In 1984 the Universal House of Justice wrote to the Bahá'í youth of the world expressing its longing that they become more widely involved in the international work of the Faith by committing a year or period of their youth to service.
"Undoubtedly, it is within your power to contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming century; youth can move the world." - Letter to the Bahá'í Youth of the World January 3rd 1984
Youth Year of Service (YOS) has since been carried out by Bahá'í youth from villages and nations around the world. It has become part of the Bahá'í youth culture - an experience overwhelmingly enlightening, exciting and mind-blowing!
There are so many ways to do a Year of Service. It can be done at home or abroad, in short or long term projects - in teaching, socioeconomic development, arts and performance, education, health, administration, the list goes on. It is another example of Bahá'í youth spearheading the work of their Faith and its service to humanity.
You can travel through remote villages, build schools, do gardening at a Bahá'í property or temple, run study circles, teach children's classes, or dance and sing your year away!
Giving a year of service is a unique opportunity. The year you dedicate to serving Bahá'u'lláh will help you grow in every way. Your love and knowledge of the Bahá'i Faith will deepen and you'll make new friends who, like yourself, yearn to work for the betterment of society.
"The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct." - Abdu'l-Bahá
Wherever you go in the field of service you are blessed as well as challenged and tested, ask anyone who's tried it! One thing is certain - a YOS changes you!
YOS also provides you with the ability to experience the power of the Bahá'í Faith in communities which are culturally and demographically different to ours. The people you meet, the services you render, the experiences you have are truly life changing and the memories stay with you forever.
When pushed beyond the comfort zone of your experiences, you'll find a new ability to do things you never thought possible. The adventure is unpredictable, inspirational and empowering.
When can I do a Year of Service?
There is no such thing as a "right time" to go on a YOS. It's important to plan for your YOS, and work towards making it happen. Some do it after they have completed high school, others during their university studies, whilst others will render a year of service once their university studies are completed.
Service at some locations requires volunteers to be over 18, but the best time is when you are ready to give your all to your chosen area of service to humanity.
All you need is an adventurous spirit and a desire to serve the Faith and humanity. The rest is history!
More information
Check out the service experiences of other youth and look up service opportunities on this site. If you've been on a YOS, post your experiences!
Contact the Youth Desk to discuss service opportunities, chat about where you can go, what you can do and how to go about organizing it.
". while still young and unburdened by family responsibilities, you give attention to the idea of volunteering a set period, say, one or two years, to some Bahá'í service, on the home front or abroad, in the teaching or development field. It would accrue to the strength and stability of the community if such patterns could be followed by succeeding generations of youth."
From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá'í Youth of the World, January 3 rd 1984.
“ That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. ” Bahá'u'lláh
Where to start?
Check out the service experiences of other youth and look up service opportunities on this site. If you've been on a YOS, post your experiences!
Contact the Youth Desk to discuss service opportunities, chat about where you can go, what you can do and how to go about organizing it.
For More Information...
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