What are the goals of Young Neighbors in Action?

While, it is true that the Young Neighbors in Action experience will be different for each participant, several key considerations have gone into its development and design. Among the program goals are the following:

To Energize

• To energize young people, their families, and the entire community around the Christian call to service and justice
• To demonstrate the power young people have to make a real difference in life when they work together
• To help young people grow in their awareness of their personal giftedness and of the potential for good that resides in the faith community.

To Educate

·        To increase young people’s appreciation for the importance placed on service and justice in Scripture and Catholic social teaching

·        To provide focused learning on the twin justice issues of poverty and respect for human dignity

·        To encourage skills for critical reflection on justice topics

·        To help adult leaders to grow in their understanding of justice and expand their skills for justice and service work with young people and their families

To Involve

·        To provide young people with creative opportunities to work with and learn from the poor, and experience the call to solidarity with those in need.

·        To assist service organizations that count on volunteers to accomplish their work

·        To familiarize youth with organizations that work for the poor through direct service, local enablement programs, and social change

·        To provide opportunities for cross-cultural learning and sharing

·        To help young people experience the larger faith community that brings together people of different ages, communities, and economic conditions

To Integrate

·        To provide young people with a sense of accomplishment and hope

·        To foster in young people a concern for continuing integration of justice and service in their lives

·        To provide practical strategies and approaches for ongoing growth in justice and service

·        To help participants view Jesus as a person of justice, and encourage them to grow in their relationship with Jesus and with the church

Program Overview

Program Goals

Official Young Neighbors in Action Website!