ROC Ambassadors Conference - May 2011
from Debra's Blog
The ROC Ambassadors conference exceeded all our expectations. Sixty highly talented, very proactive people, gathered from all over the UK including; Northern Ireland, Cleveland, Derby, Edinburgh, Avon, Devon & Cornwall, Staffordshire, Hastings, Eastbourne, Bognor Regis, Crewe, Bury, London, Birmingham, and Chelmsford.
There are so many highlights and great stories to share. One Police officer who had been skeptical about ROC talked about his Damascus Road experience. He is now actively promoting ROC projects across his patch.
It was so good to meet several folks from the South East who are getting fired up about ROC. We heard that ROC Bognor Regis would be launching on Thursday May 12th and conversations also took place about Hasting and Eastbourne. The Chief Constable of Sussex Police has pledged his support of ROC.
It was great to meet quite a few folks from the South West and to start planning the launch of ROC Plymouth (which will include towns and villages from across Devon & Cornwall) on October 20th.
One of my memorable moments was meeting Pastor Peter Nembhard from Newham. Peter remembers the day that he was on the other side of the law. Now he works to help young people make the right life choices and has seen firsthand how the gang culture destroys lives. He said “I was curious to find out more about ROC. God spoke to me and broke my heart for my community. I want to be an Ambassador for ROC. I want to see it happen in my community, the black community in London. I’ve been challenged. It’s worked.” Peter co-hosted the ROC Newham conversations event on May 18th, which was attended by over 250 people.
What other delegates had to say:
I have been challenged and inspired as a result of attending the ROC conference. I attended with an open mind looking to see if or what doors would open. I leave with the intention of prayerfully considering how I might be able to support ROC and its aims and values. Whatever the outcome I believe ROC is for this time and generation.
- Ian Haigh, Staffordshire Police
I love the emphasis of the Church leading transformation of communities but not feeling they have to 'do it all'! Bringing in multi-agency expertise and providing the catalyst for action is so powerful.
- Chris Clewer, Churches Together Plymouth
ROC is a fantastic vehicle to mobilise more of the church to get involved with positive action to help others and rebuild communities. I encourage anyone with a heart for their community to get involved.
- Pete Blackburn, West Midlands Police
I would say: if you're not truly sure about the 'ROC' concept - attend a conversation, attend a conference or just talk to people and feel the inspiration that washes over you.
- Lisa Harvey-Nebil, Bury Youth Services/
ROC Café Prestwich
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ROC Ambassadors Conference May 2011
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