Background Information on the
Urban and Racial/Ethnic Education Initiative
as outlined in the original proposal
A cooperative venture of
Mennonite Church USA Intercultural Relations,
Mennonite Education Agency and Mennonite Mission Network
to explore the educational needs of urban dwellers and racial/ethnic people
and to develop proposals to address those needs.
Equipping for Urban Ministry, November 15-16, 2005; Indianapolis, Ind. http://mennonitemission.net/Resources/Events/UrbanLeaders/Default.asp
Education Opportunities Summit, February 19-21, 2006; Los Angeles, Calif.
Contact JDavidY@MennoniteEducation.org
Why is this happening?
· The structure for education of racial/ethnic people was reviewed during the integration process that formed Mennonite Church USA, though the question of how to meet needs was not answered.
· The number of Mennonite racial/ethnic students in Mennonite educational institutions and programs is minimal, even while racial/ethnic members are the fastest growing part of Mennonite Church USA. MEA and its institutions are committed to serving the educational needs of the church. The higher education institutions have initiated a number of programs to recruit racial/ethnic students but have not found a successful method. Elementary and secondary institutions have also made this agenda a priority.
· The Mennonite church, through the Racial/Ethnic Leadership Education (RELE) program, has been providing scholarships to leaders of associate group congregations. At one point, this program was being supported by about $200,000 annually but over the past year the number has declined to about $100,000. We need to review this investment to ensure it is helping the largest number of people as effectively as possible.
· The population of Mennonites in urban areas is increasing rapidly. Many do not have Mennonite schools or education opportunities nearby.
· We have heard repeatedly that the church and its institutions are not meeting the educational needs of the urban residents and the racial/ethnic members of Mennonite Church USA.
What are its goals?
· Advance the Mennonite Church USA missional vision.
· Identify the highest priority needs for the racial/ethnic people of Mennonite Church USA.
· Identify the highest priority needs for those living in the urban centers of Mennonite Church USA.
· Review the strengths and challenges of the current Racial/Ethnic Leadership Education model and develop recommendations to strengthen or revise it.
· Develop an educational model that addresses the educational needs and training of urban pastors.
· Articulate a vision for holistic education opportunities within Mennonite educational institutions for racial/ethnic people and urban dwellers.
· Establish action step recommendations for Mennonite Church USA Intercultural Relations, Mennonite Education Agency, Mennonite Mission Network, schools and congregations, conferences and other church leaders.
Who should plan to participate?
We need the best minds of our church to think with us about the options, and to dream about how these issues will be addressed in the future. Educational and congregational and conference leaders with interest in any of the following educational levels…
· early childhood
· preschool
· elementary
· middle, secondary
· college and university
· seminary
· pastoral and theological
· graduate school
· lifelong learning
…and others interested in this topic are welcome to participate.
What is the meeting format?
Session 1: November 15-16, 2005, Equipping Urban Leaders, Indianapolis, Ind.
Session 2: February 19-21, 2006, Education Opportunities Summit, Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel,
6101 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Both events will involve participants in the conversation. The November event will focus on identifying the educational needs of people in the urban and racial/ethnic centers of the church. The February event will seek to address the development of models and solutions, after conversation with educators and church leaders.
How can I get involved?
· First – reserve the dates for both events – November 15-16, 2005, and February 19-21, 2006.
· Second, register when you receive registration information
· Third, invite others and pray that God will bless this gathering in the search for ideas and solutions to this important topic.
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