Host Family Info

Ireland has been called a country that has been at war with itself for 800 years. A history that divides the people has also entrapped them. The reasons are rooted in the 17th century and the consolidation of English authority over Ireland by Protestant English Kings. As Pro-English and Scottish settlers continued to displace Catholic Irish from their lands, religious differences became inextricably enmeshed with political and economic frictions.

When the independent Republic of Ireland was formed in 1921, the British retained control over the Northeast corner of Ireland-historically part of the province of Ulster-with its overwhelming Protestant majority. A civil rights movement in the late 1960's, aimed at ending the economic and political discrimination, escalated into violence and a resurgence of the old animosities. Since 1969, more than 3,000 police, soldiers and civilians have died as a result of what the Northern Irish call, "The Troubles".

History of Ulster Project Cincinnati

The Ulster Project Cincinnati started in 1989, under the guidance of Marybeth Kantner. While the Project has changed slightly over the years, it has remained true to the goals first set forth over 17 years ago: To foster tolerance, understanding and friendship between Catholic and Protestant teenagers from Northern Ireland, while staying in the Cincinnati Area; to promote religious tolerance and understanding among the faith communities of Cincinnati.

We have a board that is made up of anyone interested in being involved with the ideals of the Project. Our executive board is made up of those officers elected by the membership. There is a board of Clergy from Cincinnati which guides and supports our efforts.

If you would like to apply as an American Host Teen, download the 2006 Teen Application complete it and send it in. All adult household members age 18 and over must complete the Adult Application.

Time Commitment/Driving

The entire month of July is devoted to the Project. The month is planned prior to the arrival of the Teens from Northern Ireland. American teens must attend all scheduled Project events. This means everything on the calendar! The only things that are optional are the "free time" and Family Time. this time is yours to use as you please. Parents must attend all scheduled Project events for families and parent coffees.

We drive all over the city... sometimes several days in a row. No matter how much you think you drive you DO NOT drive this much! Some of our events are scheduled in the far reaches of eastern and/or western Cincinnati. The American teens can come from all parts of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Money

Although the Project pays for all scheduled events for the Irish and American teens the month can be costly. Irish teens bring money to spend. The American teens do not usually have that much available cash. In the evenings, the teens have gone to the movies or had extra activities, not project events. Families must again use their own judgment when planning an allowing participation in these events.

Each family is asked to "sell or buy" $50 worth of raffle tickets for Irish Night. Families are also asked to supply pop and snacks for the Crossroads meetings. In addition we have many picnics/potlucks/receptions when families are asked to bring dishes to share or desserts.

Scheduled Events

The calendar is set up with times posted. It is imperative that everyone be on time. This is most true of the Crossroads events held weekly. Teens must be on time!!! The calendar for the Project is our bible for the month. Each teen will receive a copy, as well as each family. PARENTS keep yours with you at all times. Bring your bible to all meetings, it's the best place to keep notes. YOU MUST BE AT DESIGNATED PLACES AT THE DESIGNATED TIME!!!

Ongoing Commitment

Host Families are expected to stay involved the following year by serving on a committee. They are also asked to continue to support the Project financially, by attending fund raising events. If host families only participated during the Irish teens visit the Ulster Project would soon die. Right now a handful of people are doing the majority of the work. If each would take just one element of an event we would have more ideas and less work for all. Without help, the Ulster Project in Cincinnati may not continue.

Overall

If you are accepted into the Project there will be more extensive orientation before the teens arrive. Once we have all the teens selected there will be several events during the winter and spring months to help the American teens get to know each other. These events need to be attended when scheduled.

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Re: Host Family Info, pheuer, 5/10/06; 11:54:29 AM

Last update: Saturday, April 8, 2006 at 8:28:23 AM.