MONROE - Monroe United Methodist Church is inviting representatives of local organizations to meet to discuss ways to improve communication for groups that serve youth.
The church is passionate about helping youth and wants to work more closely with other youth-oriented groups, leaders said. Their goal is to ensure Monroe is a great place to raise kids and young adults, and where it's easy for parents and guardians to know the options that suit their children, values and resources of time and finances.
Leaders said their first steps are to get the organizers of middle and high school activities, sports, events, and ministries together to talk about passions and plans, where the gaps are and what can be done in the future. Some questions to be answered are: How can people better communicate - and possibly cooperate - for youth activities for autumn 2017? And what can be done long term?
The church is inviting two people from every organization to join the conversation at one of the following meetings: Breakfast at 7 a.m. June 21 or lunch at noon June 22. Both meetings will be identical, except the menu. There is no cost for the meal. If interested, call 608-325-6700 or email monroeumc@tds.net by Thursday.
The goal is to create better communication for as many groups who serve youth as possible. This will culminate in a single website with an updated calendar, links to other websites and ways to keep youth involved.
The meetings are for all who work with youth and is not driven by faith-based organizations, although faith-based groups are welcome. No costs are anticipated for any group.
The church would like to host an event like this every six months to keep the conversation going and plan together to provide better coordinated programs for youth.
It is hoped the website will expand to include articles on good parenting, life skills for emerging adults, multi-generational events and Bible schools and will end pigeon-holing youth into tribes of athletes, academics and avoiders. The diversity of youth activities, classes and ministries that already exists should be shown.
Key questions are:
• What will your group be doing in fall/winter of 2017?
• What is the full range of options for youth and their families?
• Is financial support available?
• How can children be exposed to something new?
• How can they learn, serve or participate beyond themselves?
Anyone not able to attend a meal this month but still interested in working with other youth-oriented organizations and wanting to stay informed can contact the church.
The church is passionate about helping youth and wants to work more closely with other youth-oriented groups, leaders said. Their goal is to ensure Monroe is a great place to raise kids and young adults, and where it's easy for parents and guardians to know the options that suit their children, values and resources of time and finances.
Leaders said their first steps are to get the organizers of middle and high school activities, sports, events, and ministries together to talk about passions and plans, where the gaps are and what can be done in the future. Some questions to be answered are: How can people better communicate - and possibly cooperate - for youth activities for autumn 2017? And what can be done long term?
The church is inviting two people from every organization to join the conversation at one of the following meetings: Breakfast at 7 a.m. June 21 or lunch at noon June 22. Both meetings will be identical, except the menu. There is no cost for the meal. If interested, call 608-325-6700 or email monroeumc@tds.net by Thursday.
The goal is to create better communication for as many groups who serve youth as possible. This will culminate in a single website with an updated calendar, links to other websites and ways to keep youth involved.
The meetings are for all who work with youth and is not driven by faith-based organizations, although faith-based groups are welcome. No costs are anticipated for any group.
The church would like to host an event like this every six months to keep the conversation going and plan together to provide better coordinated programs for youth.
It is hoped the website will expand to include articles on good parenting, life skills for emerging adults, multi-generational events and Bible schools and will end pigeon-holing youth into tribes of athletes, academics and avoiders. The diversity of youth activities, classes and ministries that already exists should be shown.
Key questions are:
• What will your group be doing in fall/winter of 2017?
• What is the full range of options for youth and their families?
• Is financial support available?
• How can children be exposed to something new?
• How can they learn, serve or participate beyond themselves?
Anyone not able to attend a meal this month but still interested in working with other youth-oriented organizations and wanting to stay informed can contact the church.