Teen Interfaith Leadership Council Of Santa Clara County

Mission Statement

The Teen Interfaith Leadership Council seeks to engage and inform teenagers about issues of social justice through acts of charity and advocacy. The Council will consist of sophomores, juniors and seniors (who have already been involved previously) from various religious traditions. The Council will engage in meaningful service, interfaith dialogue and advocacy activities that address issues of poverty and social injustice while promoting the common good in Santa Clara County. The emphasis will be on mutual respect and understanding and interfaith dialogue will be emphasized, not conversion.

The Council Core team will consist of approximately 12 teens from Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Buddhist and Catholic/Christian or other religious backgrounds. The Core Team will be recruited in the late winter and early spring. The term for the Council will be July through April-May and meet once a month.

Formation Experience for Core Team

The TLC (Teen Interfaith Leadership Council) will participate in an annual retreat/immersive experience in New Mexico for five days. This immersion experience is intended to create community and to foster interfaith understanding, while performing meaningful service. The formation experience will focus on the Native American culture in New Mexico with special emphasis on service, interfaith dialogue, and discovering shared religious values regarding faith and justice.

Formation Immersion Experience: July 8-July 12, 2019 (orientation on July 7)

Fee Upon Acceptance: $100.  Includes airfare, housing and food. Northern New Mexico is one of the most culturally distinct areas of the United States. It is the home of both ancient Native American communities and towns founded by Spanish settlers long before the inception of the United States. The group will travel to Northern New Mexico and will learn about the ancient Indian Pueblos there. Work may include working on organic farms and contributing to land and cultural restoration efforts in local communities. We will also visit a variety of religious traditions in Santa Fe such as a Hindu Ashram, Zen Buddhist Center, Sikh Temple, a Catholic Church, a Synagogue and various others.

The Teen Interfaith Youth Council will be joined by approximately 4 teen members of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order from various parts of the country. They are also part of the Buddhist community represented by the Foundation that underwrites the trip costs. Two students will also join from the Interfaith Youth Council of Orange County.

This trip is a partnership between the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Temple, the Shinnyo-en Foundation and the Teen Interfaith Leadership Council of Santa Clara County

Who can apply?   Current high school sophomores and juniors may apply. Your religious leader must recommend you and he/she will certify that you are a member in good standing in your religious tradition. All religious traditions are welcome to apply.

What am I applying for?                                                       

1. You are applying to be a member of the Teen Interfaith Leadership Council. This Council will consist of approximately 12 teens representing diverse religious traditions including but not limited to, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Zoroastrian, Muslim and Jewish. Our goal is to have two teens from each religious tradition.
2. As a member of this Council you will:
   1. Attend an orientation the day before the five-day immersion experience in July and then attend the immersion experience in New Mexico (July 7)
   2. Make a commitment to meet once a month during the school year as a follow-up to the trip during the months of September thru April/May.
   3. Be an active participant implementing the mission of the Council.

Criteria for Being Selected (these should be highlighted in your app. essay)

1. Strong commitment to social justice
2. Interested in learning about other religious traditions
3. Well balanced with academic achievement and extra-curricular involvement
4. Recommended by religious leader
5. Parental Permission
6. Knowledge of and active participation in one’s own religious tradition

What are the deadlines for submitting applications:    Applications due by ASAP and no later than April 15,    Space is limited, there are only 6 spots.

When will the participants be chosen?      You will be notified of your status within one-two weeks after your religious leader turns in your application with their recommendation.

How can I find out more information?         See https://teeninterfaithcouncil.com, or E-mail Deacon Steve Herrera at Steveph@aol.com or Diane Fisher at diane@jvalley.org  or call 408-832-7666.