Advocating for Youth in our Community
By Maria Calacan
Getting to know your community and the issues that are affecting youth and their families builds an environment of love, support and appreciation for diversity that testifies of the love of Jesus Christ. The building of relationships inside and outside your parish community assists the Coordinator of Youth Minister in understanding where your young people come from, what is the root of their struggles, and what sets them on fire with the love of Christ so you can encourage them to remain faithful.
For example, in 2008 there was an issue with the County of Fairfax closing the Support on Suspension program in the Culmore area. During school suspension parents struggle with finding youth a safe supervised program where they are able to keep up with their school work and where they are prepared to resume their studies (FPY-SOS White Paper).
Partners got together to organize fundraising efforts and created relationships with Fairfax County Partnership for Youth, businesses, faith based and non faith based community organizations. Saint Anthony of Padua allowed Rotary Club to sell raffle tickets after masses, the Imam of the local Mosque contacted local business owners for donations and the community partners pulled together for the community’s youth to keep the program afloat for the 2008-2009 school year.
While working with community partners I learned that the graduation rate of the Fairfax County, VA area of Hispanic and African American youth was dramatically lower that White Students specifically in the Culmore area High Schools and Middle Schools (FPY SOS – White Paper). Many parish youth had already participated in the program and now are leaders advocating for the program. A youth minister understands and walks with young people by meeting them in their various life situations (Renewing the Vision) and looks for all resources inside and outside the parish to support the families. A CYM also receives requests from parents asking for a letter of recommendation to present to the public school boards. This is a prime example of meeting, supporting, a young person and their family during a difficult life situation especially when there may be a linguistic or cultural barrier. It is difficult to reach out to families and youth when they are lacking knowledge of processes and possible solutions of in this example suspension/expulsion from a pubic school.
Thinking outside of the box and being part of the resolution is simple. Be open to learning, communicating and not ignoring the injustices of society specifically those that deal with the families and youth. Another example is that the county sends information out before summer break to all communities requesting them to be a “host” the summer meal programs for county youth. Perhaps the community parish is not able to host the program but is able to communicate to families so youth are able to have a meal or two during the weekdays. Hosts in Fairfax County include faith based organizations, community centers and schools.
Those who minister to youth know that the transition of middle school to high school then after high school is pretty stressful. It is hard to give testimony and preach that everything is possible with the help of Jesus when youth experience many doors closing for them and their dreams seem almost impossible. Young people are caught between finding the right path and following the easier path. Youth overcome obstacles like learning English, adapting to another culture and they are in search of a better life. They serve the community through various ministries at church and through school programs that help other young people understand the importance of reading and writing in their native language. A youth worker walks with these youth to help them see theses challenges as blessings and encourages them to persevere academically and faithfully recognizing that these gifts will help them succeed. Through their testimony of faith young leaders in the community and parish are developed and they encourage all young people who have found themselves frustrated and sometimes alone in their struggle.
A young person was admitted to a University, went to freshman orientation and was sent back home hundreds of miles away upon trying to register because of their legal status. This is a very sensitive subject that many see as political but as a Church, we need to stand up for adolescents, especially those who are voiceless and powerless in society (Renewing the Vision). Basic needs for youth are to have a safe home environment, get an education and a meal at least once a day. CYMs need to be remembered that this is not a third world country that is suffering from these issues. These are our youth sitting in the pews at our masses that may look and talk a little different, but where made in the image of God. We may unknowingly be already walking with these young people, but because they are embarrassed or have some fears of being rejected have not share these struggles.
How to advocate in your community
Know your community by building relationships with the representatives of community faith based organizations, county programs for families, schools, and diocesan youth specific organizations. The Catholic Diocese of Arlington is blessed with a diverse population that enriches our Catholic Church. There are many languages and faces but still the same spirit. It is important to remember that and to have a kind presence and an open heart to cultures.
Youth workers will learn what resources are available for families and young people and work together for a common goal. For example I participate in the Culmore Partners meetings that are held monthly and are part of the planning committee for the Community Day, an event where young people of the parish are able to show off the wonderful talents and learn about various community services. Participating in county and community dialogues builds a network of people looking for and advocating for the issues of the community at large. Inviting older youth to participate is important, as they can also become advocates for the issues that they are living. This gives them hope and keeps theme focused on the right path by letting them know they are not alone in the struggle.
Catholic Diocese of Arlington YOuth Ministry Resource Manual 2009
