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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Reunion Registration Closing In

Just weeks away from the Reunion 2010, the numbers of alums and spouses from across the country are swelling. The registration deadline has passed, but don’t worry we may be able to fit you in still. Affordable Airline rates are making it possible for several to attend the Reunion and not ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 4:06 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Making a Non-profit Comeback

The Stanford Social Innovation Review released an informative article providing tips for non-profits to survive the Recession. As the buzz about the Reunion theme of making a Comeback in our ministries and personal lives heightens, these seven principles may help you cross the finish line once the ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 3:42 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

San Diego Rocks Core Values

Last April the San Diego alumni presented the Five Core Values to over 50 youth workers. With alums from all three DeVos cohorts (1999, 2001 and 2008) partnering to coordinate the one-day training event, alumnus Nate Landis (San Diego 2008) reported that each presenter received very high marks from ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 2:32 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Monday, August 16, 2010

Paterson Emerges with Leading for Life

Over the past two years Paterson alumni (classes of 1999 and 2001) have been convening to explore ways of empowering urban leaders in their city. They held several meetings focused on what would be the right investment and the DeVos’ Leading for Life® 12-hour training seemed most ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 11:09 AM EST | Categories: Events

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Let's Cook

As leaders of youth activities we should aware of the problems that threaten our youth today. Under nutrition and obesity plague our urban areas because of lack of access to healthy food and poverty. Parents, and caregivers play a key role in making healthy choices for children and teaching ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 4:59 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Youth Pastor Position in New Jersey

Agape Family Worship Center of Rahway, NJ is searching for a youth pastor to reach today’s teenager and empower the youth of Agape to “Proclaim and Demonstrate the Love of God to the World.” The right candidate for this position loves God and His people, especially His young ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 3:13 PM EST | Categories: Job Profiles

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Center for Youth Studies

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “One-stop Shop?” If you said, “A company, organization or location that offers a multitude of services to a client or customer,” you’d be exactly right. Originally, One-Stop Shops were limited to physical buildings, but with ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 3:07 PM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Thursday, July 01, 2010

CCDA September 7-11, 2010

Don’t miss the Christian Community Development Association National Conference in Chicago. DeVos Urban Leadership will host an alumni gathering and support the National Student Leadership Intensive. We hope to see you there!...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 2:54 PM EST | Categories: None

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

What’s Your Story?

We can’t tell the world unless you tell us all the awesome things taking place in your life and ministry. Please allow us to give you a “Shout out” whenever you’ve trained the DVULI curriculum, partnered with other alumni locally and nationally or make media headlines in ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:03 PM EST | Categories: Shout Out

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

OMG: A Youth Ministry Handbook

Edited by Kenda Creasy Dean “Does youth ministry matter?” “Do our practices of youth ministry reflect Christ?” “How long can we keep this up”? Interesting questions, aren’t they? Perhaps you’ve asked these questions yourself, but have struggled ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 11:48 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Class of 2010 June Workshop Schedule

Second local workshop is set for the following dates in the month of June: Houston 24-26 Los Angeles 10-12 New York 3-5 Orlando 10-12 San Antonio 3-5 For location details visit the workshop details page in our members section....more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 11:41 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Dimas Salaberrios Teaches DVULI

Dimas Salaberrios (New York, 2010) isn’t letting any grass grow under his feet. Having only completed the first local workshop and first national conference, Dimas is already training DVULI curriculum where he serves at Infinity New York Church. “I’m keeping my leaders up to speed ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 11:25 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Mr. DeVos Talks Magic & Family

The DVULI staff felt our participants & alumni would find this article on Mr. DeVos enjoyable. Your comments and reflections are welcome below. By John Denton April 28, 2010 ORLANDO – From either his spot along the baseline near the Orlando Magic’s bench or in his family suite high ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:18 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Graduations Class of 2009

May 1, 2010 Cleveland & Dallas May 15, 2010 Miami May 22, 2010 New York & Washington, DC Congratulations to all our graduates!...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 3:43 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

In Search of Balance

In Search of Balance by Dr. Richard Swenson Recently I was sitting in my kitchen working on the computer. By 3:30pm both of my children had arrived home from school, but my wife instructed them not to bother me because I had not gotten off work yet. Three hours later and still working, I overheard ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 3:00 PM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Detroit Alums Focus on City’s Assets

Dennis Talbert (Detroit, 2002) led a vibrant discussion with local urban youth leaders and community practitioners about improving the outcomes for youth development in the city of Detroit. The “Best Practices Conference” looked at an array of program models, core values, and strategies ...more

Posted By Berald Bell at 2:52 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

