The young people who are studying, reflecting and soaring into action

A group of young people in New South Wales has been learning how a process of study, reflection, consultation and action leads to the growth of a vibrant and inclusive community.

The group are graduates of the ARCS program. An acronym for Action, Reflection, Consultation and Study, the program is grounded in action and practical experience and arms individuals with the skills required to effectively contribute to the advancement of their communities. 

Recently, nine ARCS youth graduates visited the town of Griffith – located seven hours west of Sydney. Their aim was to assist the local Baha’i community in discerning which neighbourhood in the town would be most open to a community-building process to enrich the spiritual, material and economic lives of its residents.

Through seven days, the team constantly turned to the guidance of the international governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the Universal House of Justice, reflecting and studying on how best to apply spiritual principles to their physical reality, consulting on plans to bring the community together, and moving into the field of action. 

The first three days included engaging in conversations with the locals, discovering more about the reality of the town and subsequently planning a series of neighbourhood gatherings.  

After visiting homes, engaging in conversations in parks, and playing games and sports with the residents, the neighbourhood of Pioneer fast became the focus of the team’s community-building efforts.

According to the team, they made sure to ask those they were speaking with what a ‘neighbourhood gathering’ looked like to them. 

“This enabled them to feel they were contributing to and a part of the initiative, rather than just being a recipient to the invitation.” 

When conversations translate to community-building

Neighbourhood gatherings were organised in the local Pioneer park and the community centre. 

Planning included asking local shops for food donations, creating flyers for distribution, and making up posters.

About 100 people attended the gathering held at the local park, with an influx of families, youth and children arriving within the first half an hour alone.

“Conversations were had with parents around unity, community building, education of children, the period of youth and numerous other topics,” the team said. 

“A welcome and introduction to the program was held, emphasising the importance of community and peace within a neighbourhood. The families were excited and hopeful when they saw the faith and enthusiasm of the youth.” 

The gathering at the community centre the following evening was attended by 20 people “all interested in social initiatives and community building”. The ARCS team also paid a visit to the Mayor where the past week’s experience was shared. 

“He was impressed by the effort and dedication of the ARCS and Griffith teams, and for coming from Sydney to build a vibrant community in Griffith.” 

Developing the capacity to transform neighbourhoods 

Following the ARCS youth visit, a group of five Griffith youth attended a Ruhi Institute Camp at the Yerrinbool Baha’i Centre of Learning to develop further skills required to contribute to the welfare of their home neighbourhood. 

The camp was held over three days along with participants from Mount Druitt, Sydney. This proved helpful as the reality of both neighbourhoods is similar and insights and learning were able to be shared. 

Following the camp, three ARCS youth accompanied the Griffith youth back home. The aim was to “consolidate their learning and encourage the youth to involve themselves in the life of the community”.

What has now been observed is a shift in culture across the neighbourhood. Initially, locals were skeptical about the prospect of change. Now, they are witnessing how the Training Institute is arming locals with the tools needed to transform their surroundings.

The Griffith youth have started an empowerment program for junior youth aged between 12 and 15 and are assisting with the weekly spiritual and moral classes for children in Pioneer. They continue to make their way through the Training Institute material, developing the capacity to transform their neighbourhood and bring more people along on this path of service.