LOGISTICAL ELEMENTS
Once the goals, theme, and collaborators are established, it is time to look at the basic logistic components of the stateside program.
Date and Time Based upon the objectives you wish to accomplish for your stateside celebration, determine the best date and time for your event. Some key questions to consider:
• Many stateside events take place during the final weekend of WYD( in 2019, this is January 25-27). Will you do the same?
• What is the time difference between your local event and the international World Youth Day? If you want to watch the events in Panama live during your event, this may determine your plans.
• Since WYD technically lasts multiple days; will you have multiple activities( e. g. catechesis, stations, vigil, Mass, etc.) during your stateside program? Factoring the number of activities may determine if you are looking at a full- or half-day event, or an event over several days.
• Will you have an overnight option to mirror the overnight vigil at WYD?
• Since WYD 2019 takes place during the winter months in North America, what weather and community factors do you need to be aware of? How will you account for potentially colder conditions, especially since many aspects of WYD are outdoors? What travel, holidays, local festivals and events, sunrise and sunset times, and already-existing parish or diocesan events should you consider?
• If you plan to develop a walking / riding pilgrimage or service project as part of your program, to mirror the journeying aspect of WYD, how will that affect the timing of your stateside celebration?
• Will you develop other digital opportunities for young people to engage the WYD events at home or on their mobile devices? Will you be communicating live with international pilgrims using digital technology? If so, that may also play into your timing.
See the sample schedules listed in this guide for additional ideas on how to structure your stateside event( s). These sample schedules can be adjusted to the needs and preferences of your planning team, the above considerations, as well as the site / location you have chosen.
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