RfP UK Interfaith Youth Network

Celebrate International Women’s Day with the UK Women of Faith Network and the University of Glasgow!

International Women’s Day offers the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contribution of women to improving the world we live in.
The event will feature respected leaders sharing stories of overcoming barriers as changemakers, empowered by faith and cultural traditions to advocate for gender equity.

Meet our panelists:

The Rt Revd Sally Foster-Fulton - Moderator, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Isadora Quay - CEO, the Gender in Emergencies Group.
Dr Nighet Nasim Riaz - Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy Advisor, University of Glasgow.

We are honoured to have Dr. Maureen Sier, Director of Interfaith Scotland, moderating the event with her esteemed contributions to fostering inclusivity in the interfaith community.

It’s a hybrid event. Please reserve your seat at linktr.ee/rfp_ukwfn.

Join us IN PERSON:
🗓️ When: ​​6 March 2024, 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm
📍Location: West Quadrangle, Main Building, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ

Join us ONLINE:
🗓️ via Zoom 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm, GMT

For inquiries, reach out to [email protected].

Join Religions for Peace and partners for the 10th Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organisations in International Affairs, focusing on "Human Rights and Dignity: Towards a Just, Peaceable and Inclusive Future."

🗓️ 23 January 2024
⏰ 8:00 am - 12:30 pm EST
🔗 https://bit.ly/48yUDPC

The format of the symposium:
- High-Level Welcome:
The formal welcome session will feature a high-level representative from three
entities (faith-based and IATF-nominated speakers from the UN System and UN
member states).
- Session on Upholding Human Dignity: Respecting Rights, Flourishing Humanity:
This session will serve as an introduction to where we are now and where we want to go as it relates to the United Nations and its mandates. It will address the role of faith actors and religious institutions in serving as a moral compass and guide to keeping human dignity at the core of human rights.
- Session on Gender Equality, Peace, and Eradicating Violence:
This session will serve as a space for understanding the interlinkages between the state of violence and conflict, its impact on gender equality, and how we can build a more just and peaceful world.
- Session on Key Learnings for a Just, Peaceable and Inclusive Future:
This session serves as the learning and hearing section of the symposium on practical experiences from different levels–grassroots, national, regional, and multiregional/international. This session also contributes to the Summit of the Future
and an elaboration of the UN Pact for the Future.
- Concluding Session: This concluding session will feature two key speakers (one from the faith-based group and another from the UN system) who will provide key ideas about what needs to be done next.

Seasons Greetings from Religions for Peace International!

As the holiday season approaches, Religions for Peace extends our warmest greetings to you and your loved ones. May this holiday season and the new year bring you joy, love, and moments of reflection. Please join us in opening our hearts toward the pursuit of a world where peace prevails for all.

December 10th is Human Rights Day.
It marks the conclusion of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Human rights are universal and should be upheld regardless of s*x, nationality, ethnicity, language, religions, age, or any other status. Gender Equality is a fundamental human right. It is not solely a women's issue. We all have a role to play in advocating for gender equality and we are working together to achieve this goal.

The Religions for Peace movement is shared between one international, 6 regional and 90 national chapters, of which RfPUK is an independent constituent chapter. We bring together peacemakers from all walks of life, beliefs, generations, and countries. Through various campaigns, spiritual insights and dialogue, we seek to promote gender equality and justice.

What do we mean by "equality" and "equity"?

Gender equality is about ensuring a level playing field for people of all genders, ages, and health conditions, so everyone can access resources, freedoms, and opportunities without impediment, while sharing responsibilities.
Gender equity is the process by which we achieve gender equality. It recognises that people of different genders do not start from the same position due to social and historical disadvantages. Equal treatment may not result in equality; we need to address privilege and bias.

The RfPUK Empowerment programme shares our way of building a programme with Gender Equality as an aim. We have documented our activities, processes and experiences, and we share that as a resource for those who want to support this cause and implement similar activities in their communities.
We have published our Gender Equality Empowerment for All - a Dialogue to Action Toolkit, you may download via the link:http://rfpuk.org/resources/202306TOOLKIT.pdf

By engaging in dialogue, finding ways that work for our communities, and implementing practices in our daily lives, we can all contribute to making our society a fairer and more equitable place.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!



