Cranes Club Europe Newsletter 1/2019

Dear Friend of Cranes Club, First, I’m aware this is the first communication you’re receiving from the Cranes Club Directors since last summer, and on our behalf, I have to sincerely apologise. As you know, everything the Cranes Club does is completely dependent on volunteer work, and this year the Directors have all found it difficult to find time to commit to Cranes Club projects. We’ve also found it hard to find volunteers to organize the Education and Health Conferences in 2018, so there wasn’t much going on.

None of the above is a good excuse for leaving members in the dark, and at the very least we could have sent out a quick update. We’ve received a couple complaints, and those complaints are fair and justified. On the plus side, the criticism did motivate us to get this newsletter out as soon as we could :). My only excuse is that we are trying, and hope that the eventual success of the Cranes Club rewards everyone’s patience. We do have some positive developments to share in this newsletter. There will be an education conference in London, and we’re starting to plan our next annual conference in Madrid, Spain from May 3rd to 5th. We’re looking for volunteers to help us organize the annual conference, so please reach out if you’re interested in joining the planning team.

Also, thanks to a couple generous donations, we’re looking to expand the Cranes Club grant initiative from last year from a single 500 euro grant to two grants: one for 1,000 euros, and one for 500 euros. Details of how to apply are included in this newsletter.

We look forward to 2019 as an exciting year together with our expanding network of professionals!

Sincerely, The Cranes Club Europe Directors Ely Loew, Antto Hassinen, Inoë André

Contents of newsletter 2019 - 1

1. Upcoming events o Annual conference and AGM, Madrid, Spain o Education conference, London, UK 2. Project update

o Healthy minds project (Elisa Brann) 3. Articles and opinions o Normal vs. Natural (Matthew Huish) o Creating stars under your sky - a reflection on leadership (Sonja Read) 4. Opportunities: work & volunteer

Watch this 90 second video explaining in a nutshell what Cranes Club is all about and why YOU should join it!

Upcoming events

Cranes Club Europe Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting

May 3rd to 5th, 2019

Madrid, Spain

Save the date!!

Cranes Club Education conference April 19th - 21st, Livingstone house, London, UK

The primary way through which we will transform this world is though Principled education. We wish to create a space where educators from around Europe can meet up and offer their insights, share their wisdom, reflect on possibilities, and learn from mentors.

We encourage you think about giving a talk or running a discussion group. We hope that this will provide a networking opportunity where people with similar interests can form bonds and work together on future projects. How can we explore ways to live a spiritual life and apply the Principle within the field of education?

Full conference fee: 70€ (10% discount for Cranes Club members!) Registration by April 10th via this link. For further information contact William (whaines@ talktalk,net) or Barbara (bstacey5@ gmail,com)

You can also look up the flyer here!

Project updates

During this year’s Annual Conference in May, we will be giving out two grants: a 1,000 € grant and a 500 € grant. We are open to supporting any project, whether it is non-profit, educational, artistic, or business focused. The applicants will be shortlisted by the Directors and the final decision will be voted on by the members at the AGM. If you are interested in applying, please fill out the Cranes Club Grant Application Form. Healthy Minds received our first Cranes Club Grant of 500 Euros last year, and have provided a short project update below:

Healthy minds - Elisa Brann

The Healthy Minds project is on track. In 2018, we published an initial review of Father’s words on the topic of mental health. This was submitted to Applied Unificationism, a blog which explores the application of Unificationism to the wider world, that is hosted by the Unification Theological Seminary (it is available here: link). We also launched our project website, that offers all the information about the project as well as useful resources and information (www,uchealthyminds,com).

We welcomed a new volunteer to the team, Insun Tribe, who has been supporting the UK side of the project. Three members of our team met in November, to attend a seminar hosted by Inform, the leading independent educational charity providing information about minority religions. The topic of the seminar was ‘Health and Healing in Minority Religions’, and was a valuable space to meet other individuals from minority religions and academics.

