Youth Leadership Development

“Faith in Every Footstep” – The 2026 New Mexico Interfaith Immersion Trip

Contributed by Wesley Chen, Shinnyo-en USA Head Temple and Leticia Ruiz, Shinnyo-en Hawaii Temple From June 22nd to June 27th, ten students from various faith traditions arrived in New Mexico and were immersed in an interfaith journey of learning and self-discovery. This year’s participants represented Shinnyo Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Catholicism, and Presbyterianism. They were guided through …

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Growing as Leaders Through Service: Reflections From the 2026 Points of Light Conference

Contributed by Colin Lee, Menlo-Atherton High School Service Learning Center Thousands of people from across the country gathered in Washington D.C. for the 2026 Points of Light Conference in late June. The annual conference brought service leaders together to share innovations, advance impact, and build connections. As members of Menlo-Atherton High School’s Service Learning Center, …

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Rising Leaders Take the Stage at the Central Valley Youth Showcase

Contributed by Christiana Garcia and Damian Martinez, Civic Education Center In late April, Central Valley youth celebrated civic leadership and innovation at the annual Civic Education Center’s Youth Showcase. This event was designed to answer the question, “How can youth experience and share the positive impacts of their civic projects?” This showcase plays an important …

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Fostering Connection and Exchange: A Shinnyo Pathways Fellowship Visit and Presentation

Sofia Jacob has been appointed as the inaugural Shinnyo Pathways Fellow at Berkeley City College (BCC) this year. On April 15, Sofia, alongside Skyler Barton—counselor, instructor, and her supervisor—and Lissette Flores, Acting Dean of Enrollment Services, visited the Shinnyo-en USA Head Temple in Redwood City. They were warmly welcomed by temple members and staff, and …

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Prayer Beads, Pueblos, and Peacemaking: Interfaith Immersion in the Land of Enchantment

Contributed by Jessica Spencer Moss, Executive Director, Interfaith Youth Alliance June 23-28, 2025, nine high school students from Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian, and Latter-day Saint traditions set out together for an immersive interfaith experience across New Mexico (The Land of Enchantment). What unfolded was more than just a trip—it was a journey of learning, connection, …

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Intention, Impact, Equity

Contributed by Francis Bencik, SEF Grants Manager Held from March 26 to 28 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the 2025 National Service-Learning Conference organized by the National Youth Leadership Council brought together over 400 attendees from 36 states and 7 countries, creating a vibrant and diverse space for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. With many learning and …

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Welcoming the 2024-25 Shinnyo Fellows: A Journey of Reflection and Community Service Begins

Contributed by Francis Bencik, SEF Grants Manager The Shinnyo Fellowship Orientation took place on July 18th, 2024, in Redwood City, welcoming the 2024-25 cohort of Shinnyo Fellows. This year, three post-undergraduate Fellows from George Mason University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley joined with their supervisors to embark on a year of impactful service …

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Exploring Spirituality on the New Mexico Interfaith Immersion Trip 2023

In June 2023, the New Mexico Interfaith Immersion Trip brought together ten youth from the San Francisco Bay Area, Orange County, Boston and New York for a unique exploration of spirituality and cultural exchange. Hosted in Santa Fe this immersive experience aimed to foster understanding through visits to various places of worship and engaging dialogues …

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