VJ Smith Honored By Local Police

VJ Smith (Minneapolis, 2006) recently received the Chief’s Award of Merit from the Minneapolis Police Department for his service in the Minneapolis community through MAD DADS and a community partnership he helped to form called C.O.P.S. (Community Organizing and Preparing for Success.) The ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 2:26 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Miami Grads Collaborate

Youth Leadership Training Going to New Levels in Miami Recently Miami DVULI alumnus Tommy Carrington, Mary Rengifo, Esperanza Martinez and Robert Brooks coordinated and facilitated the “South Florida Youth Leaders and Young Adult Retreat” at Lake Aurora Christian Camp in Lake Wells, ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 2:13 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Open Source

Jeremy Del Rio (New York, 2010) opens up a great discussion on the topic of 'open source'. We recommend taking a read at what’s emerging in Internet technology to expand your own learning and development. Open source is a development method used in software that harnesses the power of ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 4:41 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Thursday, March 25, 2010

April Brief News and Breakthroughs

Brittany & Joe Mackey (Atlanta, 2006) became the proud and courageous parents of early arriving twins. McKittrick “Kitt” and Margaret “Garet” were born on October 25, 2009. Kitt weighed 3 lbs and weighed Garet: 2 lbs 9 oz. Delivered at only 29 weeks, they spent 72 days in ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 9:15 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, March 25, 2010

DeVos alums present Scenario Planning

Seth Baker and Don Talley (YFC, 2009) had opportunity to present a workshop on Scenario Planning at Youth for Christ’ Midwinter Conference. Since they both found tremendous value in this portion of the DVULI training, they were eager and enthusiastic to impart what they learned on the subject ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 8:50 AM EST | Categories: Shout Out

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Ryan VerWys Makes News

Ryan VerWys (Los Angeles, 2003) makes local press about a fingers of God art exhibit in downtown Bellflower, CA where his Kingdom Causes ministry serves the Bellflower community. Check out the full article below. BELLFLOWER - Those strolling along Bellflower Boulevard this summer will have the ...more

Posted By Katie Van Timmeren at 8:47 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Welcome Class of 2010

February Fabulous is what I call the month when our new DeVos cities have their first local workshop. They are well in to the learning process and it’s our privilege to welcome the class of from: Houston, San Antonio, Los Angeles, New York and Orlando! What an exciting time for these cities ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 2:49 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Monday, March 01, 2010

Staff Position in WA

Residential Staff Positions in Prescott, WA Jubilee Youth Ranch based in Prescott, WA is looking for residential staff and intern residential staff. Residential Staff persons are responsible for the implementation of youth programming, supervision and safety of students in the after-school hours, ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 2:30 PM EST | Categories: Job Profiles

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Boston Alums Set Worship Project in Order

Abundant Life Church(ALC) of Cambridge, Massachusetts recently released their debut recording, Set it in Order which features the work of DeVos alumnus and trainer Virginia Ward (Boston, 1998) and LeRoix Hampton (Boston, 1998). The freshmen project on the church’s independent label, ALifeC ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 9:13 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Raising the Bar

Looking to ramp up your youth worker status to more professional rankings? Raising the Bar Roundtable by Jennifer Bradbury should raise your brow....more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 10:11 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

From Gangs to Jobs

Natividad Mendoza’s (Phoenix, 2008) national TV appearance opens job opportunities for former gang members. Check out his ministry, www.fromgangs2jobs.com....more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 10:04 AM EST | Categories: None

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Development Director in Phoenix

The full-time Development Director will report to the President of Neighborhood Ministries and provide strategic leadership for all fundraising and public relations activities for Neighborhood Ministries. As a key member of the management team, this person will participate in the overall long-range ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 9:45 AM EST | Categories: Job Profiles

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Delaware YFC Executive Director Position

This person will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the ministry operation, including staff management, fundraising, board development, strategic direction, community relations and oversight of YFC's three youth centers and in-school mentoring program. The service areas cover Kent and New ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 9:27 AM EST | Categories: Job Profiles

Thursday, January 28, 2010

LAC Pastor Position

Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena California is currently in the process of accepting applications for the position of Pastor of Adult Ministries. The new pastor would actually be part of an existing team of two other full-time experienced Adult Ministry Pastors, a part-time Pastor of Visitation and ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 11:31 AM EST | Categories: Job Profiles

Thursday, January 28, 2010

ACAC Student Pastor Position

Allegheny Center Alliance Church is seeking a Pastor for Student Care and Service in Pittsburgh, PA. They are looking for somebody to work with the Student Ministry team; staff, volunteer leaders and others to create opportunities for students. Qualifications Four year Bible college degree ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 11:24 AM EST | Categories: Job Profiles

