Team Building Event for our members!
On June 8th, Aberdeen Art Gallery was a vibrant testament to unity in diversity as a collective of immigrant and minority women came together in an inspiring display of solidarity. We achieved our team building event through our collaboration and partnership with the NESCAN Just Transition Communities Project, Scottish Civic Trust, and Go Deep. Since our organisation is young and we think that working together is essential to success, we look for partnerships that address the needs of our membership base. These activities help us to learn about each other's cultures while also promoting sustainable activities that many of our communities still engage in on a daily basis.
The event brought together our members for team building activities - 60 women and children from a staggering variety of countries, including Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Germany, China, the Republic of Ireland, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UK, the US, Nigeria, South Africa, Indonesia, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan. The brilliant activities of Go Deep were facilitated by the lovely Pat Black, Clementine Burnley and Karina Emslie.
This gathering was a miniature United Nations meeting, featuring participants from 33 nationalities, several faiths, and various cultural backgrounds, all contributing to a mosaic of experiences and perspectives.
The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie as women and children interacted, sharing their stories, cultures, and support for one another. The event’s highlight was a web game that symbolised the interconnectedness of the participants. Each woman threw a yarn stick to someone they wished to introduce themselves to and then spoke about something that the recipient loved. This simple yet powerful activity visually and emotionally demonstrated the bonds being formed and the strength of these connections.
As the yarn intertwined, so did the stories and lives of these women, creating a tangible web of solidarity. This activity emphasised the importance of understanding and appreciating each other's unique experiences and perspectives, fostering a sense of unity among the diverse group. The shared laughter and conversations during this game were a testament to the ease with which barriers can be broken down through simple acts of communication and empathy.
Following the web game, 40 women participated in a record collaboration, demonstrating their remarkable ability to work together. The challenge involved placing a pen into three bottles, a task that required coordination, patience, and teamwork. This activity was more than just a game; it was a metaphor for the collaborative spirit of the women, highlighting how collective effort can lead to success. The sense of achievement and joy at completing the task was palpable, reinforcing the idea that women, when united, can accomplish great things.
The event also featured a range of activities that allowed the women to express their aspirations and hobbies. One notable activity involved women writing down what they wanted to do, leading to a rich array of suggestions. Outdoor swimming emerged as a popular choice, reflecting a shared desire for physical activity and connection with nature. Organising the steps for this activity required collaboration and planning, further strengthening the bonds between the participants.
Singing, a universal language of joy and expression, found its place spontaneously as three wonderful ladies performed an impromptu song, captivating everyone with their voices. This impromptu performance was a beautiful reminder of the shared love for music that transcends cultural boundaries. It brought smiles to many faces and created an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
Food, another universal connector, played a crucial role in the event. The idea of a cultural picnic, where everyone could share dishes from their home countries, was enthusiastically received. Such an event would not only be a culinary delight but also an opportunity to learn about different cultures through their cuisines. It highlighted the importance of sharing and experiencing each other’s heritage in fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Traveling together was another idea that resonated with many women, signifying a collective desire to explore new places and experiences as a group. This activity underscored the importance of companionship and shared adventures in building strong relationships and creating lasting memories.
Dancing, walking together to raise awareness about health, and engaging in arts and crafts were also among the suggested activities. These activities not only promote physical well-being but also provide opportunities for creative expression and community engagement. They serve as reminders of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the joy of creating something beautiful together.
The event also sparked interest in workshops such as candle making, mehendi drawing, and face painting. These workshops offer women the chance to learn new skills, explore their creativity, and bond over shared interests. Candle making, for instance, can be both a therapeutic and rewarding activity, allowing participants to take home something tangible that they created. Mehendi drawing and face painting workshops would provide platforms for artistic expression and cultural exchange, enriching the participants' understanding of each other's traditions.
Overall, the event at Aberdeen Art Gallery was a profound demonstration of how diversity can be a source of strength and unity. The interactions and activities throughout the day highlighted the shared human experiences that connect us all, regardless of our backgrounds. The women and children who attended the event left with new friendships, a deeper appreciation for each other’s cultures, and a strengthened sense of community.
This gathering was more than just a social event; it was a celebration of resilience, collaboration, and the power of diversity. It showcased how, by coming together and supporting one another, immigrant and minority women can create a vibrant, inclusive community that uplifts and empowers all its members. The solidarity displayed at Aberdeen Art Gallery is a shining example of what can be achieved when we embrace our differences and work together towards common goals.
We discussed our petition for the need for a Secondary Catholic school and to save the existing denominational schools that garnered 670+ signatures, and was submitted to the council on June 10th to the E-petitions email, because for some reason the site was blocked for uploading E-petitions. Because it was a minority need and affected our members, we persisted and sent the signatures along with a note to Bishop Hugh, and we discussed this at the end of our gathering.
Phoenix Archer from SCT discussed SCT books and we also informed everyone of our next partnership event in Torry with NESCAN and a few others.
