Conversations of Hope – for Lent
by Kathy Shaw, SPARK manager
Earlier this month I was invited to join a meeting with the Leeds Muslim Youth Forum to talk about our work and ways to counter the divisive messages our young adults receive on social media and elsewhere. This ties into our SPARK Conversations of Hope and also continues the themes of Pilgrims of Hope 2025.
I had a lively conversation with about 15 young people, topics such as responding to racism and challenging injustice and poverty. One member of the group gave me inspiration in her explanation about the best way to engage people in our target age group.
Respectfully, she assured me that older people are happy sitting round a table and talking about social justice issues, but the best way to catch interest with the under 30’s is to focus more on visual messaging.
The group gave me examples of effective TikTok reels and are in the process of completing a documentary and film project so are very tuned into this.
Following on from my visit, we are looking at inviting young adults and friends to an Iftar on 6th March. This is the evening meal at sunset that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan.
Lent and Ramadan will both begin on 18th February, a time to celebrate community and spiritual connection; the 6th March has been chosen as a date near to International Women’s Day.
