​Ages
High School Students, College Students, Adults​
Maximum Group Size
20 people, including adults
​
Available Dates​
-
​June 27 to 2, 2027 - FILLED
-
July 4 to 9, 2027 - FILLED
-
This trip is also available for flexible length and timing trips from September to April. This could be a day trip, weekend trip, or week-long trip. Prices are adjusted based on the number of days.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the city of bridges, second only to Venice, Italy! In the 1970s, the steel industry that built Pittsburgh collapsed, leaving neighborhoods and communities along the three rivers decimated. Even though Pittsburgh has rebuilt itself as a green city, thanks to innovations from the surrounding colleges and universities, its rise as a green city and technology hub has historically sidelined and redlined people of color. Our site sits at the heart of an urban community just beyond Pittsburgh's city limits in Wilkinsburg, PA. The history of what happened to this once middle-class community is the story of what is happening across America, as white flight, gentrification, and development have pushed people of color, the economically disadvantaged, and those with mental illness out of the city and further away from the resources and employment they need.
​
Gun violence impacts every community across America, and this Be The Neighbor trip will focus on understanding both its impact and its root causes. Your group will stay at a local church that has created its own nonprofit dedicated to ending gun violence in their urban community, and through our partnership with CeasefirePA, you'll learn about organizing to change laws that increase access to guns. Participants will learn about different facets of gun violence, including urban gun violence, local congregations impacted by gun violence, and the Center for Victims of Violence, as well as gun violence rooted in hate. You'll also be able to visit with the Women's Shelter to learn about gun violence connected to domestic partner abuse and the Pittsburgh Suicide Prevention Agency to learn about guns and suicide.
​
On our last day, we visit the Jewish Community Center to listen to the stories of those who witnessed or lost loved ones in the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in 2018. This is a heavy and sensitive part of the week. If younger participants are on the trip, adult leaders should be attentive to their needs and emotional responses throughout.
​
Together, we will take a "Walk Around the Block," during which we will discuss systemic racism in public education, housing, business, and health while meeting some of the remarkable people working to rebuild Wilkinsburg as a vibrant, multi-racial, multi-income community.
​
Your group will explore how the topics you're learning about relate to your own community and develop a plan for how you can continue this work when you get home. Be The Neighbor weeks are learning and launching trips, meaning participants will leave the week equipped to live lives of love, service, and justice in ways that are relational, sustainable, and dignity-affirming!
Be The Neighbor’s summer programming begins on Sunday evening and concludes on Friday morning. You may stay an additional night to explore see the city in this location for an additional $20 per person. Check out is 10 am Saturday morning.
Trip costs follow our equitable pricing model. You can read more about it here. We want everyone to be able to participate no matter their financial realities. Regardless of which level you select, your trip includes:
-
A simple breakfast, lunch and snack Monday morning through Friday morning
-
A dedicated Site Director and Intern(s) to facilitate your week
-
Fully planned service and educational experiences
-
Theological reflections created to engage participants in connecting what they are learning to their faith
-
Discussion guides for priviate group reflection
-
Group interactive education led by BTN staff
-
Lodging, including showers, dedicated sleeping rooms, gathering rooms, and kitchens use - most sites include air mattresses or cots for all of your participants
-
Costs covered for honorariums for speakers, activities, supplies for projects with community partners, and any entrance fees for educational experiences
-
A t-shirt for each participant
-
Journals for each participant
-
Online orientation for your adult leaders
Please note that your group will be responsible for dinners and transportation during the week.