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Religions for Peace International Youth Committee has launched a series of posts supporting the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which is an UN Women International campaign, citing scriptural reflections on women's dignity across RfP International social media channels. RfPUK is happy to provide scriptural material for this campaign.

In our pursuit of gender equity, it is important for all actors, from leaders to individuals, to come together and pave the way towards a fairer society. Religions for Peace UK Women of Faith Network (UKWFN) aims to bring awareness and share realities of inspirational women of faith from past and present, to serve as role models for aspiring women in our midst.

The Dignity of Women exhibition is available for download in HD format for your use. You can access the files here:http://rfpuk.org/resources/DignityExhibition.pdf



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Violence against women and girls is an alarming global issue, affecting nearly one in three women worldwide (UN Women, 2023). It's time to stand together and make a difference. Religions for Peace UK, through its Women of Faith Network, invites religious leaders and male allies to join the movement against gender-based violence.

Swipe right to learn ways you can participate ➡

📅 Why 16 Days of Activism?

These 16 days, starting from November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th (Human Rights Day), are crucial for raising awareness and promoting action to end gender-based violence.

In an inclusive community, it’s important to challenge gender-based violence and create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

🌟 Embrace Growth through Reflection! 🌟�
On November 23rd, we had an inspiring session on ‘Reflective Practices’ led by Greshma Pious Raju. If you couldn't attend, here are some of the session's key highlights. Reflecting on our experiences is essential to personal and professional growth, enabling us to learn and navigate through challenges.

�🔍 Why Reflect?

Reflecting allows us to:
1️⃣ Gain insights into our actions and decisions.�
2️⃣ Identify areas for personal and professional development.�
3️⃣ Celebrate achievements and milestones.�
4️⃣ Cultivate gratitude and mindfulness.

💡 Tips for Reflective Practices:
1️⃣ Set aside dedicated time for self-reflection.�
2️⃣ Journal your thoughts and experiences.�
3️⃣ Seek feedback from others.�
4️⃣ Focus on both successes and challenges.�
5️⃣ Embrace a growth mindset.

�🌈 Let's Start a Reflective Revolution!
Share your favourite reflective practices or a moment of growth using . Let's inspire each other to embrace continuous learning and personal development! 🚀💖
Remember, every reflection is a step towards a more empowered and resilient YOU. 🌟✨

25th November, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which also signifies the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which is an annual international UN campaign. It was initiated in 1991 by activists during the Women's Global Leadership Institute's inauguration. The campaign aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls, and promote gender equality.

Although this campaign happens every year, UKWFN wishes to push it into the public spotlight.
We all know that violence against women and girls disrupts peace and stability within families and communities. It triggers myriad costs to societies in healthcare, education, social protection, justice and productivity, preventing economies from achieving their full potential (UN Women, 2023)
There are many women’s rights organisations working very hard to end violence against women and girls, their work is both enlightening and important. Although we think we are in a modern society, gender-based issues are still far from being resolved.

The global Religions for Peace movement affirms that all human beings are equal in dignity and rights, and recognises that female faith leaders are irreplaceable and co-equal partners in peace-building, which begins with personal transformation, accumulating in peaceful, just and harmonious societies.

As part of our RfPUK mission in advancing gender equity, the UK Women of Faith Network (UKWFN) launched the ‘Gender Equality Empowerment for All: A Dialogue to Action Toolkit' – an educational publication to help faith & belief actors and leaders to take this important issue into their communities. Our toolkit recounted our campaign on ‘Visible Advocacy Against Gender-Based Violence – Interfaith Male Allies in our Midst’, highlighting how we organised this campaign and introduced the Male Allies who came to our aid.

We hope that our experience would be useful to the empowerment of women. In making them stronger and more confident, they can take better charge of their life and claim their rights. In a truly fair society, every woman should have the opportunity to reach her potential spiritually, religiously, educationally, and professionally without encountering gender-related barriers.

Access the toolkit via the link: https://tr.ee/px225dautr

Harnessing Reflection in Community-Based Projects 🌿
Intentional reflection is more than just looking back; it's a crucial tool for building sustainable peace and addressing the climate emergency.

Join us in our last session of the year on ‘Reflective Practices’ with Greshma Pious Raju, starting tonight at 7 pm GMT. Discover how reflective practices can impact your ability to make a positive impact in your community. During the session, you'll discover how reflection can enhance self-awareness, critical thinking, and learning from experiences, leading to personal and professional growth.