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Youth Culture 101

I’m a big fan of the work of Walt Mueller. “Who is Walt Mueller?” you ask. Walt Mueller is the founder and President of the Center of Parent/Youth based in Boston. He’s written extensively on the subject of youth culture and his website contains a wealth of resources and ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 4:47 PM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Winter 2010 Workshops

Class of 2010 First Local Workshop – Personal & Ministry Assessment Houston, February18-20 Los Angeles, February 25-27 New York, February 25-27 Orlando, February18-20 San Antonio, February18-20 Class of 2009 Fifth Local Workshop – Accelerating Change Cleveland, March ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:42 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Scholarship for High Schools Students

Ronald McDonald House Charities are accepting applications for theirU. S. Scholarship Program for 2009/2010. They have a commitment to education and investing in future leaders. Deadline is February 16, 2010 for qualifying students. With education costs spiraling ever higher, a college education ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:39 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Children’s Pastor Position

Sanctuary Covenant Church is looking for a Children's Ministry Pastor. They are a Christ-centered, innovative, multi-ethnic church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that is looking for a leader who is passionate about serving children and their families on the life-long journey of spiritual formation. ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:35 PM EST | Categories: Job Profiles

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Aid for Urban Mission Studies

City Vision College has been approved to offer federal aid to it students in the form of Pell Grants. This money can only be used by students who are seeking to earn one of their accredited bachelor’s degrees in either Urban Missions or Addiction Studies. If you are low/moderate income and ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:30 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

CCDA Emerging Leaders Cohort

CCDA is now accepting applications for their 2nd Emerging Leaders Cohort (ELC). The ELC exists to identify, develop and release the next generation of leaders in Christian Community Development. Apply...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:21 PM EST | Categories: None

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Haiti Earthquake Affects Alumni

Haiti Earthquake affects DVULI Alumni It took DeVos alumnus Samuel Louis (Boston, 1998) six days to hear from his sister who lives in Haiti following the earthquake that has now claimed a reported 200,000 lives. His grandmother and aunt, also Haiti residents, are reported safe as well. His wife ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:15 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Can we hear you now?

DVULI would like to hear what leadership principle or tool you either learned or applied in 2009. CC BY 2.0 Tell us how you found the resource and if you would recommend it to others in youth ministry. (post a response in the space below)...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 11:46 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Monday, December 14, 2009

Class of 2010

Welcome Class of 2010 Participants They’ve completed applications, had their interviews and are making space in their life for the journey of a lifetime. The DeVos Family, DVULI staff and alumni extend their heartfelt welcome to the newly selected participants from Houston, Los Angeles, New ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:39 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Monday, December 14, 2009

Re-Take the DeVos Training?

Want to Re-Take the DeVos Training? Have you ever thought, “Wow, there was so much information in the DeVos training, I wish I could go through it a second or even a third time?” Or, perhaps you wondered how the training sessions have changed since the year that you went through DeVos. ...more

Posted By Eileen Kooreman at 4:28 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Monday, December 14, 2009

They said, "I do"

Warren & Casie Kittler (Kansas City, 2008) blessed each other with “I dos” on October 10, 2009 outside the Victorian Veranda Country Inn in Lawrence, KS where150 family and friends assembled to witness. With one of his youth serving as ring bearer, Warren says there were so many ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:18 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Monday, December 14, 2009

Holiday Greetings

From the staff at DVULI. May You, Your Families & Ministries/Organizations Experience the Joys & Blessings that come with celebrating the Life of our Savior & Lord Jesus...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 4:14 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Pittsburgh Alumni Coordinate Training

October 17, 2009 Pittsburgh DeVos alumni presented “Refreshing” A Time for Youth Leaders to Freshen their Skills. The one day workshop featured Rev. Alfonso Wyatt from New York who provided training on how to attract and retain youth to your ministry. Dr. Ronald Brown trained the DeVos ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 11:30 AM EST | Categories: Shout Out

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you and your loved ones enjoy the blessings of great fellowship, fun memories and true happiness this Thanksgiving weekend… Eileen, Ron, Rick, Gerald, Heather, Taylor and Ginny...more

Posted By Staff at 10:56 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Bounce

What should you do when experiencing a setback in life? Give up? Throw in the towel? Why not “bounce?” That’s right, “bounce!” At least that’s what bestselling author, Keith McFarland, suggests in his new book, Bounce: The Art of Turning Tough Times into ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 10:28 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The New Untouchables

Op-Ed Columnist The New Untouchables By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN Published: October 20, 2009 Those who create services, opportunities and ways to recruit work can compete on the world market. That is the key to understanding our education challenge today....more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 10:14 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Systems Thinking 2009

