Methodists seek to boost influence of young members

A website for young people run by young people has been launched by the Methodist Children and Youth Team.

Generous is a safe, online space designed to enable young people to discuss and act upon decisions made at Youth Assembly – an interactive body designed to maximise the impact of young people’s influence on the Methodist Church in Britain.

Young people can sign up to the site and pledge their commitment to different goals, such as confronting racist behaviour or challenging Churches on the opportunities available to them.

The website offers young people the opportunity to work together on maximising the impact they can have on the wider Church. Every young person who signs up and joins the debate becomes an activist and voice for social change.

Pete Brady, Methodist Youth President, said Generous was a great way for young people to keep in touch with others they met at Youth Assembly.

"It offers the chance for young people to share things that affect them on a daily basis in their lives and churches," he said.

"This is an opportunity for young people to be part of the decision-making process emerging from the Youth Assembly that will then play its part in re-shaping the Methodist Church.

"I am very excited about how this will increase youth participation across the Districts. Generous is easy and free to join.

"The more young people leaving comments, signing up to actions, meeting in the chat rooms; the more dynamic the forum will be.”

Pete Brady has piloted the website with a group of ‘Generous DJs’ – young people from Youth Assembly who have tested the site’s usability.

The DJs will also serve as promoters for Generous – getting their peers enthused about the site and working on developing its content, direction and moderation.

The site will form a key component of the new Children & Youth website set for launch this summer.

Visit Generous at methodist.generous.org.uk