Final Declaration of Youth Empowerment in Hizmet Diwan

This document is the declaration of the Diwan meeting on Youth Empowerment, organized as a Zoom meeting on 7-8 September 2024, between 3 pm and 7 pm (EST), with 242 participants. This declaration does not pretend to be the last word on “Youth Empowerment.” However, it aims rather to raise awareness about “Youth Empowerment” and encourage action, negotiations, publications, and research.

General Principles

It is recommended that in matters of “Youth Empowerment”, Hizmet Movement members model their behavior to accord with the following general principles:

1. Mutual respect: The younger generation should appreciate the wisdom and traditions upheld by the elders, while the older generation should approach the evolving practices and perspectives of the youth with an open and creative mindset. Both generations should pay attention to each other’s cultural and religious sensitivities.
2. Joint activities: Collaborative activities that facilitate building networks of relationships, such as community service projects or intergenerational study circles—help break down generational stereotypes and build lasting connections. In the Hizmet Movement, organizing events where both generations can participate—such as community service projects or intergenerational study circles—can strengthen bonds and promote mutual understanding.
3. The gap: The generation gap refers to the distinct experiences and values that define each generation. Within the Hizmet Movement, barring exceptions, the older generation tends to value tradition, communal practices, and face-to-face interactions. In comparison, the younger generation often leans towards individualism, digital communication, and technological adaptability.
4. Active engagement: Both generations within the Hizmet Movement should try to engage in open, respectful communication, collaborate on common goals, and blend traditional teachings with modern methods to actively engage; this aforementioned gap can be significantly reduced.
5. Advanced values: Techniques to bridge the generation gap include fostering bidirectional communication through active listening and empathy based on non-judgmental and responsive dialogue. A two-way learning approach facilitates effective collaboration between generations.
6. Challenges of youth: To support the new generation, Hizmet members must address the challenges youth face, especially with identity such as alienation, confusion, and the quest for belonging. Family support is vital in helping young people redefine their identities and adjust to new societal norms while creating space for self-expression and offering consistent support.
7. Post migration: Addressing the struggles among youth affected by post-coup migration including stigma, identity crises and challenges faced by displaced youth with a sense of loss requires strategies that demonstrate cultural and societal sensitivity.
8. Youth in Turkey: In light of recent challenges, it is essential to prioritize support for the youth in Turkey who continue to serve under difficult conditions, rather than focusing solely on those who have emigrated. Emphasizing responsibility in educational and service activities, rather than financial aid, will empower and strengthen their resilience.
9. Aligning with developments: Each participant in Hizmet bears the responsibility to anticipate and adapt to the movement’s evolution. This involves proactively nurturing this vision and implementing actions that align with these anticipated developments. Promoting written culture over oral traditions ensures more reliable communication and record-keeping.
10. Historical consciousness: Renewal efforts should be seen as a reaffirmation of core principles, not a deviation from them. It’s crucial to understand and internalize this concept, protecting cultural and spiritual values from foreign influences while shaping the future with past wisdom.
11. Influence of technology: The technological divide reflects the gap in digital fluency between generations. Younger individuals who have grown up with digital technology are typically more proficient, while older generations may face challenges in adapting. This discrepancy can result in communication breakdowns due to differing preferences and interaction methods.
12. “Golden Generation” rhetoric: To empower today's youth, we must affirm their role as the key generation for significant missions. By inspiring them and offering dynamic opportunities, we can cultivate their enthusiasm and purpose, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society and drive growth. In order to provoke our sense of responsibility, we need to give a piece of our heart to others, meaning to find something in each person to appreciate.
13. Promoting participation and leadership of Youth: A “servant leader” actively initiates ideas and actions rather than waiting to be invited. By taking ownership and saying, ‘I am at the center, and I own this work, I belong in my act of doing.’ enables overcoming inertia and driving positive change. Addressing gerontocracy, which favors older individuals in power, and agoraphobia, the fear of public spaces, is essential for creating an inclusive society where diverse perspectives can thrive.
14. Attitude: Resisting the belief that "only the strongest is valuable” involves challenging societal pressures that prioritize power. Hizmet members should focus on uncovering the underlying motives behind narratives from those in power and the media and prioritize moral and ethical values.