HOLLAND, MI – Challenging participants of the class of 2009 to think outside the box was one of the many content highlights of the DVULI Second National Conference in October. Instructors Peter O’Donnell, Chana’ Edmond-Verley (Grand Rapids, 2000), Khary Bridgewater (Boston, 2006) ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 10:06 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

New York Times features DVULI Participant

Din Tolbert (New York, 2009) made headlines recently about his development and work with Shekinah Youth Church of the Greater Allen Cathedral in New York. Read about Din’s impact and approach to ministry and see if you can identify any DVULI core values in this enjoyable article. On ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 9:31 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

John Perkins Retreat Transforms Alums

This past July, twelve DeVos alumni were selected to spend four days in Jackson, MS to hear from the heart of CCDA founder Dr. John Perkins and to experience the ministry work he’s accomplished locally and around the nation. With daily Bible studies, group exercises, tours of the ministry ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 9:21 AM EST | Categories: None

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

New Guest Presenter for Systems Thinking

During the 2009 Systems Thinking Conference in Holland, MI, DVULI welcomed Alexie Torres-Fleming to share the plight of her work in New York as Founder and Executive Director of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice. In 1992 Alexie Torres returned to the Bronx neighborhood of her youth after ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 3:10 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Indy Alumni Present Systems Thinking

On July 18 & 19, 2009 Indianapolis DeVos alumni presented a two-day training event on the Anatomy of Peace and Peace Building. Some 36 urban youth leaders from the city of Indianapolis convened for the 2-day event which was instructed by Arbinger Institute trainer Michael Merchant. According to ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 2:00 PM EST | Categories: Shout Out

Monday, October 19, 2009

Alumni Gathering at CCDA 09

Alumni and Friends of the DeVos Initiative are invited to a gathering for Food, Fellowship, and Fun: From 5p-6.30p on Friday October 23 at Ingredients Ingredients Resturant 21 East Fifth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 View a Flier...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 4:44 PM EST | Categories: Events

Monday, October 19, 2009

Alumni Couple Plants Church

Michael and Viviene Baker (San Diego, 2001) are now the pastors of a new church plant, Transformed Life Center (TLC), in San Diego, CA. Last January, they began having worship services in a hotel, which is their current meeting space. With weekly services on Sunday and Wednesday, the Bakers are ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 1:53 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Monday, October 19, 2009

Looking Out for Number One

“Should the oxygen mask drop from above your head, secure your own mask first before assisting others around you.” If you’ve ever flown in a commercial airplane, certainly you received those instructions from the flight attendant. And while on one hand it could appear a bit ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:35 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Monday, October 19, 2009

Unchristian, A Sobering Assessment

Ever wonder what non-Christian young people think about Christians? If so, then I think you’ll find Unchristian a thought provoking read. Written by David Kinnaman—of the Barna Group—and Gabe Lyons, Unchristian documents how Mosaics and Busters (late teens to 30- something) ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 12:26 PM EST | Categories: None

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Miami Delivers Five Core Values

Miami, Fl -- Miami DeVos alumni and current participants are letting no grass grow under their feet. They have already begun teaching the five core values to youth workers in their city before the second group graduates from the DVULI Samuel Mathieu (Miami 2009) - Accountability On Saturday ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 11:08 AM EST | Categories: Shout Out

Monday, September 14, 2009

Second National Conference 2009

The DeVos Urban Leadership will welcome the class of 2009 to Holland, MI on October 12-17. Systems Thinking continues to expand the participant’s understanding of how to do ministry more effectively for the benefit of themselves and those they serve....more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 3:43 PM EST | Categories: Events

Monday, September 14, 2009

Save on CCDA Hotel Costs

by rooming with a delegate. Find out how you can connect with another registered CCDA delegate and save on your lodging expenses at www.ccda.zoefellowship.org/forums Follow the alternative housing link and post your response or inquiry for a roommate....more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 3:26 PM EST | Categories: Events

Monday, September 14, 2009

Between The Lines Online: Back-To-School Jitters

Has The Nation Overreacted To The Threat Of Teen Violence? Newsweek | Aug 30, 2001 …It's back to school. Back to noogies and cooties and all the other ways kids find to scuffle on the playground. And back to a series of endlessly purveyed misconceptions about school violence that color any ...more

Posted By Jonathan Alter at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Unfashionable is a must read

As the father of a teen daughter, I’m periodically reminded how powerful the desire to “fit in” really is. Being different isn’t always easy and often-times requires standing alone and being ostracized by peers. Unfortunately, some buckle under the pressure, and the results ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 3:56 PM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Boston Alumni Multiply

