DOOR is an organization devoted to serve groups and individuals in missions, service, and learning experiences with year around full-time staff in amazingly unique cities. We’re here to answer your questions, email us at:

DOOR@DOORnetwork.org or call 303-295-3667





DOOR
430 W. 9th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
303-295-3667
866-559-3248 (fax)

Dwell in Chicago

        
DOOR Chicago is looking for young adults to participate in service, community, hospitality, holistic relationships and living together 
in intentional community while experiencing the gifts of the city.

          Do you have a degree in Business? City planning?                                              Engineering? Politics?
 
Come join us as we study how Chicago has been built to separate different classes and races. We will study the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago politics, Chicago Housing Authority, and Chicago zoning and apply your expertise to recover hope and examine how these things can be undone.  Participants will be placed in agencies that are working on these issues 4 days a week.   
 

About Dwell Chicago

• Lives intentionally in an urban community
• Is 22-29 years of age
• Spend one day per week with the other Dwellers in informal reflection or directed study on themes of racism, classism, Christian Community Development, and the political systems of Chicago as they relate to Christian living.
• Receive modest stipend to support living expenses
• Engage and participate in local churches
• Serve in a social service agency 4 days a week
• Participate in 4 retreats spread out over the year

General Info                                          

DWELL will connect candidates to Chicago allowing them to learn in, serve in, and support local agencies that are working to change the unjust systems of Chicago.  DWELL is not just about a placement in a good works agency, but rather also incorporates components of intentional community living, exploring faith with local churches, and a genuine interest in developing vocation in ministry.  

Candidates will be interviewed and placed with Chicago agencies and ministries based on the need of the local ministry and the gifts and talents of the candidate. After arriving in early September, the first two weeks are set aside for orientation, exploring the city, reflecting on the upcoming year, reading, and settling in. Dwellers will serve in their ministry placement an average of 32 hours a week. They will meet together as a team one day a week for directed study, prayer, experiential learning through city outings, or ministry and living issues. Four retreats are taken throughout the year – at the beginning and the end as well as two others during the course of the service term.

COMMUNITY - Volunteers will live in community with a diverse group of 4-6 Christian young adults, learn the meaning of Christian love and work through differences. Time is set aside in the schedule each week to allow volunteers to develop relationships with people from the community in which they live and experience the joys and difficulties of cross-cultural friendships.

SPIRITUALITY - Volunteers will engage in finding ways to connect their faith with their training and education.  Each volunteer will receive support from the Dwell coordinator as well as a mentor.  They will participate regularly in a local church and learn to apply their Christian beliefs in an urban setting. Volunteers will explore the Christian discipline of simple living.

SERVICE - Volunteers will be matched with a service site during the course of the year. The service site will be determined by the volunteer's interest in urban issues and the theme of the unit.

BENEFITS - DWELL will provide housing, utilities, a community grocery budget, public transportation pass, retreats throughout the year, a monthly stipend, and health insurance. Volunteers will be expected to raise support of about $4500; however, upon completion of service volunteers are eligible for grants for partial payments of student loans and moving expenses. Volunteers are also expected to report their experience to their home church, financial supporters, and the National DOOR community.

Goals

To dwell amongst the people of Chicago as Christ's example of living among us. To make known and to know God's presence in the city of Chicago by connecting to the community and being a part of an urban renewal movement. To meet a critical need of the local churches and the local community.

PERIOD OF SERVICE - One year (beginning of September through beginning of August)

If interested, you may contact Krista Dutt at 312.545.3667 or
Krista@DOORnetwork.org.  Or you write door@doornetwork.org for an application.

Curriculum

DWELL provides a curriculum that brings together a diverse collection of books, articles and experiences that our Dwellers read and discuss on a weekly basis throughout the year.

While we will cover the topics of interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth, we will focus primarily on Chicago politics and systems in our readings, our discussions, and field trips.  Trainings focus on various issues related to the various community service sites, churches, or neighborhood experiences. Community Day is a time that all Dwellers come together to eat, reflect on their weeks, and study themes from scripture and the city.

Site Information

Chicago is a great city that balances blue collar work ethnic, culture, and overall city appeal.   Chicago is a unique place to study class and race and the history of politics.  DOOR is a program designed to help inform, educate, challenge, and motivate individuals to respond to the issues and concerns facing urban America. DOOR exists to challenge individuals to consider ministry and service of a daily part of their life.

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