That said, I see a big part of the problem as the fact that UV doesn't make it clear that they have a religious agenda when they bring kids into their programs. That seems to be the common denominator here, and may even be one of the reasons they got funding, if complete disclosure wasn't provided. Their "mission" as interpreted on their website is equally fractured and difficult to follow. Check it out at www.urbanventures.org.
Urban Ventures also participates in Partners in Possibilities. This is from a post I did here when the legislature - with many Minneapolis Democrats - supported the Colin Powell Youth Center.
When Jesse Ventura was governor, he line item vetoed the Urban Vultures Colin Powell Youth Center - after Central Residents called his office and requested that he do so.
This link no longer has the text I quote in the post. This text was there at the time I made the post (in Spring of 2002).
http://www.heartlandsynod.org/NewFiles/PIP.html
Urban Ventures, Minneapolis, MN THE MINISTRY:
Urban Ventures serves the Central and Phillips neighborhoods of south central Minneapolis. The area has the highest crime rates in the metropolitan area, and is plagued with prostitution, drugs and alcohol dependency, father absence and violence.
EY: Thanks alot to Urban Ventures. It really doesn't help to have them promoting the Central neighborhood in this manner.
The description continues:
Rev. Tim Overweg is the Director of Leadership Development for Urban Ventures. The goal of Leadership Development is to develop students who by their senior year in high school are so committed to Jesus Christ that they can survive and thrive in any environment.
.....
Every week James and Allen come to Urban Ventures for Bible Study, tutoring and meals with Tim and his family, and some basketball in the driveway! These two boys and many others are targeted by the Leadership Development staff for Bible study and discipleship, Scripture memory, mentoring, leadership development, retreats, summer camping and community service.
========================================
EY: I find it interesting that the Minneapolis delegation: Senator Linda Higgins, Senator Linda Berglin, Representatative Neva Walker and Rep. Martin Sabo are supporting public funding for an organization such as this. If Sabo is in support of something like this, he should also support Bush's faith based initiative. I'm curious whether it's clear that "Bible study and discipleship, Scripture memory, mentoring, leadership development, retreats, summer camping and community service." are not going to be part of what the state and federal funds are going for.
It's also rather interesting that Urban Ventures has the nerve to promote Ralph Bruins career in banking. What they don't mention in that bio is that career was cut short when Bruins was convicted for financial fraud.
================================================ Piehl: Beyond that, I don't think it's fair to tell someone that didn't realize the UV programs involve religious elements that they set themselves up for failure, that's blaming the victim. As far as the concept of kosher goes, every Jewish person I know practices it differently, but one thing they all seem to agree on is that they will not eat pork. Beyond the ham sandwich, the mother that Wizard referenced was also upset that Urban Ventures was preaching Jesus to her Jewish children. I imagine the growing number of Moslem parents in the neighborhood will have the same concern.
EY: Exactly. Government shouldn't be pushing programs that promote one particular religious view - which is pretty clearly what UV is about - though they do try to be stealthy about it.
This program was one of two local programs that Pawlenty is pushing. What bothers me about Urban Ventures is they are part of the problem - not part of the solution in improving struggling neighborhoods. They market the neighborhood as pathetic - and a place where no one would want to live.
It's disgusting that Pawlenty isn't pushing for the Planetarium - which is a statewide resource - but pushing a group like Urban Ventures.
I also find it troublesome that the Urban Ventures pamphlets made it through and got sent home to MPS students. UV has different promotional materials for different audiences of funders.
The Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation leaders: Art Erickson and Ralph Bruins - have a long history of trying to exploit anti-gay sentiments among some in the Central Neighborhood - namely they like to stoke resentments of Gay Men who have moved into the neighborhood - and bought and improved property. When Walt Gutzmer served on an NRP committee, UV was sending out board packets. Gutzmer was the designated "Gay Represented". His board packet included a newsletter from Central Community Church (not officially connected to UV - but connected to Art Erickson) - and the newsletter had an article about how gays should change to being straight - along with the predictable verse from Leviticus.
There are other Churches doing good things for youth in neighborhoods. The program sponsored by Calvary Lutheran - on 38th and Chicago - is one such program.
Urban Ventures: one rotten apple that spoils things for other legitimate programs that are partnerships with the Public Schools.
Eva Young
Near North
Minneapolis
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Blog is up:
http://lloydletta.blogspot.com
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