SIX HUNDRED YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEAD 'URBAN SOUL'

As many as six hundred young people “passionate about social action” from throughout Ireland will gather in Dublin next July to take part in a four day community enhancement project in the City. Entitled, ‘Urban Soul’, the project was launched recently in Dublin and brings together the Dublin and Glendalough Diocesan Youth Initiative, 3Rock, Scripture Union and Serve the City and several other faith based groups.

Promising “indiscriminate acts of kindness”, Urban Soul is aimed at young people over 15 years of age from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and will take place in Dublin from 1st to 4th July 2008. Three Dublin areas are being targeted in particular Dublin 1 (Centre City), Dublin 2 (South Centre City) and Dublin 8 (West Centre City). The young people will undertake social action through projects like area clean-ups, painting over graffiti, running community sports events, street parties and similar events. Speaking at the launch Alan McElwee of Serve the City said that Urban Soul “is about reaching out in small practical ways and showing kindness en masse....to show the love of God in a practical way and make a lasting difference in communities.”

During the four day event the young people present will also engage in Bible study and be addressed by inspirational speaker, Reggie Dabbs. Others who will also be meeting, speaking to and entertaining the young people taking part include Eoghan Heaslip and his band and DJ Roly Miller.

The cost for participating will be €135 including accommodation (onsite delegates) and €95 for those attending but not requiring accommodation (offsite delegates). Both prices include food and transport to and from sites where the project teams will be working. Late bookings (after 10 May) will attract an additional charge. Trinity Church in Gardiner Street will be the main venue for the event. Further information on Urban Soul is available from the initiative’s Website at www.urbansoul.eu.

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