Youth Embrace the Mother of Peace

Youth Workshops Inspire Growth and Unity Nationwide in December 2019

In late December 2019, youth workshops were held across the United States, coinciding with the Peace Starts With Me Clergy Rally on December 28. These workshops brought together hundreds of young participants, fostering personal growth, spiritual connection, and a deeper understanding of the values behind the Peace Starts With Me movement. Here's a look at how different regions engaged their youth in powerful experiences of faith and unity.

Northeast & Midwest: EVOLVE

More than 400 middle and high school students from the Northeast and Midwest gathered at the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) in Barrytown, New York, from December 27 for a six-day workshop themed “Evolve.” The focus was to deepen participants’ understanding of God and the co-founders of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, encouraging personal growth in faith.

The workshop featured a journey to Newark, New Jersey, where the group attended the Peace Starts With Me Clergy Rally. Witnessing Dr. Moon’s speech and the "Tongil" dance performance made a lasting impact on the youth, energizing their connection to the movement.

In addition to attending the rally, the middle school group explored building a relationship with Jesus, Rev. Moon, and Dr. Moon through praise, worship, and heartfelt talks. The high school group took a deeper dive into personal transformation by focusing on aspects of Rev. and Dr. Moon's life they connected with most, with discussions on faith and self-development.

"The spiritual atmosphere was incredibly rich and tangible,” shared one participant. “The lectures and testimonies answered questions I didn’t even know I had."

Southeast: I Know My Roots

Held at Camp Pecometh in Centreville, Maryland, the Southeast winter workshop gathered over 40 youth from December 27 to January 1 under the theme “I Know My Roots.” The goal was to help participants connect with their spiritual and physical roots, drawing lessons from Jesus, Rev. and Dr. Moon, and their own family backgrounds.

Each day had a distinct theme, guiding lectures and group activities. Participants also attended the Peace Starts With Me Clergy Rally in Newark, which was a first-time experience for many. The rally, coupled with personal stories shared by Unificationists, left a lasting impression on the youth. "It was a holistic experience," one attendee noted, describing their newfound appreciation for their spiritual heritage.

West: Hyojeong Unleashed and My Offering

In Los Angeles, the Family Church hosted a vibrant middle and high school workshop from December 28 to 31 called “Hyojeong Unleashed.” The program aimed to inspire youth to boldly share the culture of heart and embrace Rev. and Dr. Moon’s teachings. Highlights included Divine Principle study groups, personal testimonies, and a watch party of the Peace Starts With Me Clergy Rally.

In addition to spiritual activities, participants bonded over fun events like capture the flag, escape rooms, and a visit to the Los Angeles Zoo Lights, creating lasting friendships.

Meanwhile, in San Leandro, California, the Bay Area Family Church hosted its winter workshop from December 27 to 29. With the theme “My Offering,” the workshop encouraged youth to reflect on their unique gifts and the value of offering those gifts to God. Each day focused on a different aspect of the theme, ranging from self-reflection and bonding to connecting with Dr. Moon's heart and global peace initiatives.

Participants watched the Peace Starts With Me Clergy Rally, engaged in meaningful activities, and ended their workshop with powerful reflections on how they can contribute to the movement. The final day featured ice skating, prayer, and sharing time, closing the workshop with hope and joy.

A Unified Vision for Peace

The workshops held across the nation not only enriched the spiritual lives of youth but also deepened their connection to the global Peace Starts With Me movement. With a focus on unity, spiritual roots, and personal growth, these experiences set the foundation for young people to become active contributors to a more peaceful world. As they move forward, the spirit of “Peace Starts With Me” continues to inspire and shape the next generation.