Late last year we launched our questionnaire in Germany, which has already received over 140 responses – a very promising sign that members of our community are receptive to our cause. As of February 18th 2019, the UK version of the questionnaire was made available to members. We aim to conclude all data collection in time for the summer, at which point the project volunteers will meet to analyse, interpret and write up a report on the results.

By the end of this year we hope to disseminate our findings and start to raise awareness and understanding of membership around the topic of mental health within our Unificationist community.

Finances: We were awarded 500 €, and we are currently under budget.

 100 € - Germany questionnaire prize draw  100 € (approx.) - UK questionnaire prize draw (£100)  43 € - website registration and domain name ($48)  70 € - Inform seminar registration and accommodation costs  40 € (approx.) - Inform seminary registration fee  30 € (approx.) - consumables (tea/coffees during meetings)

Total to date: 383 €

The remaining balance will most likely be used for travel expenses, to enable volunteers to meet and discuss the findings.

Elisa Brann is a PhD student in Cognitive Neuroscience at King’s College London. She is currently leading Healthy Minds, a Cranes Club affiliated project that aims to explore the topic of mental health within the European Unificationist Community.

Articles and Opinions

This section includes articles and opinion pieces that offer membership the chance to share their expertise and draw attention to specific issues. Through this, we hope to encourage a culture of open communication amongst our membership, enrich their understanding on key topics, and inspire them to contribute to the enhancement of our wider Unificationist community. We are happy to receive your ideas, suggestions or written articles for consideration in our next newsletter - so let us know!

The views expressed in articles are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Directors of Cranes Club as a whole, nor does publication mean that it is an official position of the Cranes Club as an organization.

Normal vs. Natural - Matthew Huish

Who wants to be abnormal? No, we all want to be normal, right? We don’t want people to think there’s anything wrong with us. We don’t want to stand out as different or unusual, just in case someone notices and questions us why. When we compare ourselves with others and notice that we’re doing things differently from the way others are doing, we readjust our behaviour to fit in, don’t we? Or do we swim against the current when everyone else swims with it?

I’m the kind of person who’s quite happy to swim against the current. I don’t care if I’m the only one doing something differently when everyone else is doing it a certain way. In that sense, I don’t want to be normal, because I’m not comfortable with normal. Just because it’s normal doesn’t mean it’s right. Just because everyone thinks a certain way, or does things a certain way, doesn’t mean that’s the best way, or even a good way. Normal can sometimes be simply wrong. Normal can be damaging. Normal can be regressive. Normal can be inhibitive.

I’d rather pursue what is natural. I don’t think it’s natural to periodically fill one’s lungs with damaging smoke particles. In some cultures it might be normal, but it’s not natural, and indeed smoking isn’t good for one’s health. It would be healthier not to smoke. I don’t think it’s natural for teenagers to be isolated from hierarchical relationships; it’s normal for teenagers to be disconnected from their parents, teachers and other forms of authority, such as the police, but I don’t think it’s natural. It would be healthier for teenagers to be intimately bonded with their parents or teachers. It sounds so crazy, so unusual, to suggest but that’s because it’s not normal. And yet it’s one example where I believe what is natural is being pushed aside by what is normal.

The crazy thing is that many unnatural things are becoming normalised. There’s an effort to normalise all kinds of behaviours and habits. Even if these ways are not normal, in the sense that only a minority do things these ways, they are highlighted with increasing frequency in order to give the impression that they ought to be normal. And since humans learn by imitation, guess what, the behaviour becomes more prevalent as what used to be quite abnormal slowly becomes more and more normal in terms of the population as a whole. Unnatural, but normal.

Of course I’m generalising. It’s normal and natural for people to walk on two feet. Walking in any other way, when you have a healthy body, would not be as optimal. But there’s the caveat: it’s natural if you have a healthy body. Health matters in the context of what is natural. Some people are naturally born unhealthy, and this presents obstacles in terms of development. Reaching one’s full human potential is inhibited when health is not optimal. Ideally, we should all be able to reach our full human potential naturally. The problem is

very few of us do. None of us do, if our spiritual potential – the potential of our hearts to become like God’s heart – is considered.

