Rochester Interfaith Youth Community (IFYC) is a partnership of youth and adults from different religious backgrounds that is modeled after a national program. The purpose of Rochester IFYC is to build mutual respect and pluralism among youth by having them work together on service projects. So far, Rochester IFYC has held training sessions and service events. Upcoming, the group is planning an event at a local art exhibit on race where youth will discuss relationships between racism and religious intolerance and create art in response.

1. Introduction to Rochester Interfaith Youth Community Youth of <Church name> <Month day>, 2010 by <your name, e-mail>

2. Introduction to Rochester IFYC What Rochester Interfaith Youth Community is Our purpose Who we are What we have done so far What have we done? What‘s next? An evening at RACE You can help make it happen No “IFYC” without the “Y”

3. What Rochester IFYC is Rochester IFYC is a partnership of youth and adults modeled after the Interfaith Youth Core led by Eboo Patel—the model works. Founded in 1998 by Eboo Patel and college students Headquartered in Chicago, 22 full-time staff Major funders, like Ford Foundation International reach—India habitat build Recognized nationally And locally Eboo Patel named to the list of America's Best Leaders, 2009 by US News & World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University Mayor Ardell Brede proclaims a Rochester Interfaith Youth Core day

4. Our Purpose We are committed to build mutual respect and pluralism among youth from different religious traditions by empowering them to work together to serve others. Millions of religious young people in the world interact with frequency. That interaction tends either toward conflict or cooperation. Many tend towards conflict. Instead of focusing a dialogue on political or theological differences, we build relationships on the values that religions often share, such as hospitality, caring for the Earth , and j ustice to live out our common values together to the benefit of our community. Imagine a world where people from various religious backgrounds partner in mutual understanding and respect to serve their communities. THIS IS THE WORLD WE ARE HELPING TO BUILD.

5. Who we are Local faith communities represented by participation in our training programs, events, and leadership include, at present: Christians Hindus Jews Muslims We are inclusive, open to all inspired to work for the common good through: Service Outreach Education Leadership

6. What we have done so far November—Interfaith boot camp, B’nai Israel Synagogue. Full day training for adult and youth volunteers on organizing interfaith youth events, led by international IFYC, sponsored by Rochester IFYC. March—Quilt tying, B’nai Israel Synagogue. Preparing quilts to donate to Crisis Nursery, interfaith discussion while working. March—Service project, Channel One . About 10 youth helping the Channel One staff, pizza and reflection. Ongoing organizational meetings, project planning. Relationship building and reflection

7. What’s next? RACE is a great opportunity to discover how much we have in common as well as learn about the consequences when our differences are misunderstood. The exhibit explores race through lenses of History—evolved over time Human variation Lived experience—law, tradition, institutions RACE: www.mayoclinic.org/race/ An evening at the RACE exhibit! Photos by Wing Young Huie

8. An Evening at RACE Attend RACE together Gather at the Art Center for refreshments and reflection on relationships, if any, between racism and religious intolerance—common roots? Common solutions? Discussion based on guidelines developed by Rochester Diversity Council Professional art teachers to help us illustrate in multimedia creations our response to RACE Tentatively scheduled for Aug 26.

9. You can help make it happen Meet with other youth on June 8 or July 13 to help finalize planning Help publicize the event Join us at the event Bring a friend … JUST FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS!!!! Sign our contact list and attend our June or July meeting to receive, first come first served, a free copy of To Be Free by George Thompson, a leader in advocating for racial and cultural tolerance in Rochester.

10. No “IFYC” without the “Y” IFYC was created by youth, relies on youth Energy to act Masters of social networking Pivotal for social change at a critical time in our community Able to attend 4 meetings a year, help plan and attend 2 events? Imagine a world where people from various religious backgrounds partner in mutual understanding and respect to serve their communities. THIS IS THE WORLD WE ARE HELPING TO BUILD. Thank you. Rochester IFYC: www.ifycrochester.org