Reckoning launched its first initiative in Amsterdam on 13 January called Kunst and Kijk (Art and See). We have about 25 students and 4 volunteers from YWAM as well as some good friends who are documenting our pilot and producing a DVD.

Last week, the topic was respect and ironically we had some real issues with respect. One learner, Habib, who is about 10, was addressed a number of times for yelling at others at his table, talking back to the adults and had a general disrespectful attitude. After the workshop was over, I pulled him aside with Matt. Matt had to help translate for me:  

• I said to him: "Today seemed like apretty hard day for you." 
• He shrugged his shoulders.
• I said: "What is going to be different next week?" 

• "I don't know."

• "That is not an answer. I need for you to tell me how next week is going to be different. How are you going to be more respectful next week?"

• "I will ignore those sitting next to me." 

• "I am sorry but that is not an option. They are on your team and you need to talk with them. If you cannot tell me what is going to be different you can not come back."

• "I come, I come!"

• "Well, then you need to tell me what will be different."

• "I don't know."

• "Do you need help, examples or suggestions?"

• "No."

• "OK, well, we would love to have you come back, but you need to be able to tell me what is going to be different, because you can not continue to behave this way. Before Kunst and Kijk next week we will talk and if you can tell me what will be different, we can talk about you staying."

I don't know if Habib will be able tostay. I hope he can stay. As I was on my way home, I was reflecting on how this small interaction so illustrates how so many deal with conflict; ignore it, ignore others and the problem will go away. We all know it doesn't.

• What if Habib learns he can act differently if he chooses it?
• What kind of empowerment will he gain when he learns new ways of managing his anger or frustration?
• What if Habib can't come back and it causes him to realize his choices have consequences?

Stay tuned to hear what happens with Habib.


Our objective is to multiply this effort, train loads of folks working in these areas and increase the effectiveness of social transformation. These pilots are done in a collaborative effort with the initiatives Reckoning does in Ventura county with Lynne and Chris. Consider Amsterdam and Ventura county as sister communities where we learn and grow from what each site does to improve the other!