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Urban
Experience:
Raising Awareness about Urban
Issues
Urban Experience's
mission is to "increase the awareness of race, class and justice issues
by exposing participants to activities that reflect urban
concerns."
Director: Janet Morrison, Ed.D.
(email)
Tel:
214-498-6097
If you have a
group that is interested in participating, please contact us today to
reserve
your spot.
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URBAN EXPERIENCE
Primary
Goals for Participants
Exposure
Dallas, along
with many other cities, has a wealth of cultural enclaves that often go
unnoticed by mainstream society. Through exposure to these areas, Urban
Experience guides participants in discovering the richness of our urban
and minority communities.
Awareness
Today's
society often segregates people by race, class or other factors,
leaving them unaware of the issues plaguing those with whom they do not
usually interact. Urban Experience seeks to help participants become
more aware of urban issues in a way that challenges and broadens
perspectives.
Reciprocity
Relationships
are a vital part of the philosophy of Central Dallas Ministries.
Central Dallas Ministries realizes that relationships are a two-way
street of giving to as well as receiving from. We realize that our
friends and neighbors from the community have plenty to contribute to
the process at Central Dallas Ministries as well as to our personal
well-being. The programs at Central Dallas Ministries are deeply rooted
in reciprocity. Urban Experience is designed to move participants
beyond charity to understanding the importance and benefits of
developing long-term relationships with all people. Urban Experience is designed to move participants beyond charity to understanding the importance and benefits of developing long-term relationships with all people.
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One Week
This one-week, urban learning experience provides daily activities, and simulations are designed to generate dialogue between Urban Experience participants and urban leaders. Participants are provided with $1.50 per meal, the typical amount provided when one receives food stamps. Many participants will utilize the public transportation system while seeking out resources in order to resolve real life scenarios throughout the day. Daily discussion and debriefing encourages individuals to discuss challenges, evaluate biases, and think about ways they can be more involved in solutions. Opportunities are available to engage in community activities each evening and volunteer with partner organizations throughout the week. .
One Day
The one-day Urban Experience involves a simulation where participants face different scenarios and challenges with varying degrees of resources based on real life circumstances. The majority of the day is spent traveling throughout the city accessing resources needed for the real life scenario. Participants return after lunch to debrief the day, discuss challenges, and brainstorm ways to be more engaged in advocacy efforts.
Half Day
The half-day Urban Experience is a 3-hour workshop that focuses on engaging participants in activities that provide thought-provoking discussion about poverty and the challenges associated with being poor.
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