially given that the job is to spend time with young people and develop good working relationships with all kinds of people.  But the fact is that much of a youth worker’s time is spent on their own, preparing, reading, thinking…

Networks are crucial to help spark ideas, nurture new workers and sustain those of us who have been at this for some time.

The Internet provides lots of ways to keep in touch with colleagues and I’m glad to say that our new Scottish Youth Ministry online network has been a great success.  Almost 40 people have joined in a week!

It was also good to see Youthworks, a real life, in person, network launched last Friday with 50 or so people gathering in Edinburgh.

So, if you are out there and you’re a youth worker then get involved.  There is no excuse for being lonely anymore!

After discussion with Chris today we decided to create a Scottish Youth Ministry Network online at http://scottishyouthministry.ning.com.

This network is for anyone involved in or interested in work with young people in Scotland.  We hope it will be a place where we can support, encourage and resource each other.  So join up and tell your friends.

I know there are some of you out there… You youth workers doing your thing and blogging about it.

Chris is new to the blogosphere and in his enthusiasm has suggested that we should try to network Youth Ministry Bloggers in Scotland.  I know there is a Scottish Christian page with lots of links to Christian bloggers somewhere that I can’t find now but I haven’t come across anything for Youth Work.

I’m happy to link to people from my site but if we find more than a few of you would anyone be interested in a collective blog where we could share ideas, resources and thoughts?  I’d be willing to set something up if people are interested.

Leave a comment with your blog url if you’re interested and pass the word if you know anyone else who might be.