This is definitely NOT what we mean by "living large". Contrary to the common usage, our idea of living large is all about exploring the wide world - not just geographically (although this is definitely fun and challenging) but also spiritually, intellectually, even emotionally. There is so much out there! And so, we present to you with all due humility, some incredibly awesome programs that were created by and for YOU - young people who have the eager energy to see and live beyond what you already know.
The world is large. Live accordingly.
Toronto Opportunities for Learning and Service. That's the TOOLS program. Ground-breaking and eye-opening, this 'urban plunge' takes you into the core of Canada's biggest city to connect and learn from Toronto's homeless people in a way that preserves the dignity of all involved. It can be as short as a day, or as long as a week, this is a must for youth-groups and adults alike.
Check out the 2010 TOOLS blog here. Very good reading!
SALT
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| 2001-02 SALTer Ken Ogasawara in Uganda |
Enlace
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| Duck, duck, Goose! In Guatemala. Good times. |
SEED
This is like the Masters degree right here. This two year program has three main components: Reflect, Serve, Advocate. Focusing on issues of violence, poverty, and oppression, SEED challenges participants to re-think how these elements come to be and the Church's role in dealing with them. Service assignments are based in Columbia, South America. Out of SEED come voices that speak out on behalf of the oppressed, the marginalized, and the "least of these."
Volunteer with MCC Ontario
Those programs above are specifically for you. But let's be honest... there are lots of great things going on that are not specifically made for youth and young adults. In fact, I think one of the goals of many of the above programs geared towards a younger crowd is to encourage further involvement in the larger mission of MCC and the Church. So for those of you looking to get involved locally, check out these volunteer opportunities with MCC Ontario.
