St. Francis Resource Center for Catholic-Muslim Relations
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Just for Youth

Young people are the face of the future. They bring energy, openness and a fresh perspective to this adventure of bringing God's vision to life.
We are all born with open hearts, We learn to close ourselves off when we are hurt or when we are told there is something wrong with us or with the other. Youth outreach allows us to help our beloved children keep their hearts open - and inspires us to open wider in response.
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Photo credit Seeds of Peace

For All Young People

For College Students

Urban Plunge and Bridge-Building

Augsburg University in Minneapolis has developed two transformative experiences designed especially for middle and high school-aged youth. Both events engage students in structured reflection and hands-on experience in the richly diverse neighborhood surrounding Augsburg.  For more information see here.

Being Safe Harbor -Interrupting Bias and Harassment

We've created a youth version of our handout on responding positively to anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions. Click for a copy of the Being Safe Harbor youth handout, and or our Twelve Talking Points on Islam.

Service Projects

Service projects are a great way to engage youth. When we work side by side, conversation comes more easily. When we step outside our comfort zone boundaries fall away. When we reach out to help we are brought together by our common humanity and our shared status as God's creatures. Here are some examples:
  • See the Feb 3 post by Tapestry Interfaith Women

Peace Camps

Where do you have a chance to speak from the heart about your faith and your life experiences? Attend one of the youth peace camps we've discovered - or start your own!
  • Seeds of Peace sponsors camps for students ages 14-16
  • Eastern Mennonite University pioneered a youth camp model for grades 1-6

Books, etc.

  • The Islamic Resource Group in Minnesota has an extensive list of recommended books for young people. Click here to see more.
  • There is a great need for more positive representations of Islam and interfaith relations online and in visual media. Many young people are highly skilled in both. We encourage youth to create movies, photo displays and news stories. Then please share them with us!

Interfaith Youth Core

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This movement has been rapidly picking up steam since its inception just 15 years ago. Founded and inspired by Eboo Patel, this organization is wise beyond its years. We oldsters can sneak a peek and learn a lot too. Check them out here.

Bringing the Message Home

Many small towns and rural areas have limited resources for educating residents about Islam and Muslims. Many cities don't have enough interfaith advocates to go around.

We have a dream of a network of college students who learn about Islam, build new relationships and then bring the message home to their communities. We envision a four-session series to be held on campuses, aimed at the basics of Islamic teaching and history, Muslim issues in the U.S., and strategies for standing up to intolerance. We would then invite students to do a one or two-session introduction in their home churches or other community settings. We know that with a small committed group we can move mountains.  If you'd like to join us, please sign up here.  We won't share your info with anyone else, and you can bow out at any time.

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    Bringing the Message Home

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Other campus initiatives

College students have been among the greatest leaders in movements for change. Education exists to provide tools to create a better future. These are just a few of the current initiatives on campuses:
  • Augsburg College Interfaith Scholar Program
  • University of Minnesota Muslim Students Association
  • Luther College Statement of Solidarity
  • Muslim Students Association Minnesota Summit
  • Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
  • Stony Point Center offers a Summer Institute for young adults ages 19-29
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Our sister ecumenical Christian site can be found at alliesandfriendsmn.org
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