The Changemaker
Initiative
With IUCC launching as a pilot site for The Changemaker Initiative, our 10-session program will empower youth in eighth grade and above to become leaders and difference-makers in their communities. Combining Biblical exploration, leadership development, and project planning, participants will explore Jesus’ commitment to compassion, justice, and service while also developing practical skills in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and project management. Together, they will identify a community need, and then design and carry out their own service or impact project for it.
Next Meeting
Self Awareness and the Good Samaritan
Sept 13th | 9:30-10:30am
IUCC | 4915 Alton Pkwy, Irvine
(Please sign up by Sept 6th.)
Made to Make a Difference
Today’s youth are navigating rapid technological change, busy schedules, complex world issues, and uncertainty about their futures while they form their identities and discover their values. Research shows that young people understand purpose as the alignment of their gifts and talents, the needs they see around them, meaningful relationships, and activities that interest and motivate them.
This situation of today makes the intentional accompaniment of the church especially important our the development of our youth, while at the same time challenging us to empower them to lead and make purpose for themselves. Made to Make a Difference is an experiential service-learning curriculum for church youth that is designed to bring these elements together and help youth discover where God may be leading them. We connect faith with compassionate action, and help our young people develop the tools and agency necessary to lead their own efforts in addressing the issues they care about, through solutions that they themselves create and implement.