We wanted to take a moment to talk you about an important day next month that you may have never heard about. August 12th is International Youth Day! This was adopted by the General Assembly as an international holiday in 1985. Since then, this day has become a day to raise support and awareness for the well-being of young people. Some of the areas of priority include: Education, Hunger, Poverty, Drug Abuse, and Juvenile Delinquency. What is a better reason than International Youth Day to get your teenagers out in the community to help with some of these issues? Here are a few ways you can help:

1. BackPack Drive

Education is one of the most important topics related to International Youth Day. With Back to School right around the corner, this would be a perfect time to host a BackPack Drive at your church. Have your youth reach out to church members about donating backpacks and school supplies to students who may not be able to afford what they need to go back to school.

2. Volunteer at your Local Homeless Shelter

Spend a Saturday with your teenagers volunteering at a local homeless shelter. There are so many kids and teenagers who are living in these shelters because of their family situation. This is in an incredible opportunity for them to be able to have kids their own age come out and talk to them, but it’s also an even better opportunity for your teenagers to gain some perspective on all that they have.

3. Environment

Issues surrounding the environment are also top of the list of important topics associated with International Youth Day. Your teenagers can really make a difference in this area! Start with your local community. You could spend a few hours with your students picking up trash around the area, or help plant fresh flowers at a local school.

The truth is, it doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing something. Get out in your community and help raise awareness for our teenagers and youth who are walking through really tough seasons in their lives. We can make a difference! Let’s start now.