IFYI is a powerful and transformative experience for teens (ages 14-18), and college students, as well as graduate students serving as mentors and staff. Together we interpret and embody our own spiritual visions of justice and peace on the campus of Brandeis University, while living out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s "Beloved Community." IFYI has both a high school and a college-age track.
IFYI has five Core Values: Building Bridges, Engaging Faith, Training Leaders, Making Peace, and Serving Others. Participants explore and embrace their own leadership and peacemaking styles, becoming agents of positive social transformation in their schools, communities, and congregations.
This program offers a dynamic mix of community building, fun social activities, workshops, service experiences, and learning trips which engage urban and suburban realities. Youth express their visions of faith, justice, and peace through visual art, poetry/spoken word, theological reflection, dance, drama, and film.
All are welcome at IFYI! Youth and staff come from diverse religious backgrounds and grow more deeply in their own religious traditions through dialogue and interaction with others. Leadership (currently!) comes from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Unitarian Universalist, and Interfaith faith traditions. Men and women are housed in separate staffed areas of the school, or if desired may commute from home. All religious and dietary needs will be accommodated.
Come join us for this eight-day immersion experience, followed by ongoing opportunities during the academic year for mentoring, retreats, and support for spiritual, academic, and professional pursuits. This transformative week for youth leaders from Greater Boston communities and beyond will culminate in a "Celebration" the evening of Tuesday, July 2. Come see what our young people have to say!
No one should EVER not apply or come to IFYI because they cannot afford it. IFYI applies for grants specifically in order to be able to provide scholarships for high school and college participants who cannot afford the full fee. Therefore, first ask if this program is right for you, and if it excites you! If so, then we'll make it happen, regardless of how much you (or any potential participant) can pay. So, COME FIRST, then we'll work out how much you can afford on the sliding scale up to $750. If the first day of IFYI (June 25) conflicts with your last day of school, you can likely get approval for time off from school to come to IFYI.
For more information about IFYI
Building Bridges, Engaging Faith, Training Leaders, Making Peace, and Serving Others. Participants explore and embrace their own leadership and peacemaking styles, becoming agents of positive social transformation in their schools, communities, and congregations.