Annual Report. PATRIARCHAL CURIA UGCC 2019

44 Forum of responsible youth leaders "… Since the first Forum of responsible youth leaders in 2017 we have organized a super forum in my home city Kryvyj Rih in 2019. And now the project is expanding throughout Ukraine — to the cities and towns, uniting absolutely unique people, who are drivers of positive changes in the society. I am happy that this idea is so vibrant and happy to be responsible for its implemen- tation. I am grateful to the team of organizers for the trust and for the constant inspiration! You are incredi- ble!" Daryna Pazenko, Kryvyj Rih The UGCC Commission on Youth conducted an important initiative in the field of youth ministry — Forum of responsible youth leaders . The initiative was launched in 2017 and now we are blessed to continue this successful project throughout Ukraine. The project included 5 series of local forums organized in 5 eparchies/exarchates of the UGCC and concluding 2-day Forum in Lviv with 261 participants in attendance. All these events were designed to create a platform of interaction among different youth groups: members of youth parish communities and organizations, members of public and social initiatives, leaders in educa- tional area, young businessmen. This provided an opportunity for young people to present their youth initiatives and become motivated for personal and spiritual development, to strive for changes in society and to create vibrant youth parish communities. The partici- pants of the forums shared the idea of responsibility of younger generation for the positive changes in society. Prominent young speakers were involved at the local forums — leaders of NGOs, businessmen and representatives of local authorities. The UGCC Commission on Youth created a space for dialogue and cooperation and contrib- uted to the formation of a positive image of the Church — as a vibrant and active community of believers, and not merely as a ‘ritual organization’. This was favourably received especial- ly by young non-believers, helping them to overcome existing prejudices and misconception about the Church. The forums led to the creation of various joint initiatives of the Church, civil society, busi- ness and authorities at the local level. For example, a joint "Coordinating centre for volun- teering" was formed in the city of Poltava (eastern Ukraine), a coordinating council for joint projects of NGOs, Church and regional authorities was formed in the city of Chervonohrad (western Ukraine). "We would like to continue to lead the youth in their pro-active efforts in our communities, parishes and families", stated an organizer of the Forum of responsible youth leaders and an employee of the Youth Commission, Orest Hevak. Youth and fami ly mini st r y block