Building Bridges in the U.S.
November 16, 2007
The BBfP 2007-2008 U.S. Follow-Up Program Kicks off in the Badlands, South Dakota
The U.S. Home Group started their BBfP 2007-2008 Follow-up Program with a trip to the Pine Ridge Reservation and the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. The weekend retreat focused on the idea of community and the much-anticipated individual service-learning projects that are part of the follow-up program curriculum for participants.
The retreat began with a drive from Denver to South Dakota. In Nebraska, the group made a stop at an artistic landmark known as Car Henge (think Stone-Henge but with cars). There, the participants ate lunch and explored the unique surroundings – a rolling field with car sculptures scattered into the distance.
After a much-anticipated reunion with the South Dakota participants, the retreat began with a discussion about the meaning of a ‘just community’. Participants shared many diverse ideas about what a ‘just community’ means to them, spanning from equality in rights and resources to universal tolerance and acceptance of all religions. The participants also discussed what it was like for them to return to their own communities after the summer intensive program in Colorado.
The next day, the group went on a tour of the Badlands National Park and the Pine Ridge Reservation. The participants were able to see the unique beauty of the Badlands, learn about the rich history of the land, and see the growth of the Lakota Sioux culture. The BBfP caravan also made a stop at the famous Wall Drugstore in Wall, South Dakota, where participants learned about a different perspective of the history of South Dakota.
That evening, the participants discussed what they had seen and learned. They reflected on the fact that every community is unique. They were then faced with evaluating the incidences of justice and injustice that exist within their own communities; a daunting, yet necessary task.
Staying true to the BBfP mission, the participants began formulating plans for positive influence and change in their own communities. Their proposed individual service-learning projects are diverse and reflect the unique and diverse individuals in the U.S. home group. They all focus, however, on bringing something new to every community that BBfP works in. All the participants’ projects show promise and the dedication of the participants to the idea of building more just, equitable, and peaceful communities.
The next follow-up program retreat will be held in February in Denver.
Building Bridges in the U.S. Archive
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September 30, 2008 |
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BBfP 2008 Summer Intensive Reflection |
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November 16, 2007 |
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The BBfP 2007-2008 U.S. Follow-Up Program Kicks off in the Badlands, South Dakota |
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March 29, 2007 |
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Speaking out, Making Change in Denver |
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November 10, 2006 |
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US Home Group meets for first Follow-Up Program Retreat! |
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April 2, 2006 |
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CONFRONTING PRIVILEGE IN DENVER |
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January 15, 2006 |
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COMMUNITY, CULTURE, AND SERVICE IN CHICAGO |
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January 14, 2006 |
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BUILDING BRIDGES FOR PEACE AND FACE TO FACE/FAITH TO FAITH TAKE PART IN FIRST DENVER SERVICE DAY |
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November 15, 2005 |
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U.S. HOME GROUP MEETS IN SAN FRANCISCO |
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October 16, 2004 |
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BAY AREA GIRLS GATHERING SUMMER MEMORIES FOR SCRAPBOOK |
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October 4, 2004 |
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BAY AREA PARTICIPANTS KICK OFF FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM |
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July 21, 2004 |
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BUILDING BRIDGES FOR PEACE CELEBRATES 11 YEARS OF PROGRAMMING |
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