foco - forum community organizing e.V.

info@fo-co.info   

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING IN OTHER EUROPEAN LOCATIONS

By Rev. Paul Cromwell

June 19, 2006

Norrkoping, Sweden

St. Johannes Lutheran Parish includes a large low-income and migrant

neighborhood.  Members and staff of St. Johannes helped begin a neighborhood organization here (Your New Hageby, www.dittnyahageby.nu) and in an adjoining village to Norrkoping (Vart Nya Attetorp, www.vartnyaattetorp.nu).  These groups have assisted neighborhood residents conduct numerous self-help projects (community garden, youth activities, senior health care, etc.).  St. Johannes initiated a parish listening process in early 2006 with ten persons visiting thirty-five parish members.  At an Issues Assembly in May, 2006 two committees were formed, one regarding internal parish visions (creating more intercultural social activities and a visitation team to elderly and sick members) and the other to focus on neighborhood youth concerns.  Research and planning this Summer will be followed by action in the Fall.  Planning is also underway to provide community organizing orientations and training to pastors and deacons in other diocesan parishes.