Junior youth spiritual empowerment program
Mission
The mission of the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program is to empower middle schoolers to see themselves as active agents of change in their own communities. The program occurs in communities worldwide and has contributed significantly to the advancement and progress of an area. The program is structured by working with a group of middle schoolers who is led by an "animator", or a mentor, and usually meets once a week. The group goes through different work books that relate to their lives and help them consult about important topics in their lives. Another major focus of the program is service which is all initiated by the the group within their own community. The group analyzes how they can contribute to the betterment of their community and then they make a realistic action plan and implement it with the support of their leaders.
Service
One of the most important aspects of this program is building community and engaging in service. Junior youth groups are constantly trying to analyze the reality of their communities and figure out what are the best ways that they can contribute to its progress. There are examples of Junior Youth Groups from all over the world who have begun amazing social action projects and been true leaders for everyone in their communities. A few examples are listed below:
- natural habitat preservation
- neighborhood cleanliness and beautification
- decreasing food insecurity
- increasing accessibility to resources for immigrant families/non-english speaking families
- increasing academic support
- english classes for families
- increase accessibility to healthcare
- natural habitat preservation
- neighborhood cleanliness and beautification
- decreasing food insecurity
- increasing accessibility to resources for immigrant families/non-english speaking families
- increasing academic support
- english classes for families
- increase accessibility to healthcare
Personal Experience
I participated in this program when I was in middle school with a group of my friends and it helped shape who I am today. I learned that I am a powerful and effective individual and so are others, no matter how their contribution looks. The program allowed me to have a positive role model who helped me accomplish the things that I found important and taught me that all people, no matter age, race, sex, gender, etc., are valued members of society and it is important that we all contribute.
When I graduated from the program and began high school, I began a group of my own. I have been the leader of several groups now throughout the last ten years and I love them all dearly. After reaping the benefits of the program myself, I have been able to return the support provided to me to many other middle schoolers. Not only am I having a positive impact on the individuals in the group and the larger community, but I also learn so much myself as an animator in this role.
All of my experiences with this program have made me who I am today which is someone who is passionate and determined about helping to change the world for the better. This program has helped me and many others on this path of life and service. I plan to continue working with this program, wherever I may reside in the future!
When I graduated from the program and began high school, I began a group of my own. I have been the leader of several groups now throughout the last ten years and I love them all dearly. After reaping the benefits of the program myself, I have been able to return the support provided to me to many other middle schoolers. Not only am I having a positive impact on the individuals in the group and the larger community, but I also learn so much myself as an animator in this role.
All of my experiences with this program have made me who I am today which is someone who is passionate and determined about helping to change the world for the better. This program has helped me and many others on this path of life and service. I plan to continue working with this program, wherever I may reside in the future!
Photos
Below are several images of Junior Youth Groups in action all over the world.
Photo Credit: Bahaipedia, India, Junior Youth Group
Photo Credit: A Stronger Thought of Peace, Brazil, Junior Youth Group
Photo Credit: Bahai Community of Belize, Belize, Junior Youth Group