As a part of your group's service-learning, we feel it's important to make time for reflection about your time spent in volunteer service as well as learning more about the social justice issues facing our world. Shalom Place has several workshops and reflections that your group can participate in while you stay with us.
For more information, please contact us by clicking here.
We currently offer the following programs:
Introduction to Urban Poverty
This workshop is conducted as a part of your Shalom Place orientation. Members of your group will learn about the causes of poverty, who is affected by poverty and homelessness, and ways in which change can be affected in your local community and in all levels of government.
Poverty and the Bible
The Poverty and the Bible workshop is a guided reflection/discussion on what the Bible says about poverty and the poor. Using several Bible quotations and questions to guide your discussion, groups of any size or age can benefit from an understanding of the God’s heart for the poor.
One Person’s Story
Homelessness and poverty are more than a “problem” that needs to be dealt with. Homelessness and poverty means people – a fact that sometimes gets overlooked. This workshop brings a speaker into Shalom Place to talk to the group about his or her experience with homelessness. The group is given the opportunity to engage someone who has been homeless and ask questions. The intent of this workshop is to “put a face” on homelessness.
Poverty and the Political Process
This workshop aims to expose groups to the political process and get them thinking about ways in which they can affect positive change through governments at all levels. The workshop includes a lesson about the government and the political process the night before your group makes a visit to the United Methodist Church’s Global Board of Church and Society as well as a possible visit to the office of your Congressperson.
Grate Patrol
Grate Patrol is an
opportunity for your group to prepare and deliver meals to men and women experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C. Groups will have the opportunity to encounter the effects of poverty in our nation's capitol person-to-person. If your group is interested in this service opportunity, please let staff know when you make your reservation. A $75.00 charge will be added to your invoice to cover the cost of supplies.
Reflections
Upon your group’s arrival Shalom Place Staff will meet with group leaders to discuss reflection resources for the week. We have many short activities as well as reflection questions that will relate to your group’s service projects. We encourage you to schedule 30-60 minutes each day for reflection and checking-in with your group about what they are doing and what it means for them and the community in which they live.