YOUTH CAN MOVE THE WORLD
negin September 4th, 2008
When discussing the situation of society today, and the many challenges that humanity is facing in regard to the decay in morals and ethics, it is not unusual that the habits, lifestyle and behaviour of teens are brought up as a deterrent example. A rise in drug abuse among youth, a rise in violence among young people and a rise in teenage pregnancies are just a few examples that we hear about.
At the same time, there is rising awareness among youth around the world when it comes to global issues like poverty, racism and the environment. They engage — with heart and soul — in promoting the good of their fellow man, being able to look beyond race, sex and colour to a degree that is touching and inspiring to many.
This age group is, therefore, a unique one, possessing great potential for awareness and commitment, but also facing an obvious risk of error and degeneration.
Abdu’l-Bahá describes the period of youth in these words:
After a time he enters the period of youth in which his former conditions and needs are superseded by new requirements applicable to the advance in his degree. His faculties of observation are broadened and deepened, his intelligent capacities are trained and awakened, the limitations and environment of childhood no longer restrict his energies and accomplishments.
Youth are thus very sensitive to influences in their environment, one of which has to do with society’s view of them. A prevalent understanding is that adolescence is a time when the individual goes through physical and psychological changes, which must inevitably lead to confusion and crisis. One more or less expects teenagers to misbehave and to be rebellious and self-centered. They are assumed to only care about pleasure and amusement and shouldn’t be bothered with responsibility.
In a letter to a youth, Abdu’l-Bahá says:
The period of youth is characterized by strength and vigor and stands out as the choicest time in human life. Therefore you should strive day and night so that endowed with heavenly strength, inspired with brilliant motives and aided by His celestial power and heavenly grace and confirmation, you may become the ornaments of the world of humanity…
As described in the above two quotations by Abdu’l-Baha, the period of youth is a time when the potential for development and progress is great. During so critical a period, education and encouragement can empower youth to take responsibility of their lives and their surroundings and “become the ornaments of the world of humanity”. But, as rightly pointed out by a previous author, the approach taken must be creative, one that will both engage their interests and be sensitive to their growing potentialities. In the context of Baha’i junior youth programmes, this means avoiding the boredom and monotony of classroom-style lectures in favour of smaller, interactive groups — usually guided by a facilitator who is, in effect, a friend to the participants. This also means entirely steering clear of a patronizing attitude towards the participants, and instead promoting a positive environment where each participant’s talents and opinions are highly valued and allowed to develop.
This is the purpose of the “Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program” that is used by the Baha’is, and has been described in previous articles.
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- Baha'i Concepts , Principles in Action , Society
- Comments(5)
nice. thank you
You know, I am so grateful to have found a religion where I am celebrated as a young person, where my contribution is encouraged and integral tot he work we do. At the same time I am sometimes hugely intimidated by the precedent set for me by Baha’is younger even then me from the very beginning – but it is an intimidation that spurs me to want to contribute even more for the Cause.
As a convert I think I have a special perspective, and when I see Baha’i youth born the the Cause who for some reason have never had the opportunity to see the Faith in the light I do, and really get excited about their role in the Faith I am extremely sad. After this weekend I will start tutoring Junior Youth Groups, and I can’t wait. This is an importantt topic, we have the only religion which has had youth at it’s centre from the beginning, and we should all be praising God daily for that blessing.
God Bless,
Gerald
Dear Gerald,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yes, the emphasis and import placed on youth within the Faith is unique and it’s a blessing for you to be able to appreciate it more and not take it for granted. I’m sure this perspective will be valuable to you as you start tutoring the Jr Youth group and strive to empower the participants to shoulder the role. I wish you all the best!
I’m glad you brought up the fact that many of the central figures and heroes in the history of our Faith were young! Surely the sacrifice of time, comfort and amusement that is made by youth who rise to serve humanity is a magnet of Divine assistance and blessings!
I think as a youth myself that youth can move the world, but of course we need mentors. Mentors who might not be youths any more. I also think that being a youth comes with an intimidating kind of responsibility that sometimes just seems too much. And sometimes we are scared that we may be looked upon as a sociopath in our schools and in friend circles and so we just are scared.
but youth can move the world
I was born and raised a Baha’i but I didn’t appreciate my Faith like I do now until I found it for myself. I think all baha’is need to do that. I’m just about to home visit the parents of the JY I hope to teach; all non-Baha’is we met through outreach. I’ve done book 5 and I’m excited but terrified! At least I know that all I have to do is my best and that the rest is up to them. Thank you for your comment Gerald. Very uplifting:) xxx.