Boston’s neXus Leadership Institute recently graduated another class of learners from its training program. According to a neXus Boston email blast, “For the past year, these 12 individuals have gone through extensive training, mind-boggling brainstorming techniques, breakthrough ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 3:20 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Presenting City Coordinators for 2010

The most important role to a successful DeVos Initiative cohort is the City Coordinator. Therefore, it’s our pleasure to introduce this year’s extraordinary leaders who will represent the DVULI in their city. Brian Schaffer Houston Thomas Brown Orlando ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 2:59 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Monday, August 17, 2009

CCDA 2009

This Year CCDA will be presenting "Kingdom Priorities: Subversion, Simplicity, Solidarity, Synergy, Symphony". It will be held in Cincinnati Ohio on October 21-25. Regestration Information...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 4:17 PM EST | Categories: Events

Thursday, August 13, 2009

New Baby in New York

Ariel & Corey Pagan (New York, 2009) gave birth to Ethan Judah Pagan on July 29, 2009 at 7:26pm. After 24-hours of labor, Ethan weighed in at 7lbs 8oz. Father Ariel says, “I’m losing lots of sleep but it’s worth it. Plus he looks like me, so he’s cute.” Hoping that the ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:28 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, August 13, 2009

DVULI Alumnus Publishes Testimony

Deborah Wiggins (Orlando, 2000) is the author of her first book, “My Testimony” Life, Lessons & Legacy. Her endorsements have said of this debut work, “This book gives new meaning to the words Face Book! It’s written honestly, boldly and confidently… Seldom have I ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:19 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Making the Shift from Survival to Growth

It’s been 12 months since the American investment banking system collapsed, starting a domino-like financial crisis that eventually spread around the world. The good news is that the worst appears to be over; the bad news is that the hard work of rebuilding your business still lies ahead. ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:07 PM EST | Categories: None

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

DVULI Cities set for 2010

Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando and San Antonio got next! Each year gets increasingly exciting for the DeVos Urban Leadership, and 2010 should prove to not disappoint! The alumni and local stakeholders of next year’s five cities have provided great assistance in helping the process ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 1:52 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Taking Control of Summertime

Studies show that children who connect with nature by spending time outdoors do better in school and have less behavioral problems. Louis Gross, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Bio. at the University of Tennessee "One of summertime's greatest challenges is to get your children ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 1:36 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Student Leadership Intensive

2nd Annual National Student Leadership Intensive October 22-25, 2009 Cincinnati, OH CCDA and World Vision are partnering together to offer this year’s Intensive – and event during the National Conference for Student Leaders (ages 16-21) who are committed followers of Christ ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 1:18 PM EST | Categories: None

Monday, August 10, 2009

Brief News August 2009

Natividad Mendoza (Phoenix, 2008) was married to Jennifer on May 20, 2009 at the home of a friend where about 120 relative and close friends gathered to celebrate their marriage. The newlyweds exchanged nuptials before a local Judge last March, the ceremony according to Nativadad made their new ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 12:07 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Diamonds in the Rough

Beyond the hoodie covered head, the gang logo tattooed on their upper-neck and the random texting during Bible study, you discern there is a future leader visiting your youth program. For neutrality, let’s say this visitor goes by the name of Jazz. After youth service is over just outside the ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 2:57 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

New Community Capacity Instructors

This year DVULI introduced two new instructors for the Community Capacity Building workshops. The workshop has been updated with current material from the field of youth development. Both of the new instructors, Lina Thompson and Ruben Ortiz, have many years of experience with the real world ...more

Posted By Eileen Kooreman at 3:22 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Youth Leadership Development Toolkit

Design effective youth leadership development programs that emphasize both skills and character for urban youth with this toolkit assembled by FASTEN (The Faith and Service Technical Education Network). This resource provides information to help urban youth workers get oriented to the topic of ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 11:51 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Monday, July 06, 2009

Dear God, We Trust the Process

Lutunji Abram (Minneapolis, 2008) is the author of an original spoken word piece titled, “Dear God, We Trust the Process”. Lutunji recited this at the Minneapolis graduation last May. While we know hearing poetry and reading it can offer two different flavors. Go ahead and put on some ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 9:17 AM EST | Categories: Shout Out

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Attention Class of 2007

Your final surveys are now due. Chicago, Chicago South, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Miami (Class of 2007/08) if you have not received the email from Calvin College to complete your third survey please contact our office. If you have the email and have yet to do so please take a moment and respond. A ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 3:20 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, June 25, 2009

National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast 2009

In the company of such dignitaries as President Barak Obama and Hispanic leaders of faith from across the nation, DeVos alumni filled a table at this year’s National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast. The annual gathering attracted more than 700 pastors and leaders and provided networking ...more

