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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