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Join us for the Young Leaders Initiative at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering on January 29-February 1, 2022.
The Young Leaders Initiative (YLI) serves as an important opportunity for college students and emerging leaders (aged 18-26) to connect within the space of the wider Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG). By joining the initiative, participants will have the chance to broaden their network of peers involved in social justice ministry and learn more about how they can respond to the call to promote integral human development on a local or national level.
This year, the Young Leaders Initiative at the hybrid CSMG presents a unique opportunity to engage a broader segment of your student population, with in-person and virtual options available. Come join us in DC at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill for valuable in-person connections and learning. Start your planning now and complete the interest form.
Colleges and universities, parish staff, and others all play a vital role in the formation and education of young and emerging leaders. We invite universities and colleges, and young adults interested in bringing about justice in their communities to participate in this valuable leadership opportunity. As participants in the Young Leaders Initiative at the CSMG, young adults will:
- Meet national Catholic social ministry and advocacy leaders.
- Build knowledge of current Catholic social ministry priorities and initiatives.
- Develop advocacy skills to empower themselves and their communities to call for positive change, both on the national and local level.
- Voice concerns with legislators on issues of human life and dignity in the U.S. and internationally.
- Discover new ways of growing in faith and future work through integral human development and advocacy.
- Share the experiences of their lives of faith with leaders and fellow young adults.
- Reflect on their call to advocate for and with those experiencing poverty and marginalization.
Scroll down for more information about participation ideas and timelines.
Students grow as leaders at CSMG -- in society and the Church.
Our advocacy on Capitol Hill…was a tremendous experience where I really felt my faith put into action. By raising a voice for the poor, I felt that I was not speaking on my own but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I really felt empowered by the Gospel message to spread the good news of Christ to others, and I will forever cherish this opportunity to advocate for the poor on Capitol Hill.
- Trevor Bonventre, University of Notre Dame
…It was inspiring to me to see so many people, from all over the country, speaking out for the poor and vulnerable—“being a voice for the voiceless.” I had the opportunity to hear numerous people speaking with the CST lexicon that I learned in my core course last semester, people who were also living out the documents through their careers and vocations. I think this conference helped me to become a better-informed citizen and to see how my faith and politics do not have to be mutually exclusive.
- Clara Hageman, University of Notre Dame
Hear what participants had to say about their experience at CSMG!
- Four Reasons You Should Participate in YLI
- Notre Dame students on Prayer and Liturgy
- St. Mary's University participants on visiting Capitol Hill: video 1 | video 2 | video 3
How does YLI work?
The events comprising Young Leaders Initiative are spread across the three days of the Gathering. There is a welcome event, where students have the opportunity to get to know each other and engage in fellowship along with meeting national organization staff. On the second day, there is a student-led workshop among the offerings of the Gathering, where participants can learn from their peers about how to promote social justice as America's current and future leaders. Finally, there is a closing reception, where students can continue networking with each other, as well as meet and interact with social ministry leaders from national organizations and connect with the participants of the Diversity Outreach Initiative.
For Campus Delegations:
Campus communities designate a campus coordinator who serves as a communication point person for the group. Campus coordinators invite participation from student leaders who have demonstrated interest in Catholic social teaching and ministry. Since our Church is strengthened and enriched by great diversity, the student selection process is an important opportunity for campus coordinators to identify and foster leaders of diverse cultures and abilities. In-person attendees of diverse ethnic and ability backgrounds are encouraged to apply to the Diversity Outreach Initiative in addition to participating in the Young Leaders Initiative.
For Parish delegations or individuals:
Complete the Interest Form to be sure to receive the most up-to-date information for the Gathering. Then, start planning on how you’ll make it possible to attend the CSMG in Washington, D.C. to pray, learn and advocate with hundreds of other dedicated Catholics. This might include exploring possible funding options within the organization.
How will emerging leaders benefit from CSMG-YLI?
CSMG provides students and emerging leaders an opportunity to integrate faith, learning, and action in pursuit of a better world. During the three-day gathering, participants join a community of professional, dedicated Catholic social ministry and advocacy leaders in their annual gathering to pray, learn, network, and advocate for change. The experience has proven transformative for participants who have attended in the past, influencing their continuing education and even career choices. Meeting leaders in the field opens doors for future contacts, internships, and possible employment. Opportunities for action once participants return home helps to deepen the experience and includes legislative advocacy in home districts, and participating in local programs of Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
What else do I need to know?
In an effort to help strengthen this experience and bring the formative time of CSMG back to campus, we have developed a series of meeting prompts and post-meeting reflections so the team can have an impact once they return home from CSMG. Pre and post-meeting agendas are available to help deepen the experience with your group, whether you meet in person or virtually.
The hybrid program will be bilingual (English and Spanish), with translation available for plenary sessions and unique Spanish-only workshops.
For communities seeking funding:
Coordinators are asked to seek resources in the community or campus to make this experience more accessible to emerging leaders interested in this formative, educational, and professional experience. The 2022 in-person registration fee is $350 per participant. The limited virtual event registration fee is $50 per participant. Possible sources of funding include student affairs, student government, campus ministry or Newman centers, academic departments, experiential or service-learning programs, faith and justice centers, and sponsoring religious communities. All interested coordinators or individuals should complete an interest form and simultaneously explore funding options from their institution. Interest forms should be completed by December 1, 2021, even if campuses are unsure about their number of attendees.
Next Steps: participating in the CSMG Young Leaders Initiative.
Now – November 2021:
- Consider how CSMG can form emerging leaders in your program for leadership in service to the church.
- Submit the interest form!
- Investigate funding options. Identify other organizations, staff, or offices that might have similar interests or experience in advocacy.
- Plan pre-Gathering meetings and agenda.
- Decide on a deadline for identifying student and staff participants.
December 2021:
- Receive an email from CSMG staff confirming participation in YLI and inviting your group to register. Complete online registration for CSMG by December 31, 2021. Finalize travel arrangements and hotel accommodations.
- Take advantage of informative resources and opportunities to prepare those attending the Gathering. Pay special attention to pre-recorded options and preparation work to make the most of your time with experts.
- Consider how you can integrate CSMG learnings into existing programming.
January– May:
- Attend CSMG on January 29- February 1, 2022.
- Plan post Gathering meetings to deepen and share the experience with those unable to attend.
- Participate in local advocacy with in-district visits, where possible.
The Young Leaders Initiative (YLI) planning team thanks the following institutions for their participation in YLI at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering:
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Australian Catholic University |
Marquette University (WI) |
CSMG Young Leaders Committee
Emily Schumacher-Novak (Co-Chair)
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development
Samantha Kennedy (Co-Chair)
University of Dayton, Campus Ministry
Crystal Cardona
St. Martin’s University, Campus Ministry
Akua Kankam
Dominican University, University Ministry
Dee Bernhardt
Purdue University, Campus Ministry
Paul E. Jarzembowski
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Barbara McCrabb
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Secretariat of Catholic Education
Lindsay McDermott
Fellowship of Catholic University Students
MyLan Metzger
Duke University, Catholic Center
Victoria O'Keefe
St. John's University (NY), Residence Minister for Social Justice
Kelly Tedeo Orbik
Creighton University, Center for Social Justice
Danielle Roberts
CRS, Manager of University Engagement