Posted By Rick Diaz at 3:55 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Taking the Vow of Community

DVULI Grads aspire to remain connected In the spring of 2005 June Williams Smith (Pittsburgh, 2004) graduated with the DeVos class of 2004. She remembers the ceremony and the sad emotions that accompanied what felt like the end of a family bond formed among new friends. The support system brought ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 4:26 PM EST | Categories: None

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Graffiti Goes Green

In most countries, defacing property with graffiti without the property owner's consent is considered vandalism, which is punishable by law. Sometimes graffiti is employed to communicate social and political messages. To some, it is an art form worthy of display in galleries and exhibitions; to ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 4:19 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Innovation Center

A whole new world awaits your youth program The Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development is taking the potential of youth organizations and communities to whole new level by engaging them together to create a just and equitable society. The Innovation Center transforms and enriches ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:24 PM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Thursday, May 28, 2009

DVULI goes FACEBOOK

From the class of 1998 to the present, DVULI grads are staying connected via Facebook. Please join us as we continue to network and share the resourcefulness among urban leaders. Join the Fan Page...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 9:41 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Story We Long For

Sometimes we don't realize what we need to hear, again and again. There is a wonderful organization that invites me to speak every April to men and women who are enrolled in their leadership development program. Every year their invitation makes it clear that they want me to say the same things ...more

Posted By Gordon McDonald at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Kai'Ro by Judah Ben

Over the years I’ve worked hard to pass my passion for reading on to the urban youth I’ve been privileged to serve. But as many of you are well aware, that can be a difficult task. Part of the problem stems from the fact that there are too few resources out there that meet urban youth ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Shout Out

Domingo Mota (Los Angeles, 2005) and Maria Rodriguez (Los Angeles, 2005) just completed an initial round of delivering DVULI curriculum to a cohort of leaders from their church, Winds of Hope Ministries in the Los Angeles, CA area. After a rigorous 13-month curriculum that – like DVULI ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Announcement, Shout Out

Thursday, May 21, 2009

New Photo Gallery

We have recently unveiled a new photo hosting section of our website that will eventually contain all of our photo archives. There is also the opportunity for alumni and current participants to post their own photos. Check out the latest updates on our homepage or register to upload your own. Share ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 3:42 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Bias Revealed in Non-Profit Funding

Your faith, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status could be the reason your non-profit organization is struggling to acquire funding from the foundations that support your local community. Andrew Sears of Techmission delivers compelling stats about how these biases impacts funding streams to ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Big Congratulations

They are the finishers of 15-months of trusting the process! They are strategically, significantly and “sustainabley” changed! They are from: Atlanta Kansas City Minneapolis Phoenix San Diego They are the 2008 DeVos Graduates! Congratulations on a job well done! The ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Raising Funds for Youth Organizations

[PASADENA] – Peruse the latest headlines from The Chronicle of Philanthropy and the message is clear: Fundraising is tough for nonprofit charities, and will get tougher. “Fundraising returns reach new low point,” according to a study by the Association of Fundraising ...more

Posted By Rodolpho Carrasco at 10:09 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Shout outs to our new presenters!

Three new Core Values presenters were added to the DVULI team last month. They each received phenomenal responses from the class of 2009. We are so proud of the following alumni for their commitment to grow in the Core Values and their willingness to share in their experience with our ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Shout Out

Monday, April 27, 2009

Raising Resources

In today’s economic downturn, being a skillful fundraiser is more important than ever. With increased needs and less available resources, funders are even more selective about who they support financially. As a result, the margin of error for making fundraising mistakes has shrunk ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 9:52 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Change Has Come in Raising Funds

Like a rising pop star everybody’s talking about the economy. Only difference is no one’s seeking autographed memorabilia; they’re just hoping the troubles surrounding it will soon end. More than lots of talk, thousands who do faith-based work are being driven to their knees (and ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 10:53 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Ray Maldonado Honored

Ray Maldonado (Chicago, 2007) was honored for 25 years of service as a pastor in the city of Chicago. On March 13, 2009 several family, church members and friends gathered at La Villa Banquet Hall to commemorate his commitment to the community, where he’s pastored two churches; Hope Christian ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 3:29 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Update Your Bookmarks

The DVULI team has been focusing more time and energy on the website over the past year in an effort to more effectively communicate with DVULI alumni and other urban youth workers. As a result we have redesigned the site and updated the name to make it easier to reach (www.dvuli.org). We hope this ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 8:34 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Thursday, March 19, 2009

March Sadness: not going pro

This week major college hoops goes center stage as March Madness contiuesits sweet 16 bracket system towards crowning another NCAA basketball champion. While some contendit’s all about ticket sales, TV ratings and concessions profits, a far sadder issue prevails. Too many urban players on ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

