Category Archives: Neighbourhood Junior Youth Groups

Public Session on: Transformative power of the Bahá’í Faith—“A Widening Embrace” Sept 16, 2018

Across the globe, followers of Bahá’u’lláh and their friends are striving in earnest to contribute to the well-being of their communities and the advancement of society. A Widening Embrace captures some experiences and insights from a selection of neighbourhoods and villages, in rural and urban settings. Here, a process of building vibrant communities is unfolding through individual and collective action propelled by a commitment to learning, in the words of Bahá’u’lláh, how to translate that which hath been written into reality and action.”

This public session will focus on the process of building vibrant communities in every neighbourhood. We will also watch together a short segment of the new documentary called “A Widening Embrace”

— An innovative new documentary film about the community-building efforts of the Baha’i world, as seen through the eyes of local populations, was released today on Bahai.org.
A Widening Embrace has been produced through a creative, grassroots process in which teams of often young people have documented the efforts of their own communities around the world to effect social change.

Drawing on footage taken by those teams over the course of a year, the film tells a story of transformation unfolding in 24 communities representing different realities and contexts. It focuses on three main themes: universal participation as a path toward collective prosperity, the vital role of young people in the transformation of society, and the emergence of a range of social and economic development initiatives that spring up from the spiritual aspirations of a population.

 

While one outcome of the film project is the documentary itself, another important dimension is the capacity that has developed in numerous local populations to document and describe what their communities are doing and learning in the context of social progress.

The event is open to all and everyone is welcome.

We are looking forward to seeing you on Sunday Sept 16, 2018.

Invitation Public event Sept 18 2018

(Some material taken from news.bahai.org)

Public Session: Junior Youth empowerment program July 15, 2018

The Baha’i community of Ajax has planned a series of public events at the Ajax Main Library (Rotary room), offering information sessions about various community building activates that are underway. These events are providing  space for everyone to participate and contribute to the discourse and betterment of our neighborhoods.

All As One

The event on Sunday July 15  from 2-4 PM,  is focusing once again on the importance of Junior Youth Empowerment program.

There will be a brief presentation about the JY program followed by a short video clip followed by general Q&A and open discussion.

The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program trains teens and young adults to mentor younger peers aged 12 to 15.

Here is a short clip about the (JYSEP):

 

The Junior Youth Empowerment Program is a global movement inspiring young people, parents, and community members to work together toward a better world.

Falling between the ages of 12 and 15 and representing a transition from childhood to youth, young adolescents—referred to as “junior youth”—experience rapid physical, intellectual, and emotional changes. Their spiritual powers expand. A new level of awareness fosters in them an increased interest in profound questions and in their talents and abilities. During this short and critical three-year period, ideas about the individual and society that may very well shape the rest of their lives are formed. However, delight at these new powers is often combined with feelings of worry, discomfort, and doubt that may produce contradictions in behaviour. Directing their new abilities towards selfless service to humanity is therefore needed at this age.

The event is open to all and everyone is welcome.

There is also no cost or fees to join JY program.

We are looking forward to seeing you on July 15.

 

(Some material referenced from the www. Bahai.org)

 

Public Session on: Junior Youth empowerment program June 3, 2018

 

Early Adolescence :

Falling between the ages of 12 and 15 and representing a transition from childhood to youth, young adolescents—referred to as “junior youth”—experience rapid physical, intellectual, and emotional changes. Their spiritual powers expand. A new level of awareness fosters in them an increased interest in profound questions and in their talents and abilities. During this short and critical three-year period, ideas about the individual and society that may very well shape the rest of their lives are formed. However, delight at these new powers is often combined with feelings of worry, discomfort, and doubt that may produce contradictions in behaviour. Directing their new abilities towards selfless service to humanity is therefore needed at this age.

Worldwide, junior youth are participating in an endeavour that strives to give them a voice in today’s society. These junior youth groups are enhancing their power of expression, sharpening their spiritual perception and allowing them to analyse the constructive and destructive forces of society.

Who Participates in These Groups?

The participants of this group are junior youth between the ages of 12 and 15. This is a crucial period of a junior youth’s life as their consciousness is expanding and, day by day, they are becoming increasingly exposed to the forces of society.
The older youth that acts as a guide to the junior youth is referred to as an “Animator”. The role of an Animator is to assist the junior youth in developing their capacities, encouraging them to contribute to the betterment of society as well as encouraging them to question the world around them. Most importantly, an Animator must strive to become a true friend to the junior youth.

How Can Junior Youth Groups Make a Difference?

Junior youth groups can make a significant difference in communities, neighborhoods, villages and even the world at large! When junior youth become spiritually empowered, they take on tremendous amounts of responsibility to contribute to the betterment of society. A junior youth group has the potential to change their surroundings through the service projects that they do, keeping in mind that change is most sustainable when their efforts are consistent. With countless groups around the globe, youth are already moving the world!

 

We are looking forward to seeing you at the event.

 

 

 

(Some material referenced from the www. Bahai.org and Baha’i blog)