Youth Forum 2025: Come and dream new dreams and see new visions
What is the purpose of the Youth Forum at GC45?
Youth Forum is an opportunity for young people to participate in the education, decision-making, and community of General Council 45 of The United Church of Canada. Its aim is to ensure that young people have a voice in the denomination-shaping issues and decisions for the next three years in the life of the church. Its an opportunity to speak to issues that matter to young people, to share ideas, and to connect with peers and other members and leaders of the General Council.
When and where will GC45 and Youth Forum take place?
There will be three online sessions for General Council: Sunday, April 27 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Eastern, Sunday June 22 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Eastern, and Saturday June 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern. The first session includes worship, introduction to the theme, agenda, reports, proposals, and business procedures of General Council. The second session includes worship, introductions of global and ecumenical guests, community building and discussion groups. The session on June 28 begins the Learning and Discussion sessions for GC45.
Youth Forum gathers in person August 5-7 in Calgary. There will be two age groups, 15-17 years and 18-25 years. General Council will meet August 7-11 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre. Youth Forum will close August 12 by noon. Travel home will begin in the afternoon of August 12.
Youth Forum planners are still determining if there will be an online session for Youth Forum only in early April. Youth Forum planners will also invite Regional Council Executive Ministers to host a community building and informational session for youth in their regions.
Who can join the forum?
Youth Forum is open to young people, ages 15 to 25, selected by regional councils. Youth Forum leaders have the ambitious and achievable goal of having 100 young people under age 30 attend General Council 45. While this remains the goal, the 2024 Youth Leadership Animators have prioritized the participation and inclusion of Racialized and Indigenous young people. In doing so, youth are calling on each region to select a maximum of 50% non-Indigenous and non-Racialized, and a minimum 50% Indigenous and Racialized youth. Each region is asked to select up to six youth, including commissioners, which means at minimum there should be an equivalent number of Racialized and Indigenous youth to White youth. Youth Forum participants will be placed in two groups, those 15-18 and 18-25.
How do I register?
You must first be selected as a Youth Forum Delegate or Youth/Young Adult Commissioner by a Regional Council discernment process. Registration for General Council 45 will open in early January 2025 and close February 28. You will receive an invitation to register. Only online registrations are accepted.
Is there a fee to join?
Registration for Youth Forum at GC45 is free and travel arrangements are made by the General Council. Some events or activities may have associated costs. No one will be excluded due to difficulty in payment.
How can I get more information?
Attend a Youth Animator led info session on Sunday, October 27, 4:30 p.m. Eastern or Saturday, November 2, 1:00 p.m. Eastern. To attend on Sunday, please use this registration link. To attend on Saturday, please use this registration link.
Contact Kathy Douglas, Faith Formation Minister with any questions at KDouglas@united-church.ca
