September 2016 Newsletter
The state of Massachusetts held primary elections last week, and Election Day in November rapidly approaches. What are the important issues for you and your youth group right now? What excitements or concerns are you feeling this political season? Here's your chance to talk about these topics, and more:
Also in October is the chance to complete the "Youth Ministry Track" at Diocesan Resource Day, four workshops to support your ministry with young people. And then, get ready to attend the Middle School Retreat in November!

Click the images below to read more about these stories:
Bishops Learn from Youth About Faith and the Upcoming Election
How would your young people vote in November if they could?
Take the Youth Ministry Track of Workshops:

- "Teens, Substance Abuse, and Addiction"
- "Youth Ministry Model that Works"
- "Joint Confirmation Class: Better Together"
- "Why I Stayed: Youth Involvement After Confirmation"
at Barbara C. Harris Camp


Oct. 6-8: Meet Youth Where They Are
Resources for Youth Ministry
2016 Election Guide for Youth Groups

Prepared by the Dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts

Use the Guide to Prepare Your Group for the Youth Summit on October 22 or as a Stand-Alone Activity 
It’s election season 2016 and politics  is everywhere. On October 22, 2016, the bishops of the dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts will meet with young people to discuss issues related to current events, voting and the election itself. Young people will be encouraged to ask the bishops questions, and more importantly, to share their thoughts and concerns about the world we live in.

This guide is intended to: 1.) prepare young people who will attend this event, and 2.) offer assistance to youth group leaders who are not attending the event, but are interested in leading group conversations about the connection between our faith and the upcoming election.

This guide offers basic election information (specific to the state of Massachusetts), as well as an outline to help structure prayerful group conversations. The Episcopal Public Policy Network offers an online Election Engagement website which helped shape this resource, as did the Episcopal Church’s Policy for Action document.