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Networking, Learning, and Growing: Reflections on the CCDA Conference

Imagine a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s, but instead of food and home goods, it’s a hub of urban ministry training, leadership development workshops, books from inspiring authors, and thought-provoking keynote speakers. That’s the unique experience of attending the 2024 Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) National Conference in Portland, Oregon.

As the National Director of the Fuel Networks, powered by UYWI and DVULI, I had the incredible privilege of attending the recent CCDA National Conference in Portland, Oregon. This gathering of community development professionals offered a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to addressing our communities’ challenges.

 A Community of Change-Makers

The CCDA conference was a vibrant hub of energy and inspiration, with a diverse mix of attendees, from seasoned community organizers to emerging leaders. This diversity was a testament to our shared passion for creating positive change in our communities.

Eight of our ten Fuel Networks leaders arrived Thursday evening at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

  • Thomas Brackeen (DC)
  • Kevin Lapierre (NY)
  • Jonny Fine (Cleveland)
  • Brandon Grant (Columbus)
  • Jonathan Banks (Chicago)
  • Sean Nelson (Houston)
  • Jeff Chupp (Phoenix)

The camaraderie of our team, mixed with the bellows of laughter and the extensive resources displayed on our table, grabbed people’s attention. Each of our network leaders made significant connections with leaders across the country and youth workers in their cities seeking a place of belonging.

Our last evening event was dinner with the President of Multnomah University. The joy of that experience was the home-style soul food from Po’Shines Café De La Soul and the incredible testimony of DVULI Alumni and Former Liaison Dr. Jessica Taylor. She shared her story of growing through the university ranks as a native Portlanadian who passionately cared about her city and the university. Dr. Taylor is the first Black female president of the university. Under her leadership, the ethnic makeup of the campus has dramatically shifted, and enrollment has increased!

 Workshops and Networking Events

Friday was a full day at the convention center. The team gathered around our vendor booth at 930am for a devotional, then broke to attend the plenary and various workshops. Our workshop on multi-generational leadership and our networking session were both held in the afternoon. Admittedly, I was nervous at the slow start to our workshop, but before long, people streamed in, filling the room. 

This resource was intentionally written and developed to equip you to love, intervene, and walk with youth that have endured hard circumstances. This tool helps youth workers with the theological framework for how to build their program and discipleship relationships with young people in a way that fosters trust and authenticity.

Our Fuel Network leaders did an excellent job teaching and landing the four pillars of support – Protection, Provision, Presence, and Promise from the UYWI Scars curriculum.

One attendee, R. Reid, shared their key takeaways from the conference, emphasizing the importance of ministry together and the value of collaboration and community assets.

Spacing in the room for our networking session forced us to pivot from the original plan. But since we are a bunch of youth leaders – pivoting is part of what we do! Leaders from multiple cities sat in a circle and shared their heartburns in ministry. At one point, they gathered around one leader who cried as she shared about the lack of students in her ministry. Kevin Lapierre, the New York Fuel Network leader, led the session. The flow of ideas, the exchange of contacts, and the encouragement to create new roads of collaboration were our expectations for the session.

 See You Later

As tired as we were from networking and attending workshops, we found ourselves in the lobby of the hotel, continuing to pour into leaders and encourage each other in our ministry work. Our Columbus Fuel Network leader Brandon Grant’s extended conversation with a gentleman who wanted to explore methods for galvanizing ethnically homogenous communities divided by social structures was a testament to our commitment. Despite the late hour and the early start the next day, we didn’t say goodbye because we knew that ministry never stopped – so we all said, “See you later!” This dedication and commitment to our mission was truly inspiring.

Conclusion

The CCDA conference was a transformative experience that has reaffirmed my commitment to the Fuel Networks and our mission of empowering urban youth. The insights and connections gained from this event have not only enriched my understanding but also inspired me to continue our work of restoring broken communities. I am excited to bring these learnings back to our networks and continue our journey of empowerment and change.

 

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