Community Mobilization Training Update

Another Marriage CoMission Community Mobilization Training was held April 15 – 18, 2007, at WinShape Retreat near Rome, Georgia. Approximately 70 individuals representing 19 communities were on hand for the two-part event that included first- and second-level instruction. Those in the second-level group attended first-level instruction with the Marriage CoMission last year.

 

Jeff Fray, Chair of the National Steering Committee, and Julie Baumgardner, Chair of the Community Mobilization Sector and Executive Director Chattanooga’s First Things First, oversaw the event. Presenters included Randy Hicks of Georgia Family Council, Jason Krafsky from Families Northwest, Richard Albertson of Live the Life Ministries and several others.

 

Topics included Fund Development, Board Development, and Strategic Planning. A highlight of the group’s time together was an informal evening session when second-level participants told about the progress they’ve made in their communities over the past year. One couple from Georgia told how they established a coalition of church and civic leaders, got their 501(c)(3) status, and had over 50 pastors sign a community marriage policy.

 

Some of the group also enjoyed part of one afternoon on the WinShape ropes course. Such an experience goes a long way in team building.

 

The next event will be a training for pastors and lay church leaders this October 10 -12, also at WinShape Retreat. Keep watching the Marriage CoMission website for more information.