R F Y N

The Religious Freedom Young Adult Network

Update: New Steering Committee at Congress 2010

Background

Young adults have been working with IARF member groups for many years and have been involved in specific IARF projects. However, we wanted to increase the diversity of faith traditions and to develop a more cohesive and effective group.

About us

We are creating a global network of young adults with the capacity and commitment to take actions that enhance religious freedom. By 2007, we aim to have 200 in the RFYN who will be active participants in this network. At present, we are working with an age range of 18-35 years.


Our Objectives

• To gain a deeper knowledge of religious freedom issues locally, nationally and globally.
  
• To become familiar with the concepts underlying article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its application to IARF's Statement of Purpose.
  
• To learn through action by creating small and large scale projects that enable interfaith encounter to take place, especially in areas where religious intolerance threatens religious freedom.
  

We will encourage young adults to get involved at the following levels: 1. Showing interest in the cause of freedom of religion and belief; 2. Taking a first step, such as attending an event; 3. Becoming more seriously engaged with the issues; and 4. Being regularly active; 5. We will also seek to identify IARF 'resource people' who may not currently be active, but on whom the RFYN could call for assistance.

Projects

Potential projects could be of the following variety:

• Small scale projects - Composed of multi-faith core teams (minimum of 3 to maximum of 10 in each team), which would plan and carry out activities.




• Larger multi-faith projects - Examples of these would include the Gujarat project 2001/2, and an educational study tour in the Philippines (see IARF World 1/2002).




• Religious freedom research - Having young adults help to identify and contribute to research on situations of religious intolerance within their own area.

The aim is to have each project supported by an advisor or mentor. Guidance and coordination will also come from the Young Adult Programme Coordinator (YAPC) and Regional Coordinators.

Assumptions

• Organising and sustaining this network will engender interfaith harmony and understanding and a greater awareness of religious freedom issues.
  

• Young adults will learn from these projects (in an enjoyable, rewarding setting) and will be able to impart some of the knowledge gained.




• The presence of young adults who have gained leadership skills and knowledge about freedom of religion and belief issues, will be beneficial to the upholding of religious freedom within society.
  
  
  
  

So far, our major projects have been funded by member organisations and one trust. We are, however, seeking funding from other sources. If anyone can assist in any way with fundraising ideas or donations, however small, please contact Morse Flores.
You can also contact your Regional Coordinator or Chapter.

Albert Xaviour , RFYN representative on the IARF Council, may be reached at xaveen at hotmail.com.