NCJ Number
116961
Date Published
1988
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This primer for personnel from runaway centers and other youth-serving organizations discusses the benefits of working collaboratively with local and National religious organizations and outlines approaches for planning and implementing church-youth agency projects.
Abstract
The historical linkage between churches and youth service agencies is traced, and the advantages of fundraising from churches and advocacy by religious leaders are noted. Sources of information for building a religious support base are identified. Major denominational structures at the national, regional, subregional, and local levels are provided. Guidelines are presented for making contacts with religious leaders in the community, arranging a first meeting, and strengthening the relationship. Examples of church-youth agency partnerships also are provided. The role that can be played by church volunteers is discussed, and methods for recruiting volunteers are considered, including making presentations and the use of the church bulletin. Considerations in screening volunteers are delineated, and examples of individual and group volunteer projects are given. National Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Jewish funding resources also are listed. Information resources and a runaway fact sheet are included. Illustrations.