The following interview with JoAnn Pleasants and Geoff Frahm focuses on the feasibility of an individual to bring transformational change on a local community.  Can one person really make a difference?

Geoff Frahm is National Team Leader for The Big Day of Serving.  He works with individuals in communities all across the country to help them organize a single-day service event for 500 – 1,000 people.  Geoff has been organizing mission opportunities for over 10 years dating back to when he traveled the country for several summers during college leading mission trips.

JoAnn Pleasants is a long time children’s and youth pastor with nearly 15 years experience. Her passion to push her church’s ministry outside of the walls of the building called her to action. Over the past two years she has led a community team in Frederick, MD to organize The Big Day of Serving event that brought over 900 youth into the city of Frederick to impact the community. Additionally, she directs a new program called 4YOUth that steps out of the church to engage youth in an after-school environment.

Geoff: What did you find to be the needs in your community?
JoAnn:  In order to make the most profound impact on a specific neighborhood (or neighborhoods), we focused in our downtown area for our Big Day of Serving.  We found two city organizations truly needing our help.  Our Parks & Recreation Department was in need of landscaping help all throughout the downtown Frederick area mainly due to budget cuts. The necessary supplies were available through the city but the staff had been reduced and the work could not be completed.  Another department in need of our help was the Housing Authority, especially with government funded housing communities.  There was a great opportunity to share God’s grace with many families and adults of all ages.  That was truly a need and we all were blessed to be present in their lives on that day.

Geoff:  It has been said that this generation of young people are “wired” to serve. Why do you think that is? Why is there a need for a national movement organizing youth service events?
JoAnn: I’ve been working in youth ministry for the last several years and I believe youth genuinely want to serve. They want to make an impact and help others… and “days of service” give them an opportunity to do so. They see needs, hear about needs, and read about the needs of others and they want to make a difference, but they don’t know how. This current group of teenagers cares an awful lot…and they certainly have the energy to make a difference. Additionally, I think the more youth you have gathered at an event, that energy is amplified and it becomes more fun for them to make a difference…perhaps it’s the power of numbers.

There is definitely a need for a national movement to organize youth service events…especially through the church and youth ministry. In organizing this event I learned that our city and other non-profit organizations are looking to churches to help those in need because they cannot accomplish all that should be or needs to be done. Whatever the reasons that people and our communities are in need, the reality is we can help. A personal reason for me to be involved in a national service day like The Big Day of service is to help empower youth – in my experience they can accomplish anything and everything! They just need to be given the opportunity, encouragement, and guidance when needed. A national movement makes them feel a part of a bigger whole and amplifies their energy towards service, and their productivity towards change!

Geoff: What advice would you give to someone who sees the need in their community and wants to help?  How did you find the partnership with The Big Day of Serving helped you to impact your community?
JoAnn: I would say “Go for it!” Take some time to really think about the needs in your community. Talk to people in your church, your neighborhood or some close friends and colleagues to see if they feel the same as you about needs in your community and wanting to make a difference…and then talk to the youth in your church. If you engage them in the planning and have them all alongside of you, that will make a difference.  Plus, you won’t be alone in the effort. You need a good team working with you – helping to plan the event.  With a great team it’s not the mountain it starts out to be!

I was excited to partner with The Big Day of Serving for several reasons. First, they are well known and have such a wonderful reputation for organizing excellent mission and service opportunities. I also support the goal and vision they have for The Big Day of Serving. I am honored that they trusted and had faith in me to lead an event in our community. Without them we would not have brought together over 900 participants in Frederick! Plus, not only do they know how to put together a successful event, they have a team of individuals always willing to help & support you with your community event. They are truly committed to their mission to unite youth, transform communities in need, and to just share God’s grace!

LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR COMMUNITY TRANSFORM NEIGHBORHOODS
To find out more about how you can mobilize youth to transform communities across the nation – go to www.thebigdayofserving.com. You may also contact Geoff at gfrahm@thebigdayofserving.com or by calling (800) 385-4545 ext. 4256.