“I really enjoyed building the bridge, especially because we couldn’t talk.” “It was cool how the bridge came out and how everyone worked as a team.” These were some of the comments about a bridge building activity which took place during the youth afternoon on October 1st here in Los Angeles. It was an opportunity to work in smaller groups and build a bridge without talking. Each group was given materials and time to build a bridge that would extend 3 feet across 2 tables and could support a toy-sized metal car. In a short time a great silence came over the gymnasium and the young people were working together to build their bridge. Not being able to talk challenged everyone to be more attentive to those in their group. At the end everyone cheered as the bridges were shown.
More than 100 young people gathered here for this afternoon’s presentation of Genfest 2012 at Bishop Conaty High School. A large number were students of the school that hosted the event, but also young people from Los Angeles, San Diego, Madera, Santa Clarita and the Bay Area came. The title was “Stepping Stones to Unity”. The program included songs, workshops, games and presentations.
After welcoming everyone, the young people themselves gave an overview of who the Youth For A United World and the Gen are and how they live. This was followed by Josef and Claire giving a glimpse of some of the local activities YFUW has carried out over the years. The icebreaker that followed gave everyone a chance to move around – and not only hang around with the friends they already knew.
But the most important item was the Genfest 2012! A video clip of the last Genfest in 2000 highlighted the different aspects of this unique program such as the dances, songs, experiences of life and the thousands of youth that come from all over the world to participate. Sally gave details of the upcoming Genfest in 2012, taking place in Budapest, Hungary. Everyone present was encouraged to save the date and begin working for it now with fundraisers and activities. The main preparation mentioned however was that of beginning now to live for unity, to live the golden rule so that unity will be the fruit we bring with us.
Workshops allowed each group to focus on a topic relevant to youth today, such as helping the poor, going against the currents of society, using social networking in a positive way and finding concrete ways to build a united world.
Maria, now married with two children, spoke about her experience at Genfest 2000 where she was part of the choreography. “We worked hard and had the impression that it was perfect. So we sent a video to the people who in Rome were coordinating everything”, she remembered. “But they were not satisfied – it should be different, because of the distances at the stadium. “In the end, our choreography was better than ever, even the audience could participate in some moves instead of only watching us. This experience will remain in me for the rest of my life”. Hana and Cristina went two years ago to a similar event in India. Hana shared: “Going there was maybe the best decision of my life”. She was impressed by the experience of a Brazilian boy who was able to forgive a thief who wanted to steal his wallet – they became friends.
The break was an opportunity to talk and get to know one another. The bridge-building activity which followed invited people to communicate in a different way, in silence, offering ideas and concretizing them. The results were successful: strong bridges, but importantly, an atmosphere of friendship and unity among all.
The day concluded with an invite to the next event: a fundraiser dinner on November 12th to help the victims of the famine in Somalia.
Impressions:
“I felt very happy to be here. Everyone greeted me with open arms and a smile. I’m very grateful to be a part of your group. Thanks.”
“I had a wonderful time and it brought me closer to new people.”
“I enjoyed seeing the Genfest events over time. I loved this event and I hope to attend again.”
“This event was great. I met new people and actually had fun. It was a great experience and I look forward to the next event.”
“The event was well arranged and I enjoyed it thoroughly.”
“This afternoon I had a great time because I met new people. I learned so many things. I enjoyed building the bridge and I look forward to the Genfest.”
“This event made me realize how much I would like to go to Genfest. They have inspired me to help, forgive and love others, that it is not impossible to reunite the world. We can do it with love. I enjoyed this event.”
“I loved this afternoon. I felt happy. I connected with what they were saying.”
“I enjoyed the fun from the activities and what they said about Genfest. It was a good activity and I want to come next year.”
“I really got to feel united with everyone. I think the building of the bridge helped me feel that with many people coming together, we can build something strong.”
“The bridge activity was super fun.”
“My favorite activity was building the bridge because my group got to work all together and it was a team even though we couldn’t talk. Everyone I met was really welcoming and loving! I would love to do this again.”
“I really liked it, I learned a lot.”
“I thought it was meaningful because a lot of friends were not from Los Angeles. We talked about our future plans, college, Genfest and had serious conversations how facebook can affect our life. I feel I can become someone that contributes to peace in the world.”
“I learned so many ways of how to help this world and not only care about myself.”
“I enjoyed this afternoon because I wasn’t aware of all these events going on in our world and they actually intrigued me.”
“It was great. I am now interested in joining and participating in next years Genfest.”
“I know what I can do to help out in the world. I had lots of fun and hope to go to Hungary in 2012. It was a welcoming event.”
“This event has taught me that we need to make a difference in our world and that anything can help.”
“I enjoyed this afternoon because I got to experience something nice and welcoming. I was taught how I can help others that do not live near me. I also learned that you can meet other ethnicities that care for unity also.”
“I thought it was going to be boring. It turned out to be really fun and very different. I saw how everything got prepares and how everyone works together to make this youth event unforgettable.”
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