In the end, the event was a powerful reminder that unity in diversity is not just a lofty ideal but a tangible reality that can be achieved through empathy, communication, and collective effort. It was a day of laughter, learning, and mutual support, proving that when women come together, they can create a force for positive change in their communities and beyond.
NESCAN Just Transition Communities Project
The event brought together our members for team building activities - 60 women and children from a staggering variety of countries, including Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Germany, China, the Republic of Ireland, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UK, the US, Nigeria, South Africa, Indonesia, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan. The brilliant activities of Go Deep were facilitated by the lovely Pat Black, Clementine Burnley and Karina Emslie.
This gathering was a miniature United Nations meeting, featuring participants from 33 nationalities, several faiths, and various cultural backgrounds, all contributing to a mosaic of experiences and perspectives.
The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie as women and children interacted, sharing their stories, cultures, and support for one another. The event’s highlight was a web game that symbolised the interconnectedness of the participants. Each woman threw a yarn stick to someone they wished to introduce themselves to and then spoke about something that the recipient loved. This simple yet powerful activity visually and emotionally demonstrated the bonds being formed and the strength of these connections.
As the yarn intertwined, so did the stories and lives of these women, creating a tangible web of solidarity. This activity emphasised the importance of understanding and appreciating each other's unique experiences and perspectives, fostering a sense of unity among the diverse group. The shared laughter and conversations during this game were a testament to the ease with which barriers can be broken down through simple acts of communication and empathy.
Following the web game, 40 women participated in a record collaboration, demonstrating their remarkable ability to work together. The challenge involved placing a pen into three bottles, a task that required coordination, patience, and teamwork. This activity was more than just a game; it was a metaphor for the collaborative spirit of the women, highlighting how collective effort can lead to success. The sense of achievement and joy at completing the task was palpable, reinforcing the idea that women, when united, can accomplish great things.
The event also featured a range of activities that allowed the women to express their aspirations and hobbies. One notable activity involved women writing down what they wanted to do, leading to a rich array of suggestions. Outdoor swimming emerged as a popular choice, reflecting a shared desire for physical activity and connection with nature. Organising the steps for this activity required collaboration and planning, further strengthening the bonds between the participants.
Singing, a universal language of joy and expression, found its place spontaneously as three wonderful ladies performed an impromptu song, captivating everyone with their voices. This impromptu performance was a beautiful reminder of the shared love for music that transcends cultural boundaries. It brought smiles to many faces and created an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
Food, another universal connector, played a crucial role in the event. The idea of a cultural picnic, where everyone could share dishes from their home countries, was enthusiastically received. Such an event would not only be a culinary delight but also an opportunity to learn about different cultures through their cuisines. It highlighted the importance of sharing and experiencing each other’s heritage in fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Traveling together was another idea that resonated with many women, signifying a collective desire to explore new places and experiences as a group. This activity underscored the importance of companionship and shared adventures in building strong relationships and creating lasting memories.
Dancing, walking together to raise awareness about health, and engaging in arts and crafts were also among the suggested activities. These activities not only promote physical well-being but also provide opportunities for creative expression and community engagement. They serve as reminders of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the joy of creating something beautiful together.
The event also sparked interest in workshops such as candle making, mehendi drawing, and face painting. These workshops offer women the chance to learn new skills, explore their creativity, and bond over shared interests. Candle making, for instance, can be both a therapeutic and rewarding activity, allowing participants to take home something tangible that they created. Mehendi drawing and face painting workshops would provide platforms for artistic expression and cultural exchange, enriching the participants' understanding of each other's traditions.
Overall, the event at Aberdeen Art Gallery was a profound demonstration of how diversity can be a source of strength and unity. The interactions and activities throughout the day highlighted the shared human experiences that connect us all, regardless of our backgrounds. The women and children who attended the event left with new friendships, a deeper appreciation for each other’s cultures, and a strengthened sense of community.
This gathering was more than just a social event; it was a celebration of resilience, collaboration, and the power of diversity. It showcased how, by coming together and supporting one another, immigrant and minority women can create a vibrant, inclusive community that uplifts and empowers all its members. The solidarity displayed at Aberdeen Art Gallery is a shining example of what can be achieved when we embrace our differences and work together towards common goals.
We discussed our petition for the need for a Secondary Catholic school and to save the existing denominational schools that garnered 670+ signatures, and was submitted to the council on June 10th to the E-petitions email, because for some reason the site was blocked for uploading E-petitions. Because it was a minority need and affected our members, we persisted and sent the signatures along with a note to Bishop Hugh, and we discussed this at the end of our gathering.
Phoenix Archer from SCT discussed SCT books and we also informed everyone of our next partnership event in Torry with NESCAN and a few others.
In the end, the event was a powerful reminder that unity in diversity is not just a lofty ideal but a tangible reality that can be achieved through empathy, communication, and collective effort. It was a day of laughter, learning, and mutual support, proving that when women come together, they can create a force for positive change in their communities and beyond.
NESCAN Just Transition Communities Project