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Noel · 16-05-2011, 10:25 PM

Hey there! Thought I'd pop in for a while.

Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone has been to Detroit, MI in the USA?

The reason I'm asking is that I'll be heading over there in August to do volunteer service for the year. I'm really excited and I've been reading loads about it, but everywhere seems to say it's pretty dangerous with lots of gang and drug related crime. It's also been named the most dangerous city in America.

But on the other hand, I've read a lot of good things about it such as the music and theater scene and the regeneration occuring at the moment.

So I'm trying to get as many accounts of experience in Detroit as I can, so I know what I'm letting myself in for, y'know?

If you've been there, what was your impression?

InOne · 16-05-2011, 10:28 PM

Youtube video

What work you doing there?

King Gizzard · 16-05-2011, 10:28 PM

Have a good time mate

Noel · 16-05-2011, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InOne

Youtube video

What work you doing there?

That's actually a really helpful video, thanks!

I'm volunteering with a youth organisation that helps to engage young people in more worthwhile activities. So I'll be leading performing arts programs, retreats, summer camps, anything really that they need me to do!

Shaun · 16-05-2011, 10:34 PM

Remember to put your hands up when you're there

jealous of you though - that sounds amazing

InOne · 16-05-2011, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noel

That's actually a really helpful video, thanks!

I'm volunteering with a youth organisation that helps to engage young people in more worthwhile activities. So I'll be leading performing arts programs, retreats, summer camps, anything really that they need me to do!

Bet it will be good, but quite hard

Noel · 16-05-2011, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun

Remember to put your hands up when you're there

jealous of you though - that sounds amazing

Exactly what I'm thinking

Yeh it's gonna be great, I'm just really scared. There were really bad racial riots in the 60s and ever since, there's been an underlying racial segregation. I'm just some white Irish boy turning up in the projects! Eek!

InOne · 16-05-2011, 10:43 PM

Youtube video

o.o

Noel · 16-05-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InOne

Youtube video

o.o

Dear lord what have I got myself into?

I read that 50% of Detroit is unemployed, which is ridiculous. Poor city.

Liberty4eva · 16-05-2011, 10:57 PM

You may want to watch this super bowl ad from earlier this year. Heck, this ad makes me want to go to Detroit.

Youtube video

Scarlett. · 16-05-2011, 10:58 PM

*thinks of this when Detriot is mentioned*

Noel · 16-05-2011, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liberty4eva

You may want to watch this super bowl ad from earlier this year. Heck, this ad makes me want to go to Detroit.

Youtube video

WOOOW. That makes Detroit look so interestng. Like gritty and edgy.

Patrick · 16-05-2011, 11:04 PM

LOL Why not check one of those Thomas Cook websites or something?

With the reviews were the sad bastards go on Holiday and do nothing but reviewing and expecting every little inch of the experience, and pick out all the bad points.

LaLaLand · 16-05-2011, 11:37 PM

What's the organisation called? I'm looking to do similar stuff but in Canada soon as part of my rehab/'get better' thingy, I need to push myself hard basically.

As with any place in the world, Detroit will have good bits and bad bits. Don't think you're going to be submerged into riots, shootings, heavy crime etc as I'm sure the program you're going with won't allow such things!

Conor · 16-05-2011, 11:43 PM

Detroit is right in the middle of the US rustbelt (a chain of cities that have basically collapsed) I'll not lie, it has some of the worst gang violence and poverty rates in the US. The city itself is also falling into bad shape. There's been a few recent regeneration projects going on lately though and the place looks a lot better aesthetically. I'd say be careful where you go and what time, but overall it can be a vibrant and real city compared to Plasticville (LA). Like most US cities, the action happens in the suburbs rather than the city centre, so if you stay out of bad neighbourhoods and the centre at night, you'll be fine

Oh, and do some travelling while your there. Canada is literally across the river and Chicago isn't a million miles away. Good luck!!

Ithinkiloveyoutoo · 17-05-2011, 12:33 AM

wow you're so lucky! have a good time!
Really if a company is sending you there they should put you in touch with someone that can guide you to tell you which areas to avoid

Liberty4eva · 17-05-2011, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noel

WOOOW. That makes Detroit look so interestng. Like gritty and edgy.

btw, what country are you from? Is this your first time in the States?

arista · 17-05-2011, 06:28 AM

You are most Brave.

Feel The Force.

Noel · 17-05-2011, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonnii

What's the organisation called? I'm looking to do similar stuff but in Canada soon as part of my rehab/'get better' thingy, I need to push myself hard basically.

As with any place in the world, Detroit will have good bits and bad bits. Don't think you're going to be submerged into riots, shootings, heavy crime etc as I'm sure the program you're going with won't allow such things!

I'm going in partnership with a few organisations, but the one I'll be working with in Detroit is called Youthworks-Detroit. Yeh hopefully they'll keep me out of trouble!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conor

Detroit is right in the middle of the US rustbelt (a chain of cities that have basically collapsed) I'll not lie, it has some of the worst gang violence and poverty rates in the US. The city itself is also falling into bad shape. There's been a few recent regeneration projects going on lately though and the place looks a lot better aesthetically. I'd say be careful where you go and what time, but overall it can be a vibrant and real city compared to Plasticville (LA). Like most US cities, the action happens in the suburbs rather than the city centre, so if you stay out of bad neighbourhoods and the centre at night, you'll be fine Oh, and do some travelling while your there. Canada is literally across the river and Chicago isn't a million miles away. Good luck!!

Yeah that seems to be the picture most people are painting. Where I'll be staying is fairly close to downtown, so I shouldn't have too many problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liberty4Eva

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noel

WOOOW. That makes Detroit look so interestng. Like gritty and edgy.

btw, what country are you from? Is this your first time in the States?

I'm from Northern Ireland. Yeah it's my first time, I'm so excited! It's been a dream of mine to go to the States since I was like 7, so this is gonna be a big deal for me. Besides, spending a whole year there haha.