🗓 November 23, 2023�
⏰ 7 pm GMT

To reserve your spot, please use the link provided below:
linktr.ee/rfp_UKIYN�
[email protected]

🌍✨ Reflective Practice: A Catalyst for Change
In the world of community-based projects, reflection is our compass, guiding us towards peace and climate resilience.
As we navigate the complex landscape of community-based peacebuilding and climate action projects, let's recognise reflective practice as an indispensable compass. Regularly pausing to reflect, learn, and adapt paves the way for more resilient, inclusive, and effective initiatives contributing to peace, sustainable responses to the climate emergency, and personal and professional growth.

Join us for our final session this year on November 23 at 7 pm GMT. We'll explore the benefits of reflection, including increased self-awareness, critical thinking, and the ability to learn from experiences.

Mark your calendar:
🗓 November 23, 2023
⏰ 7 pm GMT

Register for the event using the following link:�
linktr.ee/rfp_UKIYN
[email protected]

🌟✨ Reflecting on "Strategies to Plan Community Projects"�
Following the success of our recent session on community-based project implementation, here are some reflections on effective strategies for planning such projects.

1️⃣ Define Your Vision 🌈✨
Start by clearly articulating the vision of your community project. What positive change do you want to see? Let your vision guide every step of the planning process.

2️⃣ Community Needs Assessment 📋🤲
Understand the unique needs of your community through surveys, interviews, and open forums. This ensures your project directly addresses real issues and resonates with the people it serves.

3️⃣ Collaboration is Key 🤝🌍
Seek partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and passionate individuals. Together, we can leverage diverse skills and resources to make a greater impact.

4️⃣ Create a Realistic Timeline 📆⏱️
Break down your project into manageable steps with a realistic timeline. This helps to stay organised, set achievable goals, and ensures smooth implementation.

5️⃣ Engage the Community: Foster a sense of ownership and involvement. Keep the community informed, invite feedback, and actively involve them in decision-making processes. A united community is a powerful force! 💬🙌

6️⃣ Sustainability Planning 🌱🏡
Think long-term! Develop strategies to ensure the project's sustainability beyond its initial phase. Consider how it can become a lasting part of the community fabric.

7️⃣ Celebrate Milestones 🎉👏
Acknowledge and celebrate achievements along the way. Recognizing progress boosts morale and encourages continued community engagement.

Let's put these strategies into action and make a lasting impact together!

Share your thoughts and ideas below - how do YOU plan to implement these strategies in your community?
Let's inspire each other! 🚀

Don't Miss Our Upcoming Session on "Reflective Practices" on November 23rd! Join Us Now!
How can reflective practices enhance our ability to make positive community changes? In this session, you'll learn how to use reflective practices to promote personal and professional growth. We'll cover self-awareness, critical thinking, and how reflection can help us learn from our experiences

linktr.ee/rfp_UKIYN
[email protected]

🌟 Join Greshma Pious Raju today at 7 pm GMT for a practical session on 'How to Implement Community-Based Projects.' This event aims to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to plan, execute, and manage successful community-based projects.

During this informative event, you can expect:
- An introduction to the concept of community-level projects, including their successes and failures
- Guidance on project design and implementation
- Opportunities for peer learning and networking to explore potential collaborations to implement community-level projects

🗓 November 14, 2023
⏰ 7 pm GMT

Join us through the link below:
linktr.ee/rfp_UKIYN
[email protected]

We look forward to an engaging discussion and fruitful collaboration.

Greetings, Changemakers!�
We're thrilled that you're on a journey to turn your ideas into action, and we're here to provide support along the way. Earlier this November, we emphasised the importance of building communities and the power of mentorship.

Our current focus is on implementing community-level projects. As we established, we need a broad support network of people to drive change. This network of people effectively becomes your community.

What are community-based projects?
Community-level projects are initiatives that aim to unite people for a common purpose. These projects can take many forms, from improving a local park or street to providing education and resources to underserved populations. Alternatively, this could be connected to the field of peacebuilding.

What sets community-level projects apart is their emphasis on collaboration and cooperation between community members, all working towards a shared goal. These projects can profoundly affect individuals and the broader community, fostering a sense of connection and empowerment that can lead to positive change. Community-level projects can help create more robust, resilient communities better prepared to face future challenges by promoting community involvement and engagement.

