“The youth must soar”: youth gather for conference on Vancouver Island

In early June, 50 youth took stock of the current moment and explored how they can advance a pattern of action that seeks to include growing numbers of their peers in a community-building process.

Fifty youth from across Vancouver Island participated in the conference, which took place in Duncan, B.C.

The Universal House of Justice’s Ridván 2024 message states:

“We are conscious of how much vibrancy and strength is generated in any society by its youth being awakened to the vision of Bahá’u’lláh and becoming protagonists of the Plan. And so, with what immense kindliness, courage, and complete reliance on God must Bahá’í youth resolve to reach out to their peers and bring them into this work! All must surge, but the youth must soar.”

During breakout sessions, the youth studied guidance from the Universal House of Justice around the role of youth and the institute process.

As a response to this message, and particularly the imperative “the youth must soar,” several conferences for those aged 15-25 are occurring across Canada, mobilizing young people concerned with the plight of the world and pledging to make a change. These conferences will launch a period of intense activity during the summer months, when many youth will participate in an educational process that, affirming the spiritual reality of every human being, builds capacity to better oneself, develop purposeful friendships, and make a positive change in the community.

From June 8-9, 50 youth from across Vancouver Island gathered to explore their role in this endeavour. The conference started with the story of Badí, who, at the age of 17, delivered a letter from Bahá’u’lláh to the S͟háh of Persia—an undertaking he ultimately sacrificed his earthly life to complete.

Through Badí’s journey, we can draw a parallel to the sacred task he was given and how the Universal House of Justice entrusts this generation of young people to assume the sacred charge of transforming their communities. The youth can raise themselves to be the new Badís, and spaces such as the conference help them see many others who are walking this same path.

The youth drew of a map of the communities on Vancouver Island as part of a planning session.