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Centering the voice of youth within Black churches

MONDAY, JUNE 13- FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

ARE YOU A CHURCH INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUTH INTERNS?

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Derived from Genesis 1:3, Be Light is a six-week internship program focused on supporting local Black churches in restructuring post-pandemic by utilizing the intellect, ideas and input of youth within their church to impact the community.

As churches navigate new normals post-pandemic, remaining effective and efficient is critical to sustainability.

Furthermore, utilizing the value of youth promises forward-thinking ministry while providing students with the opportunity to develop and discover skill sets, gain a professional perspective of ministry and create evidence-based metrics, improvements and results.

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OVERVIEW

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OBJECTIVES

  • To support participating churches in discovering efficient and effective solutions for cutting-edge, forward-thinking and youth-inclusive ministry in a post-pandemic society.

 

  • To develop youth within the church to possess competitive skill sets valuable and interchangeable for life and the workplace.

STEPS FOR CHURCH PARTICIPATION!

STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
INTEREST
CONSULTATION
JOB DESCRIPTION
CONSULTATION
WEEKLY
CHECK-INS
During this free 30-minute consultation churches have the opportunity to review and inquire about the summer internship program with the expectation of confirming participation status within the next 10 business days.
After finalizing participation Dionte' (the internship program consultant) will meet with SPOC/intern supervisor to develop the job description, recruiting interns and interview process, finalize intern’s pay and establish expectations for the internship duration.
Whether in-person or virtual Dionte will check-in with both supervisors and interns to ensure expectations are being met for all parties involved.
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“Since he was a teenager I have witnessed Dionte’s servitude to God, his church and alongside me as his pastor. Not only does he possess the competence to lead effectively within the church but understands the greatest moments of ministry happen throughout the community.

His heart for God’s people and sharp mind is admirable.

 

Even during his collegiate and young adult years Dionte’ modeled faithfulness and integrity while serving in Austin, TX. Dionte’ is a visible manifestation of what happens when young people serve God faithfully.”

BISHOP JAMES DIXON, II

Pastor, The Community of Faith Church | Houston, TX

"Dionte’ is a gifted young man.  He has the ability to reach youth in ways others are not able to do so.  Youth enjoy being around him.  He has a youthful spirit yet is able to support and guide in  fun ways that youth appreciate which causes them to listen to him.  The City of Austin has a void without his involvement with youth.  

 

Dionte’ can connect with youth across lines of ethnicity, economic status, and gender groups!  If you have an opportunity to join his projects you will walk away at the end of the project enlightened, armed with positive self esteem, a sense of perseverance and a grand dose of confidence!"

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CHIQUITA EUGENE, PH.D

Citywide Youth Administrator, The City of Austin | Austin, TX

DIONTE' McCLENDON

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM CONSULTANT

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Dionte' became skilled at connecting with youth through interning at summer camps, training students and teachers on restorative disciplinary practices through Austin ISD, chaperoning student-leaders to national conferences, interviewing and employing youth and advocating for youth-focused issues. His professional experience as a youth services coordinator for the City of Austin provided him the opportunity to facilitate numerous programs for high school students including the Austin Youth Council and a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Education, Arts and Math) focused summer internship program for three consecutive summers. This internship program expanded throughout Austin employing over 60 high school students each summer.

As a youth Dionte' gained skilled experience working within his home church
(The Community of Faith Church led by Bishop James Dixon) in various capacities including music, media, administration, food pantry/distribution and event development to name a few. His outreach pursuits expands beyond the church walls with community involvement, social justice and advocacy. Through these experiences Dionte’ developed skill sets essential to him serving as leader of the music ministry at a local church for over 8 years in Austin, TX. During this time he coordinated various community events ranging from Family and Friends Day and tutoring sessions to a surprise birthday block party for the pastor.

Since relocating back home Dionte' has concentrated his youth-advocating efforts into recently launching Unlearning YOUth, LLC, a youth engagement consulting company with the mission of centering youth through engagement, employment and events.As a youth-advocate Dionte’s mission is to support youth in finding value in their voice and occupy decision-making seats that affect their
livelihood locally, nationally and globally.

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL

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