A community is built when generations are at work together.
The work of the Institute draws together children, junior youth, youth, parents, and the community into a single shared endeavour. Each generation has a part to play; but youth play a significant role.
Youth have energy and great enthusiasm. People assume they are carefree. But it is the opposite; they are concerned with the plight of humanity and long to see real change brought to our society. They do not only think about their own lives — education, work, friends, family. As they grow older, they find themselves shouldering more responsibilities; their parents expect much from them and they begin to make significant decisions about the direction of their lives.
Many young people in communities across Ontario are realizing that their energies can be directed by a twofold purpose: to take charge of their own intellectual and spiritual growth and to contribute to the transformation of society. The two aspects of this purpose are interconnected. As an individual develops their own capabilities, they are better able to serve others, and in helping one another, youth grow as individuals and strengthen the qualities they possess.
Young people across Ontario are coming together to explore ideas that can help them take purposeful action to make their communities a better place. To find out more, contact us.
“Man's life has its springtime and is endowed with marvelous glory. The period of youth is characterized by strength and vigor and stands out as the choicest time in human life.”
Among the young ones in the community are those known as junior youth, who fall between the ages of eleven and fourteen. They represent a special group with special needs, standing between childhood and youth as many changes occur within them. Creative attention is devoted to involving them in programmes of activity that engage their interests, develop their capacities for service, and connect them with older youth through social interaction.
We expect to see a broad movement of youth setting the standard … releasing the potential possessed by young people is, for them, a sacred charge.
— The Universal House of Justice, 30 December 2021