2016 will be a big year for the Press Service International young writer program with Christian Today. This is a short list.
The Program
The 2016 program commences with the International young writers week on 17 January. There are again 5 weeks in each Cycle with 10 Cycles in 2016. This start date represents a neat conclusion to 2016 with the final Week 5 Cycle 10 articles due the week prior to Christmas.
The Cycles have the 5 weeks as follows:
Week 1 International young writers
Weeks 2 and 3 - Australian young writers
Week 4 New Zealand young writers,
Weeks 5 Australian young writers.
There are two new Week Co-ordinators: Rosanne Menacho (Melbourne) Week 3 replacing foundation young writer Laura Veloso; and Irenie How (Christchurch) as the NZ Week Co-ordinator, a new position.
Annual conference
The annual conference will be 12-13 August at Stanmore House (Salvation Army) inner Sydney. Friday evening 12 August is a meet and greet the Panellists. The Awards 4.00-6.00pm Saturday 13 August after the day of workshops and an afternoon "Panel" has been incorporated.
The Basil Sellers Awards highlight the top awards. An "award" age limit has been adopted of 18-35 in line with the Christian Today readership. Replacing the Theological Award with a Faith and Context Award. The Sport Award has been re-named 'The Tony Dunkerley Sport Writer Award'
Panellists
A policy to incorporate senior / former young writers has borne fruit:
Nathanael Yates, Sophia Sinclair and Daniel Stott as International young writer Panellists.
Tash McGill, Peter Rope as New Zealand young writer Panellists.
Jeremy Dover an Australian young writer Panellist.
In addition there are new Panellists on board – Brent Costley in New Zealand and Walson Mathew in Australia.
Vision-Mission
The Leadership Group Young Writers met 30-31 October to develop this at Mr Basil Sellers AM behest.
Foundation
Press Service International established the Young Writers' Program in 2008 aiming to provide Christian young adults with a unique opportunity to develop and express their views through comment writing.
With the support of Mr. Basil Sellers AM and the leadership of Dr. Mark Tronson the program flourished to include writers from Australia, New Zealand and all over the world. Today the program is led by a team of writers overseeing the weekly publication of articles, the development of the program, and annual conferences.
The Young Writers' Program currently provides content for Christian Today Australia's website.
Vision
The culture of the Young Writers' Program values unity in Christ, and the diversity of insights and experiences of each member.
Our desire is to live in the world with integrity, to witness to the light of Christ, and to follow Him as faithful disciples. We affirm Christian Today's Statement of Faith, and interpret our role to be a Christian presence living out our faith through writing.
Our aim is to nurture a culture of development where young adults have the opportunity to mature in their writing and hone their voice. Providing editorial oversight and feedback fosters a mentoring community. Annual conferences allow us to grow and connect within our international writers' network. We value excellence and celebrate the achievements of individual writers across the year, culminating in annual awards determined by a group of independent panelists.
Mission Statement
Our passion is to equip and encourage young adult writers as they voice their faith in Christ to their generation.
Separation of Powers
Well-Being Australia Inc., is the parent ministry of Press Service International and a document was prepared for the 'Leadership Group Young Writers' delineating the "separation of powers' between the two groups. This was further highlighted by a document by Gavin Lawrie, an Australian Panellist and a retired Barrister who clarified the role of the Well-Being Australia Inc..
The Chief editor, the editor of the young writer program and Christian Today have a duty of care to thwart any publishing dramas with articles that are unsuitable in such a program. Gavin Lawrie shared his advise, advise he has given to his clients over 32 years in law, "If in doubt don't".
One Day in Melbourne – Evangelicals On-line (Conf)
In 2015 there were regional meetings with editor Sophia Sinclair in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Tasmania and Brisbane. In 2016 the Melbourne regional meeting will combine with 'One Day in Melbourne- Evangelicals On-line' where Sophia Sinclair is one of the speakers. It is a one day conference on Saturday 16 April for evangelicals in Christian media.
2016 indeed is a big year for the PSI young writer program.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html