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Advocacy #3
We ask young people to speak for their own needs and advocate for their peers
Context
Our vision of pastoral ministry with young people proposes an approach that attends to a wide spectrum of needs and attuned to the distinct developmental, social, cultural, and religious needs as well. We remain focused on young people. Yet we recognize that the day has passed when one program or structure could respond to the needs of many. (Renewing the Vision)
Goal
Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people calls for a regular assessment of the needs of young people where young people are involved in this assessment. Any corresponding ministry to young people should be evaluated in light of the needs outlined in the assessment process.
Suggested Implementation
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Focus Groups: Consider gathering a focus group of “concerned parties” regarding the needs of young people in the parish community. This might involve pastoral leadership, core team members, and/or parents; but should certainly include young people. Make sure to ask the right questions. For suggestions, see this link.
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Individual Interviews: Develop questions that discern what is good and what needs improvement; specifically ask about the distinct developmental, social, cultural, and religious needs of young people. Discern the time obligations already placed on young people as well as the best methods for communication with them. Ensure a diverse sampling.
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Survey: Mindful of the statements above, develop your own survey. Examples can be found here and here.
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Mindset: Gather all key adults involved in your pastoral ministry with young people, including catechetical and worship efforts. Review with them the Beloit Mindset List which assists adult in avoiding ‘hardening of (cultural) references" when speaking with young people as well as offering a “globally reported and utilized guide to the intelligent if unprepared adolescent consciousness.” After reviewing the most recent list, examine your parish’s present efforts. What might be changed to reflect the present mindset?
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Confirmation Preparation: Consider using the beginning or ending of preparation as a time for inviting young people to speak to their own needs within the parish community.
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Next Steps: Following one or all of the above, gather a group to analyze all of the data assembled and invite someone to assemble a report for the parish community, web-site, bulletin, and/or parish leadership.
Methods for Evaluation
Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:
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What did the team learn regarding the needs of young people? What programs presently best serve their needs? What should be modified or eliminated in consideration of their needs?
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What methods were young people offered to express their needs?
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What parish based venues have young people been given to express their needs?