Are you ready to take your community projects to the next level?
Do you want to learn how to implement community-based projects effectively?

Join our session this Tuesday, November 14th, at 7 pm GMT to learn how to successfully plan, execute, and manage community-level projects. Delve deeper into the implementation of projects to make a positive impact in your community. Join us to gain valuable knowledge and skills.

🗓 November 14, 2023
⏰ 7 pm GMT

Join us through the link below:
linktr.ee/rfp_UKIYN
[email protected]

🌱 We had an inspiring session at UKIYN EcoPeace Cafe on the power of mentorship! 🚀 It's incredible to see the passion and potential in each participants. 🌍✨

Here, we are sharing some tips for effective mentorship to identify individual strength and weakness.

🌿 Let's keep the momentum going! 🌟 We are thrilled to invite you to join our mentorship platform, where growth knows no bounds. 🌈💡 Whether you're seeking guidance or eager to share your wisdom, this is the space to connect, learn, and flourish together. 🌱👥

🚀 Ready to embark on this mentoring journey? Click the link to join: https://forms.gle/3446TJ6Ypirmm3W58

🌐✨ Let's cultivate a community where support and knowledge flow freely! 🌟🌍

🌟 Don't Miss Out on Greshma Pious Raju's Inspirational Session on "Mentorship"

Today at 7 pm GMT!�Join us for an engaging and enlightening session on the many benefits of mentorship. Gain valuable insights into identifying and utilizing individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as tips on finding a mentor or becoming a mentee. This is a fantastic opportunity to network with other professionals and seek out potential mentors to foster personal and professional growth.

We are looking forward to a fruitful discussion and collaboration.

🗓 8 November 2023
⏰ 7 pm GMT

If you are interested to join us, please sent a direct message or write to [email protected].

�

Fostering Mentorship at UKIYN EcoPeace Cafe 🌿�🌎💚

Mentorship is a powerful tool that can inspire and guide the next generation of leaders. UKIYN EcoPeace Cafe believes in the power of mentorship and invites you to join us in shaping the future of mentorship.�
Whether you're a mentor, mentee, or someone passionate about nurturing mentorship, come and participate in a special brainstorming session. Together, let's create a platform for mentors and mentees to connect, learn, and grow.

What to expect:

💚 Engaging discussions on mentorship and its impact on sustainability.
💚 Collaborative brainstorming to shape our mentorship program.
💚 Opportunities to connect with potential mentors/mentees.

UKIYN EcoPeace Cafe aims to create a nurturing environment for growth and positive change. We welcome all facilitators and changemakers to join us in this endeavour. Let's work together to make a positive impact on the world.

Thank you to all the changemakers who joined us for our training session on "Building Communities" with Sarah Oliver. It was an inspiring and informative session where we learned valuable strategies for building relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating a sense of belonging within our communities.

We wanted to express our deep gratitude to our incredible facilitator, Sarah Oliver! 🙌🏼

Sarah has guided us through an amazing journey of community building, and the insights we gained are truly priceless. 🤝🏡

Here are a few key takeaways I'd love to share with you all:

1. Empathy is the Key: Building a strong community begins with understanding and empathy. It's all about putting ourselves in each other's shoes and showing that we genuinely care about one another. 💕

2.Inclusivity Matters: Sarah taught us that to foster a thriving community, we must make everyone feel welcome and valued. Embracing diversity and different perspectives can lead to incredible growth. 🌍🤗

3. Communication is King: Effective communication is the cornerstone of any community. Whether it's through active listening, open dialogue, or using the right channels, it's vital to keep the conversation flowing. 🗣️💬

4. Shared Goals Unite: Having a common purpose or shared goals can bring people together with a sense of purpose. It's amazing how this can galvanise a community to take action and make a positive impact. 🚀🌈

For more tips, swipe right through the carousel ➡️

Thank you, Sarah, for imparting these invaluable lessons and helping us grow as community builders. 🙏 Your passion, knowledge, and dedication are truly inspiring.

Let's continue to put these insights into practice and nurture the amazing communities we're part of! 💪🏽💞

🌟 Join Sarah Oliver at 7 pm GMT today for an engaging and inspiring session on 'Building a Community.' Learn valuable strategies for cultivating relationships, promoting collaboration, and fostering a sense of belonging. These skills will enable you to create a supportive and unified community that can work together to drive positive change. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
We are looking forward to a fruitful discussion and collaboration.

