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The voices of youth at the world’s premier interfaith convening have a rich history in the history of the interfaith movement. The most renowned Parliament speech in history happened in 1893 when Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk from India, opened the first World Parliament of Religions by calling upon his “Sisters and Brothers of America.” He was 30 years old.
In the 129 years since the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions, PoWR has committed to uplifting the voices of youth and emerging leaders as a critical constituency under the umbrella of the Next Generation.
Youth representatives designed a plenary session titled the“The Next Generation”
Youth program titled “The Next Generation” first appeared in Cape Town, South Africa
The Next Generation: “The Parliament’s youth initiative, The Next Generation, is dedicated to nurturing transformative communities through the power, energy, and enthusiasm of today’s young leadership”
Ages 16-25
6 Day program included:
4 gatherings:
“Pushing through the Boundaries of Creative Engagement: Youth Initiatives that Work”
“Rediscovering the Continuum: Honoring Our Intergenerational Bonds:
“Realization of the New Day: The Next Generation Responds to the Call”
“Spirit of the City: Young People and Community Experience”
Exchange Program
Next Generation and and Mannenberg youth joined for an evening ceremony
Next Generation received a tour of the District 6 Museum from District 6 Youth Ambassadors
40 members visited the SHAWCO youth center in Mannenberg
Creation of the final Plenary titled “Nurturing Transformative Communities in the Future: An Open Space Conference”
At the 2004 Barcelona Parliament, youth participation took the shape of a Parliament Academy, with participants under the age of 30.
Parliament Academy Topics:
Honoring Shared Views on Christianity, Judaism, Islam
Uniting Youth Leaders for Global Transformation
Young People and Religious Freedom
Building an Interfaith Youth Movement in Your Community: Shared Values and Social Action
Connecting with Young People in Our Cities
Media Empowerment – Understanding and Using the Power of Media
Promoting Sustainable Development through Partnerships with Religious and Spiritual Communities and Youth
Interreligious Engagement in Higher Education – A Princeton Model
At the 2009 Melbourne Parliament, youth participation included youth-centered programs, an evening youth plenary, and a youth coffee house.
Youth Programs:
Pilgrims’ Progress 2008: Research on Those Who Attended the Sydney World Youth Day
The Future of Religion in Australia? Melbourne’s Religious Leaders in Dialogue with Young People
The Art of Creative Expression: Youth Workshop
Ending Legalized Violence Against Against Children – A Religious Imperative
Youth Spirituality: Join the Evolution! Youth, Spiritual Development, and Activism
Convening Education Session: Schooling, Young People and Social Inclusion
Best Practices in Interfaith Youth Work: Religious Schools and Community-Based Programs Respond
Hearing the Concerns and Voices of the Indigenous Youth
Analyze This: Views of Young Saudi, Australian, and American Muslim Women on Their Faith and Evolving Roles
Emerging Leaders Plenary:
70 East Lake St., Ste 230
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 629-2990
The Parliament of the World's Religions acknowledges it is situated on the traditional homelands of the Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi), Hoocąk (Winnebago/Ho’Chunk), Jiwere (Otoe), Nutachi (Missouria), and Baxoje (Iowas); Kiash Matchitiwuk (Menominee); Meshkwahkîha (Meskwaki); Asâkîwaki (Sauk); Myaamiaki (Miami), Waayaahtanwaki (Wea), and Peeyankihšiaki (Piankashaw); Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo); Inoka (Illini Confederacy); Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe), and Odawak (Odawa).
PoWR recognizes the region we now call Chicago remains home to a diversity of Indigenous peoples today and this land upon which we walk, live, and play continues to be Indigenous land.
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