The Rites of Passage Institute (ROPI) CEO, Dr Arne Rubinstein recently received an OAM for his work with youth, having become a globally recognised expert on the topic of Rites of Passage, a best-selling author and international speaker, so some were surprised when he accepted an invitation to conduct his leadership training in the Far West.
Best known for writing The Making of Men, Dr Rubinstein (or Dr Arne as he’s more commonly known), has spent 30 years researching rite of passage (ROP) ceremonies around the world because as a young doctor raising two boys, he became increasingly concerned about the risky behaviours that were landing young people in the hospital emergency department where he then worked in Mullumbimby, NSW.
“Indigenous and traditional cultures around the world recognise the importance of the transitions that occur throughout a lifetime,” said Dr Arne when we caught up for a chat about ROPI and what to expect from his leadership training.
“In modern society, we’ve lost most rites of passage so we instead see young people trying to create their own, often with disastrous consequences.
“The need for programs that help equip young people with the confidence and tools to tackle the adventure and challenges that lie ahead are more critical now than ever,” he said.
“Over many years, I’ve worked closely with professionals and community leaders to create an educational model based on The Rite of Passage Framework that supports individuals to strengthen their sense of self, learn critical life skills, discover their potential and create a healthy vision for the future,” said Dr Arne. “As a GP and as the CEO of ROPI, my aim has always been to create a world where all people and communities thrive.”
In response to community concerns around the shutdown of Willyama High School, student integration into Broken Hill High School, and other issues effecting the youth culture of Broken Hill and surrounding communities, Dr Arne and his team are heading for the Far West to hold a three-day leadership training in early August.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting Far West community members who want to learn about Rites of Passage, people who want to develop and facilitate truly transformational programs for people of all ages,” Dr Arne said.
“ROPI has set up programs in more than 20 countries but there’s no place like home, so when someone reached out to us with concerns about a major transition occurring in Broken Hill that is impacting hundreds of students, we put our heads together to create a space on our 2024 calendar,” he said.
“A Rite of Passage is a necessary part of a person’s development so our aim is to create masterful transformational facilitators that will help to guide people and groups towards living their best lives,” says Dr Arne.
“Our Leadership Training is commonly attended by teachers, outdoor educators, mentors, coaches, social workers, police, psychologists and parents,” he said. “We also work closely with Indigenous groups who want to integrate the ROP framework into their existing programs, or to create new programs suited to unique cultural practices.”
ROPI is best known for it’s Making of Men Camp, a contemporary Rites of Passage program designed for fathers to accompany sons aged between 14 to 17 years on a five-day camp that supports fathers to guide sons during this often challenging transformational stage, with mothers playing an integral role pre and post camp.
“Our intention for this leadership training is to support adults in the Broken Hill community who are supporting young people,” said Dr Arne. “With school staff and students facing such challenging times right now, we’d certainly welcome school leaders to reach out to us to discuss how ROPI can help them while in the region.”
With only 25 spaces available, locals are encouraged to register now for the August Leadership Training being held from 10am Friday August 9 to 3pm Sunday August 11 at the old Silverton Courthouse.
For more information about ROP camps, facilitator training, or school programs, visit: ritesofpassageinstitute.org/ or call 02 6698 6158.
To register for the August Leadership Training, go to: ritesofpassageinstitute.org/training/bespoke-level-1-rites-of-passage-framework/.
