I want to show young kids and teens that there is a safe space for them to be themselves no matter their age, sexuality, or gender. This is a youth group I wish my younger self could’ve had. I am honored to be a leader and Christian person for them in a secure setting that uplifts their personhood, focuses on justice, and encourages teens to keep an open mind about things. 

I believe a healthy relationship to spirituality should be accessible to all no matter someone's gender, race, sexuality, age, or ability. This youth group makes that possible while also allowing teens to have fun amidst the changing and chaotic world they're growing up in. I am grateful to be a part of a group that gets to help teach our youth that they belong, they are enough, and they are good. 

I want to be part of the representation and mentorship that has been so helpful to me and would have been helpful to me as a teenager. Youth groups should have active affirming acceptance and inclusion of gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, and other aspects, so I love being a part of something like SD United. We also value having fun with each other and facilitating a welcoming space without sacrificing authenticity.

Youth group was always a highlight of my week growing up and getting to provide a safe and fun space for middle and high schoolers is something I look forward to helping with. I want this to be a positive environment for youth where they can make lifelong friends while also being able to ask questions, keep an open mind, and be treated with respect and compassion. 

I love being a part of a team of people that cares deeply for teens and helps them navigate the challenges, struggles, and joys that life brings. Having a safe person to share the highs and lows of life with is critical to being a well-rounded, cared for human being. I want to help create a culture where teens can be honest about their life even when it’s not all positive. 

I loved my experience in youth group in high school and I want to be able to help foster a similar group environment where all students can feel welcome, have fun, be themselves, and learn about Christ's love for them. My youth leaders were instrumental in creating a space where we could be ourselves and wrestle with faith simply as high schoolers, not as people who had everything all figured out and I’m excited to give back to this youth group in that way!

SDUnited is a youth group where teens can feel comfortable being themselves, ask questions, and learn about God/the divine/loving creator. I am passionate about creating a group culture that respects people’s identities, boundaries, and beliefs, as there will be places and spaces that may not always respect and create space for them to be themselves. This group is something I wish would have been available when I was young - I am thankful it is available for our teens now. I am honored and privileged to work alongside such an amazing group of people, supporting our teens as part of the team.

I would like to be the youth group leader I did not have when I was a teenager. This youth group is a place of hospitality, where each teen is seen and cared for holistically (Cura Personalis). ALL of who someone is is accepted here. 

I am passionate about safe and hospitable spaces for students to grow, ask questions, and be in community. I also love that this youth group allows teens to remain curious about all things, especially religion and spirituality. This is a beautiful space that values radical compassion and I am excited to be a part of it! 

I have previously been involved in youth ministry and have loved being a small group leader. I work well with kids and I think having good role models is essential in this stage of their development. I want to be that for them while also being a part of a youth group that values respect, communication, patience and love.