Thanks Ralf for your continued conversation. There have been a couple of books published in the last few years about men and church, like Why Men Hate Going to Church. It's an interesting debate!

Thanks Roger. I tried replying to your last comment but my browser crashed! Sorry about that, and welcome to the blog.

Ha! Thanks Amy, I thought the same thing!

"You've done really well but if you don't bring the books back we'll cancel the degree!"

Hi Leo, thanks for the comment and great to see your blog taking shape! It's good to know there's more critical and reflective thought happening out there.

You've got a point about addressing the issue offline. I think that face-to-face interaction is vital in order to prevent misunderstanding and allow for honest conversation.

I do however also think there's a need to address it online too. By simply ignoring the comment (as you would be seen to do), it gives acceptance or indifference to the bullying it implies. The writer and subsequent readers need to know that sort of comment is unacceptable.

For more info and draft policies on online conduct, check out Youth Work Online and in particular, this thread which has some great advice.

Thanks Ralf, if you find a suitable service in Germany please share it here so others can use it too!

Hi Chris, we produced a postcard size form asking the young people to give us their mobile number separately from the main consent forms. This is so that they can voluntarily choose to give us their details. Having said that, I've also put space for it on the main consent form now as well.
Both these forms have a disclaimer that we will only message them about relevant activities and they can remove themselves at any time.

Good question, and one I need to experiment with. The few occasions we've had to change a session, I've simply text the whole group (as it's a one-click process). It would be interesting to try just texting a 'high-priority' smaller group and asking them to spread the word. I'd have to identify certain people who have contact with many of the others.

Sounds like some winning features! Thanks for sharing Mike.

Hi Chris, we haven't booked yet but 4 of us from Littlehampton are planning to go. Sounds like a good day.

Hi Tim, Great job with a simple design. I love the way you're pulling in the info from other sites to one central location.