🗓 November 1 at 7 pm GMT
linktr.ee/rfp_UKIYN
[email protected]

Focus on Building Communities.
As social beings, we naturally tend to be part of a larger group. Our well-being is linked to our sense of community, and the recent decline in our connectedness coincides with a rise in mental health issues. Establishing communities not only fosters connections but also provides a shared space for exchanging experiences. To achieve better outcomes as interfaith climate activists and peacebuilders, we should focus on building our networks, people, and community.

Join us this Wednesday, November 1st, at 7 pm GMT to explore practical strategies and activities that will help foster strong bonds and empathy among your community members. Learn how to share a common vision with others and make it their own.

Learn from Sarah Oliver, an Associate Director for the United Religions Initiative (URI).
Based in South Africa, she works to support, connect and inspire young people as interfaith activists and peacebuilders worldwide. Sarah has worked in the interfaith sector for the last 12 years, running youth camps, workshops and skills training, both locally and globally. As an experienced facilitator, she is passionate about connecting issues of interfaith dialogue, youth leadership, peacebuilding and social justice.

Online workshop “Building a Community” with Sarah Oliver.
🗓 November 1, 7 pm GMT
linktr.ee/rfp_UKIYN
[email protected]

📢 Coming up in November
Are you wondering where to start to initiate change? In November, at the UKIYN EcoPeace Cafe, we will focus more on equipping you for action through training. Join us to start building and growing your support group, receive mentorship for your project, and experience personal growth as a peacebuilder.

❤️ November 1 | Building a Community with Sarah Oliver
What strategies can we implement to build trust and empathy among community members?

🤝 November 8 | Mentorship
What are some effective strategies for identifying and utilising individual strengths and weaknesses?

🌱 November 14 | How to implement community-based projects
What are some key factors to consider when planning and designing a community-based project? This event will equip you with the knowledge and skills to plan, execute, and manage community-level projects successfully.

🌟 November 23 | Reflective Practices
How can reflective practices enhance our ability to make positive community changes? In this session, you'll learn how to use reflective practices to promote personal and professional growth. We'll cover self-awareness, critical thinking, and how reflection can help us learn from our experiences.

🗓 Don't forget to mark your calendars
and reserve your seat for free right now.
linktr.ee/rfp_UKIYN
[email protected]

🌍 Just had an incredible intergenerational dialogue on ! 🗣️ It's inspiring to see how people of all ages are coming together to address the urgent issues of our time. 🌱

💡 Key takeaways:
1. We must act NOW to combat climate change and its disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.
2. Interconnectedness is the key to success - collaboration between generations is our strength!
3. Education is power - let's continue to raise awareness and inspire change.

🌿 Let's commit to making a difference - big or small - in the fight for a sustainable future. 💪 Together, we can create a world where justice, equity, and a healthy planet go hand in hand.

🌎

Get ready for an enlightening panel discussion on 'Climate Justice for the Younger Generation: An Intergenerational Dialogue' starting at 7pm BST tonight.
Gain valuable insights into the issue of climate change and its impact on the young generation. Climate justice is about addressing the environmental crisis and ensuring that the burdens and benefits of climate action are distributed fairly across generations. Don't miss this opportunity to join the conversation and be a part of change.

Meet our panellists:

Lauren Van Ham
United Religions Initiative's Climate Action Coordinator; an interfaith minister with extensive experience in healthcare, academia, and corporate engagement programs, has a passion in eco-ministry and climate action.

Roaman Smitha
Founder and President of the Global Law Thinkers Society; a globally recognised leader and influencer with a passion for social betterment, environmental restoration, and youth development, a practising lawyer, CEO of the Law Thinkers law firm, life coach, and author.

Christian Lupemba
Chairperson of the Interfaith Youth Network of the Democratic Republic of Congo; a member of the International Youth Committee of Religions for Peace and the African Interfaith Youth Network. Christian is also involved in the DRC Inter-Religious Youth Network and the Baha'i Community in the DRC. His interfaith work focuses on climate change and engaging young people through capacity building and clean-up activities.

Join us through the link below:
linktr.ee/rfp_UKIYN
[email protected]

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