Veida 2011 Review

Noa Lessof-Gendler

Once again, Noam’s annual decision-making residential, Veida, was jam-packed with fantastic kef programmes including cooking brownies and watching the Lion King, expertly-led tefillah, noisy mealtimes, inspirational lunchie ‘n’ learnie speakers and thought-provoking peulot, as well as a plethora of tricky and controversial motions, proposed and voted on by Noam members from Nofim all the way to the Mazkirut. 
However, it was the dramatic changes to Noam’s ideology that really set this year’s Veida apart from the previous ones. Get ready for it: Noam no longer has either a ‘Democracy’ branch or a ‘Hadracha’ branch. But according to the thirty Noamniks who gathered in Kent for four days to represent the heart and soul of the movement, what we have now is far better: a ‘Democratic Community’ branch, placing emphasis on the practicalities of democracy, rather than just supporting the theory, and a ‘Hagshama’ branch, which encourages personal development through leadership rather than leadership for the sake of it. 
As well as this, Noam decided to support one primary charity a year that it will build a relationship with and help to raise awareness about; the roles of the mercaz, educators and senior madrichim were redefined; and the use of Yiddish and Arabic will be encouraged on camps and residential events. One of the most exciting and widely agreed-on motions was to bring back camping in Nofim Aleph – despite some concern from the floor regarding hygiene, the general consensus was that this would make Nofim Aleph the best year of camp by far. There is also to be a database of peulot complete with a feedback section, in true Noam style. Other big motions included repealing the house system of 2011, repealing the phone policy of 2011, and that Masorti religious authorities must be consulted before altering Noam’s position pertaining to a halachic or theological issue. And, most importantly, Bjen Oksophth’s name is now officially spelt like that. 2011 has been a year of dramatic changes and controversy, and Veida 2012 will struggle to be quite as productive, challenging and entertaining.

But what is Veida? 

Veida is Noam's decision making body. All members of the movement Year 9 and above are eligible to come and discuss the state of the movement and vote on Noam's ideology and its policies.

All participating members have an equal say. whether you are a Chanich, Madrich, Rosh or Office worker at veida everyone is equal. one person one vote. Traditional boundaries are blurred as the whole spectrum of the movement come together and debate on equal terms.

 Make sure you and your views are represented.

 Veida is excellent practice for debating societies and a whole range of other skills such as communication of an argument in an informed and intelligent way which is an essential skill for life.

 Veida starts off with a two day camp to establish the state of the movement, what the key issues are and get in the Noam bubble. Afterwards the conference begins. The discussions are split into categories which are usually determined by which branch of Noam's ideology the issue relates to. 

 The issues discussed are determined by what motions or proposals are put forward. Noam members can propose motions or changes to Noam all year round but this is the opportunity to discuss and vote upon them. There is a panel made up of one representative from each age group who decides which motions are discussed and in what order.   

Noam is a youth movement and should be led by the youth. Come along and make sure your voice is heard.  

More information on Veida 2012 will be available after Summer 2012.