Youth Forum 2025 at General Council
August 5-12th, 2025 – Calgary
Theme: Come and dream new dreams and see new visions!
What? Youth Forum empowers youth and young adults to influence key decisions and issues within The United Church of Canada by participating in education, decision-making, and community activities during General Council 45.
Who? Ages 15-25
There are two age groups: 15-18 years and 18-25 years.
The goal is to have 100 young people under age 30 attend General Council 45, with at least 50% Indigenous and Racialized youth.
When? Youth Forum happens in person as well as on-line.
In Person Event: August 5 – 12th Calgary, AB
Youth Forum August 5th – 7th
General Council meeting August 7-11th
Youth Forum closing – August 12th noon.
Travel home August 12th afternoon.
On-line preparation: two youth forum gatherings and three General Council preparation sessions
• March (date TBD) – A retreat for youth forum participants from Canadian Shield and Shining Waters Regional Councils with our Executive Minister.
• April 6th, 4:00-6:00 p.m. ET – Youth Forum online gathering of all participants
• April 27th, 4:00-7:00 p.m. ET – Orientation to GC45, meeting technology and travel planning
• June 22nd, 4:30-7:00 p.m. ET – Opening of GC
• June 28th, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 4-7pm ET – Learning and discussion
Cost: Registration for Youth Forum at GC45 is free and travel arrangements are made by the General Council. Some events or activities may have associated costs. No one will be excluded due to difficulty in payment.
Selection: Complete the application by January 24, 2025. Delegates will be chosen by February 15, 2025.
More Information?
• Watch the video
• Read the FAQ
• Contact your Regional Faith Formation Minister: Shawn Redden sredden@united-church.ca
Make sure you have gathered the following information before you start this application:
• The name and contact information of the person you chatted with about this opportunity. We want you to have discussed this with someone who you trust who will help guide you in making the decision to apply. It could be a teacher, minister, youth group leader, family member – someone who feels this would be an amazing opportunity for you and for the church.
• If you are under 18, the name and contact information for your parent or guardian.
GC 45 Youth Forum 2025 Application Here
You’ve Got Questions? We’ve got answers!
More Info
Youth Forum gathers in person August 5-7, 2025 in Calgary. General Council will meet August 7-11, 2025.
Youth Forum will close August 12 by noon. Travel home will begin in the afternoon of August 12.
Have a look at this video if you would like to know more about what you can expect in Calgary next August!
Read the FAQ sheet here – PDF – 2 pages
We hope you can join us!
Youth Forum 2025 Video
Staff Support
SHAWN REDDEN
Justice and Faith Formation Minister
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 6773
Email: sredden@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regional Councils
Location: Teleworks from her home
Role: Shawn encourages and connects communities of faith with matters of faith and justice and the regional council in youth and young adult ministry and matters of faith formation and liaises with the General Council in this regard.
Contact Shawn about: Affirming Ministry; Camping Ministries; Faith Formation; Guaranteed Income; Harm Reduction; Homelessness; Poverty; Social and Eco-justice; Worship and Music; Youth and Young Adult Ministry, United Church Women (UCW)
CELIO de ANDRADE SANTOS Jr.
Administrative Support
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 2020
Email: cdeandrade@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council and Canadian Shield Regional Council
Location: Teleworks and works in the Guthrie office
Role: Celio provides administrative support to Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regional Councils.