So what we need is an unnatural grace. We need an unnatural way to help our broken, unhealthy selves escape from the prison of normality and be liberated to realise our natural potential. I want to campaign to revise normality, to redefine what is normal, and champion what ought to be natural. Through religion, I find many exercises and disciplines that retrain my unhealthy self to recover the fitness I need – psychologically, emotionally, intellectually, volitionally, spiritually, even physically – to pursue my God-given potential. And socially, we need fitness in our relationships that allows society to function.

So I question everything that is presented to me as normal, and seek what I feel ought to be natural.

Matthew Huish is the national leader of FFWPU in the UK before which he was pastor of the Bromley FFWPU community for several years. He has completed an MA in pastoral theology and is a proud husband and a father of 7 children.

You can read more of his blog posts at matthewhuish.wordpress,com/

Creating stars under your sky - a reflection on leadership - Sonja Read

Throughout several years of work I realised how often people have negative experiences at work due to a bad manager, and what a huge difference good management can do. My perhaps once naive belief that organisations and companies are generally highly professional in all aspects was shaken by the recognition that it’s shockingly common for managers and leaders just not to know how they should deal with people and with situations. All too often they do completely the wrong thing and are not aware, and maybe don’t consider, how they can elicit and develop the best performance from people to achieve a goal.

Indeed, Forbes reports that it’s common for organisations to be run by managers whose technical skills may be good but who don’t possess much leadership skills, and a significant amount of them has not received any training in management. In concordance with these facts, a US survey found that 58% of people report not trusting their managers and 79 % of people who leave a job do so due to lack of appreciation which is directly linked to management. Recognition for work from their managers is the main thing which employees report would motivate them to perform better – recognition surpasses higher salary, promotion and training as a motivational factor. (Forbes 2018a, Forbes 2018b)

Fair enough, managing people isn’t easy. But it’s a decisive factor in defining people’s experience in their jobs and there’s a lot more that organisations could do to invest to make better managers.

When I found myself heading a department of 21 people in Gaza, Palestine, my thoughts went back to content I received during my two years of STF and reflected on my own leadership style. Back then, my understanding of concepts such as leadership through service were limited to the specific situations that I was facing at the time. But the emphasis on the character of a leader and the spiritual or ”internal” aspects of leadership are things that I found to be extremely relevant to the professional environment also years later. Especially since these philosophies are hardly conveyed to managers today – along with any other management training. Complementing these, another important influence on my management has been the Scandinavian notion of using hierarchy only as a last resort in decision-making. For me, and in the context I was working in, these philosophies worked rather well and reassured me that they are effective in enhancing employee well-being and empowerment.

Whenever I was happy with my team members’ work I used to say that they are stars. One time the response of one of my colleagues to my ’Thanks [name], you’re a star!’ was ’I am a star under your sky.” This is one of the most unexpected and impressive compliments I remember ever getting in my life.

What kind of management style have you found to be effective?

Sonja Read is a public health nutritionist working in development cooperation and spent the last year working as MEAL and Program Coordinator in the French NGO Secours Islamique France in Gaza, Palestine.

Opportunities (Work & Volunteer)

Volunteers to help with the Cranes Club Annual Conference in Madrid We are now looking for people who share the vision of a more tightly connected community of Unificationist professionals to help - according to your own time and skills - with the organization of the Annual Conference in the beginning of May. You can be of help regardless of where you live, but this time we especially want to call out to anyone living in Spain to lend us a hand! If interested, get in touch with us at ( cranesclubeurope@ gmail,com )

AI developers and computer programmers, request for collaboration David Traore is a close friend of FFWPU in Dakar, Senegal, and he is keen to network concerning his AI facial recognition program he is developing. If you are in the industry and interested to find out more or get in touch with David, check out his CV here.

Cranes Club Education Conference Event Registration Date: 19-21 April, 2019

The primary way through which we will transform this world is though Principled education. We wish to create a space where educators from around Europe can meet up and offer their insights, share their wisdom, reflect on possibilities, and learn from mentors. We encourage you think about giving a talk or running a discussion group. We sincerely hope that this will provide a networking opportunity where people with similar interests can form bonds and work together on future projects. How can we explore ways to live a spiritual life and apply the Principle within the field of education?

