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June 25, 2007
By Kent d Curry

If the reports we’re hearing about North American Youth Congress 2007 are half-true, there will be many surprises waiting for everyone. (That’s why ninetyandnine.com will be blogging it 24/7.) One of the new events will be an “intentional gathering” for 20somethings on Thursday night. Featuring a number of special activities in a unique setting, “b” is likely to create one of those late nights everyone will be talking about for weeks afterwards.

ninetyandnine.com talked with Nathaniel Binion, Campus Ministry International North American Promotions Coordinator to get the scoop on the big night.

This interview took place on June 19, 2007.

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90&9: What is the “b” event at Youth Congress?
NB: The “b” event is what we like to call an intentional gathering to foster networking among 20something at Youth Congress. We believe the reason it is difficult to mobilize 20somethings in our movement is because there isn’t an overarching culture of 20somethings within our movement. There are multiple sub-groups that never intersect. It is our hope that this event is step one of many to fostering a “meta-culture” of 20something students; meaning, many groups connected to one single network.

90&9: Who is it for?
NB: Well, anyone who has graduated from high school and beyond. We use the term “20somethings” to group all of the multiple contexts together.

90&9: What does “b” mean?
NB: “b” came to us while we were sitting in a coffee house going over our vision for the night. The objective for this event is simple—to have a night of “intentional relationship building.” Therefore, we want everyone to feel comfortable to just “be:” be yourself, be with your friends, be different, be loud, or be quiet. This night will not be over-programmed because we want everyone to just “b.”

90&9: What will be happening throughout the night?
NB: The night will begin between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. (depending on the evening service).

A person would walk in and see a stage with two musical tastes—James Simms (electronica/hip hop) and the Royal Tailor Band (an indie-pop/r&b sound)—they could get some punch from one of the walking servers, or some finger foods from one of the stations, finally to choose one of the different sitting areas to meet some friends.

Then, at midnight we will have a fashion show of all new clothing by a new Apostolic designer, Jennifer Parekh (Sarai designs). She just recently graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing Management and is opening a new line of women’s clothing. We will also show a men’s line as well. We have some surprise guests in the fashion show as well.

After the fashion show (12:20 p.m.) we will leave the rest of the night for our musical groups to play original music while we return to enjoying mixing with each other. One of our goals is to foster original work within our 20somethings, these young artists show the beginning of it.

90&9: A mega-event like Youth Congress offers endless socializing opportunities. What’s the advantage attendees will receive by being there?
NB: The advantage is that the demographic will be concentrated on one age group. For once, 20somethings can go to an event to “endlessly socialize” with people that will be within their demographic.

We promise we will not be playing “make a bubble gum tower,” “pass the candy with a toothpick,” or “who can eat blended fish and peanut butter” games. We want adults to enjoy being with each other.

90&9: So who’s sponsoring this event?
NB: Campus Ministry International and the General Youth Division.

90&9: How will CMI benefit by sponsoring “b”?
NB: We believe that the success of the youth division’s attempts to empower college students begins first with building a culture of 20somethings within our movement. I think the youth division could take a brown paper bag and write “Youth Congress, the date and the city,” mail it out and people would come. Why? An event helped foster a community. This is what must happen in our 20something culture. Also, we will be creating a database of 20somethings from this event to connect this demographic to CMI events and to each other.

90&9: What else will CMI be sponsoring in the near future?
NB: We have re-tooled an event called Winterbreak. It will be held at the Wyndham Hotels in Orlando, Florida, January 2-4, 2008. There will be a focus on teaching, group work, and small groups sessions. We are working on an idea for fall 2008, but I can’t tell you about it yet; we are still working on some details.

90&9: How can readers pre-register for “b”?
NB: They can go to www.campusnow.org or www.northamericanyouthcongress.com and look for the “b” tab. The cost is $10.00.

© 2007, Kent d Curry

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Kent d Curry is an executive editor of ninetyandnine.com, a college and career speaker, and lifelong Bible Quiz geek.