Culture
Over the years, Sydney YAD has developed its own special culture, which encompasses the language that we use as well as some of the behaviours that we exhibit. Here we will try to capture them all so that you can understand what we are talking about, or why we do things (Note that this page is meant to be light hearted and satirical. Please do not take it too seriously).
Behaviour
Forced Volunteerism
Volunteering in the Sydney YAD culture is a fairly efficient process and that's how we manage to get so many things done. During meetings, when jobs are being allocated there is typically one or two that people dread to touch. However, the job must be done and thus we are somewhat stuck. That is when Forced Volunteerism can be seen in action at its best. After a few moments of silence after the question is pronounced "so who wants to do that?" someone pipes up and says "i think should do it because it would be a great experience for them to learn new things" which is immediately followed by loud applauding and pats on the back. The applauding acts as encouragement for the unfortunate victim, but primary use is for drowning out anything the victim may have to say. After the victim realises that there is nothing they can do to reverse the decision, the applause dies down and the next job is allocated.
Language
Temple Nerd
Reverend Power - "Yes or Yes?"
They say that the arhats had cultivated to a level that allowed them to obtain supernatural powers. This must be true since many witnesses have reported seeing, hearing or even being the subject of such supernatural power. This power, is known as "Reverend Power". It can not be seen or felt, but can be best described as a subtle form of manipulation. YAD that have not been around for a long time can not sense the power being used on them, but those YAD that have been around for several years will feel it but can not resist it. The power allows the Reverend to always elicit an affirmitive response from devotees and YAD despite the fact that resources are stretched already. Sometimes a question will be asked to make it seem like there is a choice:"Hi YAD President, I was thinking that you should organise next year's ANZBYC. What do you think - yes or yes?". The guile of this question is unmatched as the two alternatives offered all lead down the same dark road.