Possible topics + more: Share your interest Philosophy of education, Pedagogy, Being a teacher/lecturer, Coaching teachers, Classroom management, Teacher - pupil relationships, Spiritual and moral education, Teaching particular subjects, School and educational reform, Curriculum development, School leadership and management, Challenges of political correctness, Sex and gender education, etc.

The conference could include sections for teachers based on age: pre-school, elementary, high school, college and university etc. It could also include sections for teachers based on subject specialism: science, humanities, character education etc.

Address: Livingstone House in Chislehurst, Kent, England BR7 5DB Contact: William Haines whaines@talktalk.net or bstacey5@gmail.com Maximum accommodation at Livingstone House is 30. Meeting starts: 19th April, 18:00 - dinner Meeting ends: 21st April. 13:00 - Lunch

There are frequent trains to Elmstead Woods Station near Livingstone House from London Bridge Station. The journey time is 28 minutes. The journey time from London Gatwick Airport using public transport is 1 hour. You can be picked up from Elmstead Woods Station.

Preliminary schedule: Friday evening 18 - Dinner 19 - Icebreakers, talk and, group work

Saturday 9 - Short presentations - E.g.: Goal of Principle-centred education 10:30 - Free choice breakout sessions - groups or talks 12 - Free choice breakout sessions - groups or talks 13 - Lunch 14:30 - Presentation - E.g.: Educational methods 16 - Free choice breakout sessions - groups or talks 17:30 - Free choice breakout sessions - groups or talks 18:30 Dinner 20 - Panel discussion

Sunday 9:30 - Presentation - E.g.: 11:00 - Feedback - reflection

12:30 Official End 13: Lunch

Email address *

From which nation? *

Which age group(s) are you interested in * Kindergarten

Secondary/High School

University/College

Adult education

What are you most interested in discussing? * Your answer

Which Days will you attend? * Friday Evening

Sunday Morning

When do you expect to arrive? Date

When do you expect to leave? Date

Would you like a room? * Friday Night

Saturday Night

Sunday Night

Would you like to give a talk? If yes, what topic?

Would you like to lead a discussion? If yes, on what?

Would you like help with your travelling?

Would you like to join the sightseeing group? Sunday Afternoon

Monday Morning

Dietary requirements *

The conference fees: Those who register before 10th March can have 10% discount. Cranes Club members are entitled to a 10% discount. * £60 or 70 Euros - includes, conference, 2 nights stay + food

Staying extra night on Sunday - add £15 or Eur 18

Friday evening, dinner and conference - £10 or Eur 12

Saturday whole day, conference + food = £20 or Eur 23

Sunday morning, lunch and conference - £10 or Eur 12

How would you like to pay? *

Paypal - to account: bstacey5a@gmail.com

cash upon arrival

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You are invited to

Cranes Club Educators Conference 19-21 April Livingstone House, 13 Beechcroft, Chislehurst, BR7 5DB, UK The primary way through which we will transform this world is though Principled education. We wish to create a space where educators from around Europe can meet up and offer their insights, share their wisdom, reflect on possibilities, and learn from mentors. We encourage you think about giving a talk or running a discussion group. We hope that this will provide a networking opportunity where people with similar interests can form bonds and work together on future projects. How can we explore ways to live a spiritual life and apply the Principle within the field of education?

