What To Expect In A Large Urban Community
Before your group serves in a large urban community, you’ll want to learn a little bit about life in the big city. Here are a few things to prepare your leaders and teenagers for service in large urban communities.
Life in a Large Urban Community
Life in a big city keeps moving and changing. While one neighborhood is transitioning into a thriving business district, another is sliding into decay and poverty. Because urban areas are such diverse environments, it’s not hard to feel flooded with sensory overload. The sights, sounds and smells of the city can easily overwhelm the most seasoned traveler. Population density is much higher in the city, so there are always more people, more shops, more cars…more everything.
“More” may sound overwhelming when it comes to amount, but it also means to additional greatness. In large communities you’ll experience more cultural and ethnic diversity, more community established partnerships addressing increased social issues and more unique neighborhood communities taking care of one another.
We invite you to join us as we continue to let go of preconceptions and get to know community members as they are and not as we may expect them to be.
Serving in a Large Urban Community
At YouthWorks, we have learned that there are a number of typical reactions groups experience stepping into this type of community. We share these with you so you know what to expect and so you understand that it’s normal to have these feelings.
Driving takes longer. Sometimes people enjoy this because they get to see more. Sometimes people get stressed out. Sometimes it just makes people feel tired. Slow traffic and occasionally getting lost are part of visiting an urban area. Your patience on the road will help you and your passengers feel safe.
Schedules feel fuller. Serving at multiple service sites during the day can make the schedule feel packed with an added transition during the day. While the schedule may seem full, don’t miss this opportunity to appreciate the diversity of places you and your teenagers will experience in the city.
There are more people around. Although these trips hold the same size groups as other YouthWorks sites, it can just seem like a lot of people. It is hard to find a quiet oasis in the city, and this can be challenging when you’re in the middle of the trip. On the other hand, there’s an energy about urban areas that can be invigorating.
Opinions are more vocally shared. In an urban area, typically there is a higher prevalence of activism and social justice initiatives. Be patient and respectful of community members sharing their voices and opinions – even if they differ from yours.
Questions to Ask Before Your Service Experience:
- What are some ways culture or ethnicity impact our faith, ministry and relationships?
- How can the views from our culture impact your week in a different culture?
- What are some stereotypes we might have about a large urban area? How might these be misconceptions?
No matter where you serve, you have the incredible opportunity do something meaningful alongside unique individuals whom God calls sons and daughters. How will you prepare for the place, so you can more effectively serve and learn from the people?
Not sure if a large urban community is the right fit for your group? Check out our other community types.
CLICK HERE to receive more information on serving with YouthWorks!
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