Bal Bharati Youth Committee
FAQ
WHAT IS YOUTH COMMITTEE?
The BalBharati Youth Committee is a group of teenagers who volunteer to do community service at the temple.
There is an executive committee within the youth committee that coordinates and organizes all the meetings and events. Elections to hold a position on youth committee are once a year.
Check the current Executive committee members at
http://www.bharatiya-temple.org/home/Balbharati/YouthCommittee.shtml
We organize fundraisers, help out at temple events, and participate in service-based activities. In addition, we learn about and discuss different topics that are important in Hinduism such as dharma, karma, etc.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR JOINING YOUTH COMMITTEE?
You must be between the ages of 13-18.
HOW DO I JOIN YOUTH
COMMITTEE?
To join, simply go on the youth committee section of the temple website, http://www.bharatiya-temple.org/home/Balbharati/YouthCommittee.shtml. Fill out a membership form and email it to youthsecretary@gmail.com.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING
YOUTH COMMITTEE?
There are many benefits to joining youth committee. We have religious discussions with Prasanna Aunty, who teaches us different values of Hinduism in a way teenagers can understand. This helps us understand our religion better.
Another benefit is community service. If your school has a requirement for community service, you can talk to your counselor at school about getting hours from the temple. Participating in youth committee will also look great on a college application, and you really become immersed in the temple community.
Some experiences may even help you write college application essays.
Finally, you make new friends, meet great people around the temple, and get the self-satisfaction of knowing you're making a positive difference in your community.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE
VOLUNTEERING OPPURTUNITIES IN THE
There are many activities. We help out at Basant Bahar, Anand Bazaar, Youth Prasad, Health Fair, Youth Competitions, and more. We are also counselors for Youth Camp during the summer, which is an overnight camp for kids (ages 6-12). Other fun events are Holi, Garbhangra and Desi Fusion, which are fundraisers we organize ourselves.
ARE THERE ANY VOLUNTEERING
OPPURTUNITIES THAT YOUTH COMMITTEE OFFERS OUTSIDE OF THE
There are plenty of opportunities
like walks, Habitat for Humanity, and service projects that take place outside
of the temple if you are interested. In addition, we prepare sandwiches once a
month for a nearby soup kitchen.
BESIDES VOLUNTEER WORK, WHAT
ELSE DOES YOUTH COMMITTEE OFFER?
This year, youth committee is making a blog. It will have posts related to the things we’re doing around the temple. In addition, this is a perfect place to share your views about anything related to Hinduism, Indian culture, Indian American teens, etc.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL MEETING
LIKE?
Meetings are always on Sundays.
Every 4th or last Sunday of the month the meetings start at
When we get closer to a Balbharati event meetings become more frequent. We explain what’s going on at the upcoming event, sign up for service projects, discuss fundraisers, and more. You will be notified when there is a meeting via email.
WHERE ARE MEETINGS HELD?
Meetings are always held at the temple… usually downstairs. They are generally either on stage or in the cafeteria.
HOW MUCH OF A TIME
COMMITMENT IS YOUTH COMMITTEE?
It is encouraged that you attend meetings regularly. Though it is understandable that you may be busy some Sundays, you should still make an effort to come to as many as you can. As for events, it really depends on the event. Some events have quick 2 hour shifts and others can last longer.
APPROXIAMATELY HOW MANY
PEOPLE ARE IN YOUTH COMMITTEE?
It is hard to say because the group is constantly growing. New members are always welcome and encouraged to join.
IS THERE A FEE TO JOIN YOUTH
COMMITTEE?
No. There is no fee for joining youth committee.
Compiled by
Snigdha Paruchuri – President Youth Committee 2009
Shama Kenkre – Chairperson Balbharati Committee 2009