2014Training Application Form
If you are a local congregation, faith-based community organization, group or agency, or a coalition of congregations and organizations seeking to be a catalyst for community transformation, we invite you to join the dynamic movement of Communities of Shalom. Thisgrass roots, multifaith, international network of community development sites is hosted at Drew University with training provided through Regional Centers and Drew-certified National/International trainers.
Please review the vision, mission, history, values, principles, and training overview on our website: and/or contact us atthe Shalom Resource Center at Drew University Theological School for further information. We are located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison, NJ. 07940 973-408-3848
1
Why consider becoming a Community Shalom?
United Methodist and other congregations, organizations should consider the ShalomZone approach to community development, and coalitions who wish to increase their capacity for sustainable community transformation through basic and specialized trainingand multiculturalcollaboration. A community development site becomes a local Community of Shalom upon completion of a 42-hour training course, submission and approval of a Shalom plan, and annual registration with the National Shalom Resource Center.
What support will a Community of Shalom team receive?
Shalom team members will receive basic training in asset-based community development, community organizing and the theological / faith approach and strategies for sustainable community transformation. Technical assistance and relational supportis available from regional centers and trainers, the National Resource Center Staff, and a network of Shalom Communities around the country and world.
Does a church or community organization have to be United Methodist to apply for training or become a Community of Shalom?
No. The United Methodist Church is the initiator and often the host of local ShalomZone Training, but any faith-based community group may apply for training.
What commitment is necessary for receiving Training?
Community Transformation takes years, often a generation. Participants should be committed to long-term involvement and solidly commit to the full 42 hours of training. It may take 3-6 months, or up to a year to complete the seven sessions and design a Shalom Strategic Plan for community transformation. Training teams generally meet for a 6-hour day, with the host site providing lunch for the teams in training. Some groups decide on fourteen 3-hour sessions, or two 3-day retreats for training, or in some cases, an intensive 7-day training week. Training also requires assignments and group meetings in between sessions.
Who should comprise a training group?
Training groups typically comprise 10 – 15 individuals who represent a variety of community organizations. For instance, church members and leadership, representatives from local associations, clubs and agencies, plus business owners, local professionals and community residents. Training groups should be ecumenical and represent various denominations and faith traditions in the community or neighborhood. Gender, age, racial and ethnic representation is also helpful in reaching all members of the community.
How do we apply for training and become a Community of Shalom?
Do your research on Communities of Shalom by reviewing the website and other sources of information.
Gather a group of congregationalmembers and community leaders to review the information and discern whether there is a ‘mission match’ with Communities of Shalom.
Make a request for an Information Meeting or On-site Consultation with aShalom representativeto discuss the Shalom Initiative in further detail. (A list of certified trainers are listed on our website)
Be careful and prayerful as you begin to organize a leadership team and enlist the support, partnership and endorsement from other faith communities, businesses, community residents, schools, social services, and other community organizations that reside in the targeted community.
Identify a minimum of 10-15 persons who are willing to commit to 42 hours of training.
Submit this application to the National Shalom Resource Center at Drew University, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, NJ 07940 for review and approval.
If you are part of theUnited Methodist Church, first submit this application to your conference Shalom coordinator for review and endorsement.Request their financial sponsorship for the training. Then forward it to the National Shalom office.
What does the training cost?
The ShalomZone Training™ package costs $500 is required,payable to Drew University for Communities of Shalom. The Training package and curriculum includes:an original copy of the Participants Workbook (for duplication) and Leaders Guide, plus electronic media such as PowerPoint presentations, videos and music clips. Training Facilitators and/or Host Site are responsible for printing and binding the full-color Participant’s Workbook. Estimated cost is roughly $30-$40 per Workbook.
Trainer’s fees and expenses are negotiated between the training team and the Certified Regional Trainer.Generally, fees range between $500 - $1,000 per training day.
Thus the approximate cost for the 7-session ShalomZone Training course is approximately $4,000-$5,000 for training materials, hospitality, and trainers fees).
1
Training Application Form
1. Name and Address of Proposed Shalom Sites (at least three teams/sites is optimal and cost-effective):
a.______b.______c.______
2. Primary Contact Person: ______
3. Primary Contact Organization: (Name, address, phone & e-mail)
______
4. Name of organizational sponsors (Annual Conference, Corporate Funder for training and capacity-building, support from community-based organizations):
______
5. Name of participating United Methodist Church(es) within the geographically defined Community of Shalom:
______
6. Names and contact information for other participating congregations and community organizations within your Shalom Site: (Collaborations are an important principle of Shalom organizing.)
1.______
2.______
3.______
7. Organizational Profile: Briefly describe each congregation and organization; mission, membership and capacity to serve community:
______
8. Community Profile:
a. Population:African American ______% Asian ______% Hispanic ______%
Native American ______% White ______% Undocumented Workers______%
b. Number of churches in the community ______Number of community organizations ______
c. What are the strengths of your congregations and community?
______
d. What are the significant issues that your community faces?
______
e. How have your congregations, organizations, and community responded to these issues?
______
9. Why would your community and participating congregations and organizations make a good Community of Shalom?
______
10. Name of person preparing this report: ______
Phone (____) ______Email:______
We have read the application information, explored the Communities of Shalom website and agree to work within the describedguidelines.
Signatures:
Primary Contact:Secondary Site Representative:
______Date______Date______
Return this form electronically to
Or mail to:Communities of Shalom, National Resource Center
Drew University Theological School
36 Madison Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940
For more information or clarification on application please e-mail us or call 973-408-3848.
** United Methodist Churches proceed to pages 6 for possible Annual Conference approval and sponsorship.
Annual Conference or Judicatory
This portion is to be completed by the Conference Shalom Coordinator or Director of Connectional Ministries in Annual Conference office or the appropriate judicatory officer of a congregation’s faith community. Upon completion, please forward a copy of approved application forms to:
The Shalom Initiative
Drew University Theological School
36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ
(973) 408-3848 or
AnnualConference or Judicatory Name:
______
List the names of the Shalom Sites you will be recommending.
______
Why will your recommended sites form a good Shalom Community?
______
What financial support are you presently giving to the recommended Shalom congregations and what additional funding do you anticipate in the future?
______
Please provide the name and contact informationof the conference staff person who will be responsible for supporting and monitoring the Shalom effort within your Annual Conference:
Shalom Coordinator: ______Date ______
Address______
Phone ( )______E-mail ______
Approval Signatures Needed:
Bishop ______Date ______
Director of Connectional Ministries______Date ______
1