New DVULI Staff Member

RDV Corp. welcomed Heather Fiet as the new Administrative Assistant to the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative earlier this month. The team is excited to have Heather fill this role and look forward to a great future with her skills and support. See a full profile story on Heather in our spring ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Dr. John Perkins Leadership Retreat

Dr. John Perkins Leadership Retreat in Jackson, MS How can we challenge our urban youth to pursue a biblical vision of love, truth, and justice, and to be a catalyst for change in their churches and communities? Spend four days with Dr. Perkins in quality dialogue and discovering a deeper ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Events

Thursday, March 05, 2009

CCDA Early Bird Discounted Rate

Take advantage of CCDA's early registration rate of only $99.00. Information: www.ccda.org/conference Registration: www.ccdaregistration.org Conference Speakers: Jim Wallis Rev. Matthew Watts Rev. Gabriel Salguero Dr. Barbara WIlliams-Skinner Rev. Alexia G. Salvatierra Conference ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 9:46 AM EST | Categories: None

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Top Urban Ministry Resources: 2008

See the best urban ministry Speakers, Websites, and Blogs of 2008 as compiled by TechMission (urbanministry.org). www.urbanministry.org/top2008 Top Speakers Shane Claiborne John Perkins Jeremy Del Rio Alistair Begg Wayne Gordon Top Websites: World Vision Salvation Army ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 9:26 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Grant Writng Webinar

A webinar is a live interactive presentation between a presenter and an audience. Each participant sits at his/her own computer and is connected to the presenter's voice and their on-screen presentation (as well as to the other participants) via the internet. Webinars typically follow an agenda and ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 9:11 AM EST | Categories: Announcement, Events

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Funding Urban Ministry

Most urban youth workers I know serve in a volunteer capacity, even the ones getting paid. The pay is usually so low they might as well be volunteering. Urban youth workers serve out of love, passion and conviction. So, for the first year or two they don't worry too much about cash. After a while, ...more

Posted By Rudy Carrasco at 4:49 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Live Your Calling

I really enjoy helping people discern their God-given mission/call. But I’ve grown frustrated over the lack of resources out there that deal with the subject from a decidedly Christian perspective. Perhaps you feel the same way. If so, I have good news. I recently read a book that’s a ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 12:59 PM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

www.dvuli.org Gets New Digs

It should come as nosurprise that the DVULI website would undergo some renovations. Everyone knows technology is designed to be kept up with – so changes to our own ”dot-org-domain” were inevitable. For our members you’ll find access to the most recent training materials ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:41 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Mike Jones, Angela Reeves and Mike Hilf

Mike Jones (Birmingham, 1999) and Angela Reeves (Chicago, 2002) have both committed to return as city coaches for the class of 2009. Mike has agreedto coach Miami and Angela will coach Cleveland. DVULI city coaches have the duty of supporting the city coordinator as they lead and learn during the ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:35 PM EST | Categories: Shout Out

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

DVULI Grads Recently Published

It is a privilege to announce the work of two DeVos graduates whose ministry and gifts have reached the national market place. Congratulations Leroy Barber (Atlanta, 2004) and Wil LaVeist (Chicago South, 2007) for their accomplishment in authoring recently released books. Links to the appropriate ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:30 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

First Local Workshops 2009

Personal & Ministry Assessment February 5-7 New York City February 19-21Cleveland, Dallas, Washington, DC February 12-14 Miami February 24-26 Youth for Christ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:23 PM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Training for Youth for Christ

Over the last twelve years, a number of large individual youth ministries have approached the DeVos Initiative about the possibility of providing training for their urban leaders. There have been good reasons why we have chosen not to do so. Our mission, as prescribed by the DeVos family, is to ...more

Posted By Eileen Kooreman at 10:49 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Shout Out to Leroy and Eunice

Shout Out to Leroy Childress (Chicago South, 2007) and Eunice Bello (Miami, 2007). The two were eying each other at NC1 in Orlando, and the rest is no mystery. Congratulations to the first DVULI courtship that went all the way to “I do.” They were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Leroy ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 12:39 PM EST | Categories: Shout Out

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Reunion 2010

Reunion 2010 Registration Begins Now! The excitement is brewing as DVULI alumni prepare for their “Comeback” experience at the premier DeVos Urban Leadership triennial event. The DeVos Reunion will feature great keynote speakers who are sure to challenge and motivate. Workshop ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 10:21 AM EST | Categories: Events

