Junior Youth and Youth Education

One of the Core Activities offered by the Bahá’ís and open to all

The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program

The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program is a global initiative aimed at endowing youth ages 12-14 with the ability to recognize the spiritual significance of their actions and words. In Oregon, the Junior Youth Program is carried out with the guidance and support of the Northwest Regional Bahá’í Training Institute. As members of a junior youth group in their own neighborhood, middle school-aged youth work together to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to become agents of change, beginning to understand that they have the ability to transform their own lives. Working together with their group leaders, group members identify service opportunities in their communities, allowing them the chance to continue to increase their capabilities and strengthen their bonds with each other and the community in which they live.
(Text borrowed from the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute).

The Program is implemented through groups which meet regularly throughout Benton and Linn Counties. As of September, 2009 six groups meet in neighborhoods throughout Corvallis, Philomath, and Tangent. For more information on how to connect with the Spiritual Empowerment Program either as a junior youth or youth volunteer in Benton and Linn Counties please contact Ryan Siegel via email at rwsiegel@gmail.com.

Youth Groups

The age of 15 is seen as the age of spiritual maturity when young people are capable of taking responsibility for their spiritual life. The Bahá’í writings inform the vision for the capacity of youth when they have been educated properly and cross the threshold of maturity by stating that “The period of youth is characterized by strength and vigor and stands out as the choicest time in human life. [It should be distinguished by] sanctity and detachment, loftiness of purpose, magnanimity, spiritual qualities….”. Within the group the youth study character development themes, develop the power of expression, discuss difficult issues with peers, create art, play cooperative games, engage in healthy recreation and plan & carry out service projects.

There is no charge for any of the above activities.