Education

15. Tailored approach: The future of society depends on the education and spiritual awareness of its youth. It is essential to include diverse educational approaches to the individual needs and stages of development, rather than applying a uniform method, to ensure healthy intellectual and personal growth.
16. Dual-winged approach: Standardized testing often stifles creativity and limits social mobility and academic performance, which can be addressed through holistic development. The dual-winged approach integrates academic education with ethical teachings, offering a more balanced solution.
17. Socioeconomic disparities: Addressing socioeconomic disparities by bridging systematic barriers such as access to education and healthcare is essential. Holistic development programs that ensure equal opportunities for all youth, regardless of background, are crucial for fostering inclusive growth and societal progress.

Spiritual Nourishment and Development Activities

18. Presenting Islam: Youth within Hizmet should be called to play a role in bridging the core values of Islam with the evolving realities of the current world. By cultivating a balance between the unchanging and changing factors of society, young leaders are to be empowered to contribute innovative perspectives and present Islam in ways that resonate with contemporary society.
19. Application of Islamic Teachings: Acknowledgement of the influence of temporal and geographical context on one’s interpretation and application of Islamic teachings is essential, and should be equally important when consciously engaging with primary sources.
20. Judgment-free atmosphere: Guiding youth towards environments that reflect our values and providing a judgment-free atmosphere is essential for fostering a strong sense of identity and self-acceptance. By drawing from our resources and reducing the need for external validation, we empower young people to find fulfillment and belonging within their community.

Dialogue (Peace and Harmony in Society)

21. Eagerness for dialogue: It requires a deep commitment to understand and engage with diverse communities. By adopting approaches suited to the culture and environment of each context, individuals can foster meaningful exchanges that bridge differences within society. Integration involves adapting to new languages, cultures, and social values while preserving core identity.
22. Social challenges: By systematically identifying and addressing individual psychological and sociological challenges—such as racism, sexism, biases, and misogyny—individuals can initiate a process of personal healing and foster greater empathy towards others.

Humanitarian Aid, Social Welfare

23. Action: Engaging in peaceful resistance against oppression, standing up for the marginalized, and amplifying the voices of the quiet and the oppressed is a necessity. This involves actively lifting up the weak and ensuring they have a seat at the table. Activism begins with self-reflection, recognizing one's role in the fight for justice and continuously striving to improve oneself. Hizmet members should take this as a call to action and use critical thinking to apply the suggestions to their particular situation.
24. Global responsibility: It includes combating the global labor exploitation of children, supporting anti-colonial movements, and working towards poverty alleviation. Additionally, ensuring access to education for all children, advocating for health as a universal right, and supporting civil rights movements are crucial.
25. Global development: Identifying global community partners, including youth-serving organizations, issue-based and advocacy groups, educational institutions, and faith-based organizations based on cause areas, focus areas, and how this impacts global development should be an agenda for HIzmet members.

Culture, Arts, Sports

26. Individual talents and interests: Empowering youth by nurturing their —whether in the arts, sciences, or social media—ensures their growth and the overall progress of the community. By providing targeted support and opportunities for youth to engage in projects that align with their passions, the Hizmet Movement can foster creativity, innovation, and outreach, elevating its impact on both the individual and societal level.
27. Importance of Art: Art provides a powerful medium to explore and reflect the divine artistry of the universe. Through artistic expression, we can connect with the spiritual and metaphysical insights revealed in the Qur'an, integrating foundational ideas with new methods of interpretation.
28. Inclusive approach: Hizmet members should recognize that Hizmet is not just a Turkish movement but a movement based on universal values and contributions beyond its Turkish roots. Meanwhile, the younger generation can appreciate the unique blend of Turkish-Islamic values that shape their identity.
29. Turkish language and culture: By developing curricula that preserve the Turkish language and culture while integrating the values of host countries, these programs help diaspora youth navigate their dual identities. This approach fosters social cohesion by leveraging community networks and engagement to support the integration and development of young individuals.

Publications

30. Shared online spaces: Utilizing shared online spaces and social media platforms to disseminate cultural and religious content can bridge generational gaps. These tools offer common ground for interaction and discussions, fostering closer connections between different age groups.
31. Social media: Leveraging social media is crucial for youth engagement and advocacy. By utilizing all available digital tools, young people can effectively amplify their messages, reach broader audiences, and influence public discourse. This strategic use of technology enables them to harness their voices and drive meaningful change in contemporary society.

Presented to the public.