Monday, January 12, 2009

The silence after mothers Hello

It’s the phone call a mother prays she’ll never receive. A call from an authority claiming, “Your son or daughter has been arrested, please come down to the police station.” Or the call that asks, “How soon can you get to our emergency room your child is here being ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 5:14 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Monday, January 12, 2009

Morticians and the Emotional Toll of Youth Violence

When’s the last time you talked to your youth about the emotional impact of violence? Some of you may never have. For others it may have been some time ago. Whatever the case, I’d like to challenge you to sit them down and have a rap session. To facilitate your discussion, search the ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 5:11 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Monday, January 12, 2009

Grieving, forgiving, grappling for answers

Taking stock of youth violence hitting home Phil Abeyta (Denver, 2003) is the uncle to the late Matthew Murray. Last December Phil’s nephew became the focus of national news after a shooting spree left Matthew dead and his family wondering why this promising young man would take the lives of ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 5:03 PM EST | Categories: Articles

Monday, January 12, 2009

In Loving Memory

Max Torres (Houston, 2003) born Rueben Max Torres on October 23, 1955, was a dear brother in Christ who suddenly went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2008. Max was a first round DVULI City Coordinator for the city of Houston and played guitar in our Reunion Praise Band. A proven leader in the ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 9:32 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

The Spirit of Consumerism: A Deadly Vice

Most, if not all of you have heard the term “Black Friday.” It refers to the Friday after Thanksgiving and marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. On this day retailers put a limited number of items on sale—at drastically reduced prices—for a limited number of ...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 11:12 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Thursday, September 25, 2008

The Violent Take it by Force

Kadreidrah Marsh (15) shot over a boy by a 20 year old Albert Vaughn (18) beat to death with a baseball bat by a 22 year old Arthur Jones (10) caught in gang crossfire, shot by 17 year old Roky Uriostegui (16) targeted and killed by a 16 year old gang member MURDERED: Miguel Gomez,16 - ...more

Posted By Amy Williams at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Time for a New Model?

It’s fast becoming a hard reality for many urban youth workers. Adding youth violence or gang intervention to their programming is now a necessity. How many who felt the call to work with at risk kids imagined it would mean head on confrontation with gang affiliated youth. Yet more and more ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Youth, Gangs, and God.

Youth, Gangs, and God. Are you concerned about the impact gangs are having on your ministry and the youth you serve? Do you struggle to make sense of why young people join gangs? Have you longed for a resource—written from a Christian perspective—that not only deciphers the signs, ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: None

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Youth, Gangs, and God.

Are you concerned about the impact gangs are having on your ministry and the youth you serve? Do you struggle to make sense of why young people join gangs? Have you longed for a resource—written from a Christian perspective—that not only deciphers the signs, symbols, language, and ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Monday, August 25, 2008

How’s Your Ministry Impacted?

Really, it is old news! Youth and gang related violence has reached every ethnic and economic class in America. Like crossover music – armed robberies, school campus shootings, home invasions, along with other heinous acts are occurring in neighborhoods where historically it just wasn’t ...more

Posted By Gerald Bell at 10:00 AM EST | Categories: None

Monday, August 25, 2008

NeXus Boston Launches Leadership Initiative

On April 25 and 26, NeXus Boston hosted the DeVos seminar “Leading for Life” as the kick-off event to their twelve month leadership initiative, a replication of the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative (DVULI) curriculum. NeXus is a unique collaboration of six organizations, including a ...more

Posted By Eileen Kooreman at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Announcement

Friday, July 25, 2008

School's Out, Summer's In

It used to be that as youths, we could be excited about the prospects of a fight. Usually fights were scheduled for after school or in some cases the very last day of class. There was a love for the sound of “the 3 o’clock bell” – we could count on a good exchange of blows ...more

Posted By Nick Bolden at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Articles

Friday, July 25, 2008

safeyouth.org

Youth and gang violence is once again on the rise. This is particularly evident in big cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and Philadelphia. It could be that you and other leaders in your cities are deeply concerned about addressing this problem. I believe you’ll find the website for the ...more

Posted By Ron Carter at 12:00 AM EST | Categories: Resource Review

Monday, January 14, 2008

2009-2010 Reload Tour

Urban Youth Workers Training Event Dates and cities vary. See tour schedule at: www.reloadtour.org...more

Posted By Taylor Voss at 10:58 AM EST | Categories: Events

Friday, July 13, 2007

Collaboration is the key word in Portland.

When a group of DeVos graduates learned that survivors of the Katrina Hurricane would arrive in Portland, they quickly came together to begin to plan a concert to raise money for the families. More than 1,000 Louisiana residents were expected to come to Portland. DeVos graduates Wade Norris, Loren ...more

Posted By Administration at 1:34 PM EST | Categories: None