www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Ideas for Building Community in a Dorm Hall.....

I recently got a job as a Resident Assistant at my university for the upcomming academic year. I'm pretty excited, and a bit nervous. I was wondering if we had any former RA's here or really anyone who can share some ideas for building community in a dorm hall. I've had some so far but I wanted to see if I could get any input from others. Thanks!

Ira,

My eldest daughter spent 3 years as an RA in coed dorms - 2 of them with supervisory responsibility, as well as floor responsibility. All, by her choice, were freshmen dorms, which offer particular challenges in the area you mention because many are distracted or outright frightened (whether they admit it or not) by being away from home for the first time, they're vulnerable, and everyone (for the most part) lacks the friends and contacts that develop after a year or more on campus, etc.

I'll never get Katy to register and post (her life is so hectic that her time is never her own), but I'll see if I can get some pointers from her to pass along.

Many years,

Neil

You are blessed with far more patience than I possess. How about a group study, focusing on how to be men or how to be Christian men in a secular world...ect, whatever you think would be most needed.

I have found that the current education system dehumanizes manly traits, such as with competition, debate, and the development of a strength of will. The fruit of the feminized education system is emaciated young boys who often find themselves foraging for (too often self-destructive) ways to grow up into men.

I'm getting ready to start my second year as an RA and I think the best advice I can give in terms of building community on a floor can be summed up in one word: ownership. At first, it is a good idea to have activities planned for them, but after the first month or so let them give you ideas. We have always had the best turn out when residents have a hand in choosing the activity.

Also, to try and build community right at the start, have an open door night at the very beginning before things get too hectic. Encourage people to visit all of the room on your floor or even in your dorm. (We've done this for many years and it works great!).

Don't be afraid to do random, spur of the moment activities. If it happens to be a gorgeous day out, try to get a group together to play frisbee, baseball, football etc. outside.

I've also known RAs who have something every week. Something small, like group prayer time, bible study or even watching a TV show that is fairly popular together.

Hope this helps!