Training | Social Issues Committee
Wed, May 20, 2009
Cadet Nyree Bond shares about her experience with The Salvation Army’s Social Issues Committee. Nyree is serving as a member of this Ethics Centre Committee as part of her training at CFOT.
Over the past 7 months, I have had the privilege of being a guest member of the Social Issues Committee [SIC]. This group is under the leadership of the Ethics Centre, and directed by Dr. Jim Read. This experience has been most beneficial for me and I have gained both valuable insight into the ethical and social issues facing the current world and The Salvation Army.
The [SIC] is a diverse group of Salvationists from across Canada, with ages ranging from 20s to 70s and varying levels of education and working classes. It also spans from adherents to Commissioners or laypeople to Salvation Army employees. The diversity of this group of people leads to a myriad of opinions that are woven together to be the collective voice of the Salvation Army’s ethical views. Together we have shaped positional statements that are used to represent issues and cause action in our territory.
I see this group as a tool to influence the greater Salvation Army on social justice issues. Obviously this is a new hot topic within the world. The phrase “social justice” is catching on but the term is sometimes used lightly. The [SIC] has given me a place to learn and strengthen my own philosophy of social justice. Through this opportunity I have been challenged by others in the group such as Amy Fisher and Dion Oxford to think outside of the box and recognize issues that are important in the greater scheme of things. I have been encouraged to think big and to initiate change from the ground up. I have always felt that my opinion was valued and that I could make a difference.
Being a part of [SIC] has definitely invigorated my passion for social justice. I believe as a future Salvation Army officer, the knowledge I am gaining through the [SIC] will be of great value. This committee has enhanced my advocacy skills as well as my leadership abilities. I am grateful to have this opportunity and look forward to another year of being part of the [SIC].
To read more about the SIC and The Salvation Army Ethics Centre check out their website where you will find excellent resources and articles on a variety of topics.
Tags: CFOT-Training, Prayer-Warriors
May 21st, 2009 at 8:24 am
The Social Issues Committee is enriched by the contributions of Nyree, Rob and other cadets. SIC’s job is to stay current on the social-moral issues that are really important in Canada and Bermuda, and be prepared to advise the territory’s leadership about them. To do that job, SIC has to be comprised of alert, thinking, passionate Christians like Nyree.
Jim Read, Chair, SIC