Possible topics + more: Preliminary schedule: Share your interest Arrive Friday late afternoon: Philosophy of education 18 – Dinner Pedagogy 19 - Icebreakers, talk and, group work Being a teacher/lecturer Saturday Coaching teachers 9 - Short presentations - E.g.: Goal of Principle- Classroom management centred education Teacher - pupil relationships 10 - Free choice breakout sessions - groups or talks Spiritual and moral education 12 - Free choice breakout sessions - groups or talks Teaching particular subjects 13 - Lunch 14 - Presentation - E.g.: Educational methods School and educational reform 16 - Free choice breakout sessions - groups or talks Curriculum development 17 - Free choice breakout sessions - groups or talks School leadership and management 18:30 - Dinner Primary, secondary and tertiary 20 - Panel discussion education Challenges of political correctness Sunday 9:30 - Presentation Sex and gender education 11:00 - Feedback - reflection 12:30 - Official End 13:00 - Lunch Full Conference Fee: £60 or 70 Euros - includes, conference, 2 nights stay + food Friday evening Or Sunday morning: Meal and conference - £10 or Eur 12 Saturday whole day: £20 or Eur 23 - conference + food (discount included) We would encourage you to confirm your attendance soon as possible. Places are limited. Register through the Cranes Club Facebook Page – Events. For further information - William whaines@talktalk.net or Barbara bstacey5@gmail.com

Application for a Cranes Club grant During this year’s Annual Conference in May, we will be giving out two grants: a 1,000 € grant and a 500 € grant. We are open to supporting any project, whether it is non-profit, educational, artistic, or business focused. The applicants will be shortlisted by the Directors and the final decision will be voted on by the members at the AGM. Please fill out this form if you are interested in applying for a grant.

Email address *

Please explain your project shortly * Your answer

What is the main reason you are applying for a Cranes Club grant? * Your answer

Please give a short breakdown of how you would use the grant money * Your answer

How does your activity align with the Cranes Club’s efforts and goals? Your answer

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Healthy Minds Enhancing the wellbeing of FFWPU membership in Europe

Every year, one in four people experience some form of mental health problems. Members of FFWPU (also known as the Unification Church) community are not immune to such issues.

Healthy Minds is a project that was initiated under Cranes Club Europe, as a way of enhancing the European Unification Church community culture, prioritising the wellbeing of membership and supporting the needs of members with mental health issues.

On this website you will find in depth information about the project, as well as a list of informative resources.

The project is very open to your thoughts, suggestions and support, so please do not hesitate to get in contact.

BLOG AT WORDPRESS.COM.

DAVID TRAORE

Cite Djily Mbaye, Dakar, SN (221)771614090

david@d-techonline.com

Current R&D project

Currently working on implementing computer vision with deep learning as an Arti ficial Intelligence solution for organizations needing a facial recognition system. A first example is an authentication system for digital or physical access to resources. A second example could be to search for people in an image, video or a live stream with respect to a large dataset.

• Innovator of next-generation solutions, systems and applications giving companies a competitive edge and producing outstanding results for customers.

• Knowledge of commercial and open source software/database engineering tools, design techniques and security standards.

• Excellent programming skills and a passion for developing and improving.

• Outstanding ability to master other programing languages and technologies.

Technology Hand on Experience

Computer vision and robotic mobility, Java, Python, Perl, PHP, C, C++, Linux, Android Studio, Xcode, XML, MySQL, Electronics, 3D design and printing.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ORBIT Sarl, Dakar, SN

CEO/Software developer, 2015 to present

Accomplishment:

Design and Manufacturing of a Micro Business Intelligence Machine.Develop, maintain and support application programs for administrative, Web and mobile systems using Java and related tools. Analyze code for system testing and debugging.

Mercury is the central server where the personnel document their project work and file the tasks they have delivered on time-sheets. Its main purpose is to ease access to what have been produced and help to report on the exact pieces of work done over a

period of time. It has onboard on board a project management software(from project creation until completion ),a data analysis software, a data backup software, a contact management software, a web server software, a file server,a recursive search engine.

Developed and deployed an Android application for data for collection, management and bulk SMS for a private company. For a detail description of the app please visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.orbit.mypeople3. Using your android phone will take you to the Play Store where you may download the app.

Due to the privacy policy of the server and the android app, I’m available to demonstrate its functionalities upon your request.

D-TECH Sarl, Ouagadougou, BF Chief Technology Of ficer, 2004-2014

Accomplishment: • Built and sold 200 desktop computers from scratch in partnership with Taiwanese components manufacturers • Led a team of 7(engineering, administrative) • Provided end to end technical support to customers

EDUCATION University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Field: Computer Science.