coming of age

a program of NYSEC -- New York Society for Ethical Culture

LINK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Friday, March 3

Spring SEASON 2023

A new Coming of Age cohort is forming. 

If you are interested, please contact akindred@NYSEC.org


Sunday, June 19

Coming of Age


INVITATION: this is a call for participation in the current Coming Of Age cohort.  To inquire about Ethical Culture's Coming of Age Programs, contact program director Audrey Kindred at Akindred@NYSEC.org

Ethical Culture offers a meaningful Coming-of-Age program "beyond belief" -- open to all youth -- in recognigtion of how crucial it is to support, empower, appreciate and nurture the explorations of young people in creating a humane society.


Families of youth and young teens are encouraged and welcomed 
into this diverse community grounded in Ethical Learning.
            Newcomers are welcome. 
                       Explorers are welcome.
                                    Curious families are welcome.
                                           
Families with youth interested in a progressive Coming of Age programming 
are invited to schedule information sessions via phone or ZOOM 
with New York Society for Ethical Culture by contacting the programming director.

This program takes place with project-based engagement and culminates in an individual's FINAL PROJECT & a community CELEBRATION.

WHO?    
This program is designed to include diverse young people within their exploratory tween and teen years. We welcome those who seek inner and worldly inquiry, recognizing that the age range may be as wide as 12-16 years ~ 6th grade and up.

We recognize the deep maturity of some on the younger end of this spectrum, and we also recognize the hopes of some on the older end of this spectrum who may not have had opportunities like this so far in life. That is why the stated range of age is relatively wide.  Determining when your child is ready for this process is not simply based solely on age qualification, but on maturity, desire, and personal need. 
            In recognition of the diversity of NYC families' experiences, we open our group to each family with youth who are seeking support for these transitional years of growth.  Families of all perspectives are welcome, with full respect for home traditions and cultures.


WHAT?
The guiding goal is to provide a safe creative grounding for each individual to blossom within community. With a humanist anchor, we will journey as deeply into ourselves as we do out into the world of ideas and values.  We will respectfully explore "religous and cultural" views throughout the world.

This program aims to be enjoyable and creative and will include:
    field trips, 
        group workshops,
              leadership development, 
                    DEED: doing ethical experiential deeds), 
                          journaling workbook


WHERE?
This is a program of New York Society For Ethical Culture (NYSEC) which is part of a larger historical movement of putting ethics at life's center, represented by American Ethical Union (AEU).  While holding space for diverse belief systems that inspire people toward their goodness, we come together to explore and hold as the highest imperative: ethical relationship. In this sense, Ethical Culture is a religion of humanism, of ethical-centeredness, of what we all may strive to have in common:  GOODNESS on EARTH.

WHY?
In many traditions, the space between childhood and teenage life is marked with a profound learning period and celebrated with a rite of passage. At Ethical Culture, unbeholden to stern traditions, but rich with diverse learning materials and rooted in humanist values, we collaboratively create this excursion with young people, mentors, and family members.  
             In the vision of cultural teacher, Joseph Campbell, this is a kind of "hero's journey." Our development is intended to transform us, challenge our understandings of the world, and strengthen our offerings toward the world. We will be using a three-pillar model throughout: Self, Community, World. This can translate to: Feelings, Actions, Vision.

WHEN?
            Our group schedule takes place on weekends, primarily Saturday or Sunday afternoons, twice monthly.  Meetings with a mentor are expected, and space can be provided to support that at the NYSEC meeting house if necessary or requested.  
            The schedule will be modified with those participating if necessary to accommodate the group's commitment to working together. Meeting times on Weekday afternoons or evenings are also a consideration, but only if that works best for the whole group.