Adult Participation in Youth Congress

Guidelines for the Role of Mentor

The adult mentor, chosen jointly by the Congress delegates and their parish coordinator or diocesan director of youth ministry, will serve as a companion to the participant in their preparations for the Youth Congress on Social Justice, as well as any follow-up activities.

Mentors should be individuals who are actively involved in social justice efforts, are passionate about what they do, and who have more than a basic knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding social justice and Catholic social teaching. The mentor should exhibit a willingness to assist the participant in completing the requirements outlined in these pages. The pre- and post- tasks for Congress delegates are outlined below. (For specific information on the tasks, refer to the delegate’s instructions.)

Additionally, it is imperative that all mentors meet the requirements of their respective diocesan policy regarding safe environments and the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Pre-Congress Tasks

Pre-Task #1

The participant, in collaboration with the parish/diocesan director of youth ministry and/or the director of social justice/Catholic Charities, is paired with an adult mentor that is willing to serve as a companion during preparations and after completion of the Congress. This individual, while not necessarily participating in to the Congress, will support the young person through prayer throughout the process.

Pre-Task #2

Read "A Place at the Table," the USCCB 2002 pastoral reflection on poverty and social justice. Additionally, review the Scripture passages and selected quotations outlined in the participants instructions.

Pre-Task #3

Identify four (4) individuals—two (2) adults and two (2) peers—who are actively involved in social justice efforts—either individually or through a local organization or agency. Discuss with them their views of poverty and social justice. Photographs, discussion points, and quotations from the above individuals should be included in the Pre-Conference project (see task #6).

Pre-Task #4

As a group of Congress participants from the same parish/diocese, meet with the pastor/bishop, diocesan director of youth ministry and/or the diocesan director of social justice/Catholic Charities to discuss the present efforts underway in your diocese addressing poverty and social justice issues. Identify local organizations working to improve the lives of people in the community—through advocacy, education, direct services, or otherwise. Input and comments should be included in the Pre-Conference project.

Pre-Task #5

It is necessary that Congress participants have previous ‘hands-on’ experience in social justice outreach (ie: service projects, mission trips, volunteer hours with a service organization, etc.) in order to more fully contribute to the discussions and activities. If at all possible, it is strongly suggested that all the Congress participants from a parish/diocese engage in a joint service project prior to the Congress. If it is not possible for the entire group to gather, participants are still strongly encouraged to engage in a service activity prior to the Congress.

Participants will be asked to share their experiences and stories during the Congress of encounters that changed them, changed their perspective or their faith, and about unlikely relationships and friendships that may have developed during service opportunities.

Pre-Task #6

Compile gathered photographs, quotations, and information into ‘poster format’ for presentation and use during the Congress.