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Directions: using the worksheet,
locate
at least one worship community (i.e., church, synagogue, temple, mosque, etc.)
for each religion listed. For each group, write down the name, address and
phone number of the community that is closest to you and indicate the
total count of communities in the area for each faith listed. Do not use too
large an area (e.g. the entire state) nor too small (just your town or rural
county). Begin with a 25-mile radius search area (may include
surrounding counties). For realistic demographics, try to use the same size
search area for every group listed and indicate when you've made
exceptions (i.e., how far you have to look to find a given group). For some of
the less common religions, or if you are in a rural area, you may need to
extend your search to include nearby counties, nearest major city, or even the
next state over – up to a 50 mile radius search area would be within
reason. Note that every
one of the religions on the worksheet can be found within Fairfax county,
VA. Every religion can also be found beyond Fairfax county (at least
one location) throughout the greater northern Virginia region, from Prince
William and Loudoun counties west to the Shenandoah. Resources
to use:
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You
can begin with Mapquest
to locate the places closest to you. You can also do an Internet search for places of worship: using
a search engine, enter key words for geographical location (e.g. your town,
your county, nearest major city, etc.) and the name of the religion you
wish to locate (you may want to narrow your search by also entering terms
such as "temple," "worship," and/or "directory").
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To locate Christian churches of various denominations, try Church
Angel (this link will take you directly to Virginia listings; if you want
to search in other states follow their link at the bottom of the page back to
their "states menu"). This Church Angel site breaks down the listings
by city. Don't limit yourself to just one city, check surrounding cities as
well.
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A good on-line directory
for non-Christian religions can be
found at "The
Pluralism Project Directory of Religious Centers."
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Good
resources to get counts are the Association
of Religion Data Archives (click "maps & reports") and American
Church Lists.
Be aware that no one resource or online directory will be complete. You
will get the best results by consolidating results from several resources.
You
can also use the yellow pages of your regional (not local) phone book(s)
(under "churches" and "synagogues").
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 Video demos of above noted resources:
- See supplement
for detailed guidance on using above noted resources (including videos that
demonstrate how to use some of the above noted online directories).
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Worksheet
Rich Text Format, should be able to open in any word processor. Your
findings can be typed in and then saved. (This worksheet will open in a new
window so you will still be able to reference these directions.)
How you will be graded:
- Complete:
including at least a paragraph of commentary and no blanks, with all counts
filled in (automatic 50% for a completed worksheet; -1% for any space left
blank; -up to 4% for missing or too brief commentary - every single one
of these religions can be found in Fairfax county, VA if not closer to
where you are)
- Locations
given (addresses) are the closest to your home base, appropriate
groups identified and truly associated with the religion in question (i.e.,
no mistaken identify, no service, political, educational, administrative or other
organizations that are not likely to be actual worship communities) (1% for
each appropriate location - need to include city with address to
verify where it is - I will verify locations using above noted
resources. Also need to include the name of the place so I can verify
that it is truly a worship community associated with the given religion)
- Counts
given are realistic for expected search area (as per directions above) and in relation to one another for
diverse groups, indicating effective use of resources (I know what is out
there to be found and if I don't know the area you are using, I will check
it out myself, using the resources I recommend) (1% for each count that is
within 50% high or low of the target number I find for your area)
points for correct locations + points for
fairly accurate counts + points for completeness = total
example: out of 25 religions on the list: 15 correct locations + 20
correct counts + 50 for being complete = 85% = B
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