What I learnt from the CARE Leadership Programme
CARE
Written by a Grad from the 2023-24 Leadership Programme.
My journey onto the CARE Leadership Programme was not planned or expected, however, it is one that I certainly do not regret. Beginning my final year of university unsure what to do and where to go next, I had considered a few options as to what my post-university steps could be.
This changed drastically in the matter of a few days. After discussing my lack of plans with a couple at church, they then sent me a picture of the CARE Leadership Programme leaflet that they received in the post a few days later.
As I read about CARE and the programme, I was enticed. A year getting to explore politics, alongside the opportunity to wrestle with theological issues in a community of fellow young believers, seemed an opportunity worth applying for and one that would no doubt stand me in good stead for whatever I did next. After taking part in the programme’s selection day and seeing the seriousness with which the programme was taken, I was even more convinced that this was something I wanted to be on. And so it was, that I ended up accepting a place to be part of the CARE Leadership Programme 2023-24.
The year itself was highly enriching. Moving to London can be daunting, but I found that the CARE programme helped ease the transition into post-university life. With the other grads in my cohort, I had the opportunity to get to know a wonderful bunch of people, with whom I was able to strike up friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. As a group, we enjoyed our time together and would also meet in Parliament for lunches, supporting each other throughout the ups and downs of work and life. Not only this, but our weekly devotions and catch-ups at the start of the CARE Fridays were a helpful time of reflection and pausing amidst busy weeks.
Another highlight from these Fridays was the excellent teaching that we received. From the very first week we were able to experience some fantastic teaching, including a discussion on worldviews. In our induction we covered various topics like Old Testament law and epistemology, laying groundwork for future in-depth political theology sessions. Alongside this, we had the opportunity to meet a range of Christian leaders in different spheres, which opened my eyes to the various different ways that one can witness to God in the political realm, whether that be as a Parliamentarian, businessperson, charity worker or researcher.
I particularly enjoyed how the study sessions helped me to think more about justice issues, not just on the issues CARE works on like human trafficking and gambling, but also in regard to employment practices and how we use our money. In addition, the study sessions deepened my Christian worldview and help explore the biblical basis behind this. The sessions also extended into some fantastic study weekends and a study week in the summer, which were both intellectually and spiritually enriching, not least because we got away from the busyness of London for a few days!
The learning was not limited to my time with CARE. My placement with an MP provided a unique insight into the workings of an MP’s office, including interactions with constituents, other MPs and external stakeholders. This was an opportunity to (imperfectly) practice the principles of Christian leadership that we heard so much about on CARE Fridays. As my MP was on a select committee, an aspect of parliamentary work I was largely unaware of before, I was able to witness about some of the legislative scrutiny that MPs of all parties contribute to. Seeing how my MP worked with the select committee team to organise committee inquiries, witnesses and reports was highly instructive.
It also proved to be a humbling experience. With lots of administrative work to do, it taught me more about working hard as unto the Lord in a context where some of the tasks I was required to do were relatively monotonous, and to do so with a joyful spirit. My MP and staff team also taught me about being prepared, ordered and confident in my delivery. Though I knew very little at the start (probably less than I thought I did), I was able to pick their brains about various policies, and was challenged to consider my own views and recommendations in discussions with my MP. Being asked to research topics that I had no knowledge of beforehand also deepened my general and political knowledge.
Furthermore, writing to constituents enabled me to practice gathering information and then delivering it in an appropriate and timely manner to explain my MPs thoughts on a certain scenario, as well as the opportunity to sympathise with and provide assistance to constituents in need of help. This showed me how love and justice come strongly into an MP’s role as they look after their constituency. I saw this all the more with the repeated questions asked in the chamber surrounding local issues, the 1000s of letters and dozens of surgeries that my team put their effort into. The placement also showed me just how much privilege I have been afforded, and how fortunate I was to be in a relatively comfortable position in London when our constituency faced real difficulties with healthcare services.
I was also encouraged overall by the strong Christian witness in Parliament, many members of which we were fortunate to meet as part of the programme or in Parliament. This stretched further than parliamentarians, including staff of all sorts across the various departments within Parliament. I am particularly grateful for Christians in Parliament and their regular chapel services, which added community and truth to workdays in Parliament.
As we were quite the odd year with a General Election, many of us had the added bonus of taking part in a general election campaign, speaking to the constituents about their voting intentions on the doorstep and over the phone. The intensity of campaigning was a reality check for many of us, though, an unforgettable time nonetheless.
With all now said and done, I can say that I had a great time on the CARE Leadership Programme. It taught me richly about politics and Christian political engagement, with a real view of the upsides and downsides to being in the political space. It tested my character in positive ways, and pushed me to engage with alternative viewpoints that I had not considered. It showed me how God works powerfully in people’s lives and how the seeds sown in youth can bear fruit later. So if you’re on the fence, I highly recommend giving it a chance!