About the Seminar Program

What happens at seminars?

• Groups explore complex social issues in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Groups learn about the work of the United States government and the United Nations.

• Groups meet with human rights activists, government representatives, international officials, and religious leaders.

• Groups engage in interactive exercises, bible study, worship, and lively discussion on social issues.

• Groups visit and volunteer with community organizations working for social justice.

• Groups learn ways to get involved and take action.

Where are seminars held?

• In New York City, seminars are held at the Church Center for the United Nations, directly across the street from UN headquarters in mid-town Manhattan.

• In Washington D.C. seminars are held at the United Methodist Building, adjacent to the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court in the Nation’s capital.

• Groups have the option of scheduling a seminar in New York City, Washington D.C. or both cities.

Who attends seminars?

• Seminars are open to groups from all denominations and faiths and to both youth and adults.

How long are seminars?

• The length of the seminar depends on the desires of the group.  Although most seminars are for two days, seminars can be one day, two days or longer.

When do seminars happen?

• Groups can set up a seminar at any time of year.

• Seminars typically begin at 9:00am with a brief worship and run until 5:00pm. This time schedule includes any field site visits, an hour lunch break and other breaks where needed.  This schedule is flexible, however, and can be adjusted to fit the particular needs of the seminar participants.

How much do seminars cost?

• Seminars are $10 per person per day in New York and $12 per person per day in Washington DC. 

How large does our group need to be to schedule a seminar?

• The seminar program asks that groups bring a minimum of 20 people.  Under special circumstances we will work with groups of fewer than 20 participants.  You will need to confer with a seminar designer if you wish to arrange this, however, you would still need to pay as if there were 20 participants (i.e. $200 per day).

Where do groups stay?

• Groups attending seminars arrange their own accommodations, however, a list of hotels and other housing recommended by previous seminar groups can be found here.