In response to comments and emails from you, the readers, I'm experimenting with changing the format here at Generation Yes.
This digest format (which I'm thinking of as "church -- quick and dirty" and which I think will fit the YA lifestyle better than what I've been doing up til now) consists of nine content categories, updated daily with new information based on what's going on in the world and what you send me. The categories are designed to present a variety of perspectives and ideas (although I'll admit that---especially at first, they will probably reflect my personal interests and biases) and can be perused without too much time and/or effort.
Some of the regular features (notably the meditation, "Young Adults Are..." and resource posts) will have different names and be updated daily instead of weekly; others, like "Share Your Faith," will be replaced by something else entirely. You will be able to participate in the comments by adding your own joys and/or concerns (either personal or not), expressing your opinions on the various links, and suggesting content to add or subtract.
It's my hope that this new format will be more fun to read (and write) and that I'll be able to have content available seven days a week, both on here and on Facebook (once I get around to syndicating it.)
Check out the categories (and their explanations) below:
This is (so we can focus on the present): "One Day Without Shoes." The program, sponsored by TOMS, encourages participants to go barefoot on April 8th in order "to spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life." (Millions of children around the world---particularly those in developing nations---suffer illness and injury because their feet are exposed to the elements.) (Via Facebook)
Spirit food (so we can meditate): "How do you reckon your little music?" -- Mark Doty, "In the Airport Marshes"
Brain food (so we can learn): A new element---the fifth one to be discovered since 2000---has been added to the Periodic Table. The as-yet-unnamed element, number 117, was discovered at Russia's Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, which is known for "flinging heavy ions at targets." When researchers "fired beams of calcium ions" at a target made from radioactive berkelium, six atoms of the new element "existed for between 21 and 45 millionths of a second." (via The Christian Science Monitor)
Young adults today... (so we can be aware of what's being said about our generation, by us and others): are "young and hip," still "doing their own thing," and wanting their parents to stop trying to be cool because "forty is forty---not twenty." (via The DePaulian)
A joy (so we can celebrate the good in the world): The United States and Russia will take an step today toward reducing the number of nuclear weapons in the world by signing a renewed Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. (via The Boston Globe)
A concern (so we can conscious of the world outside and of other people): At least four of the people who died in this week's mine explosion in Montcoal, West Virginia---Cory Davis, age 20, Jason Atkins, age 25, Josh Napper, age 27, and Gary Quarles, age 33---were young adults. To learn more about them and their families, visit the Huntington Herald-Dispatch. To donate to the West Virginia Council of Churches' disaster fund, click here. (via The Huffington Post)
Churchy things (so we can keep pursue our Unitarian Universalism faith and values in some way every day): David Grubin's film, The Buddha---"a two-hour Buddhist Sunday-school lesson for grown-ups, and perhaps their kids, as well"---premiered last night on PBS. (Jen's review: inspiring, accessible, appropriate for all ages and necessary for all UU religious education programs, particularly those offering the "Neighboring Faiths" curriculum.) (via Slate)
Unchurchy things (so we can relax): Harry Potter fans rejoice! At Monday's White House Easter Egg Roll, J.K. Rowling hinted at the possibility that she may add a new book to the series by 2020. (via The Washington Post)
Young adult(s) of note (so we can have confidence in our peers and be motivated by them): The members of DoRAK, a student group at the University of Michigan formed in 2001 "to promote genuine acts of kindness" on campus and beyond, have partnered with Apple to create the DoGood iPhone app, which prompts you to to one good deed (example: "Light a candle to support an important cause. Display it prominently. It's a reminder of those fighting for what you believe in") daily. (via Tonic)
Have a joy or concern you'd like to share? A link you'd like me to include next time? A suggestion for a 10th category? Strong feelings one way or the other about this format? Comment by clicking the speech bubble to the left!
