The projects of the youth

A ceremony held on May 10 at the Museumquartier, the museum compound in Vienna, gave the kick off to the initiative "Future Spirit", meant to promote youth commitment at social level. Until July 15 in all of Austria it will be possible to present social projects that will be implemented between October 2012 and March 2013. The event is supported by Austrian Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann, vice-chancellor Michael Spindelegger, by card. Christoph Schönborn, president of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference. It is co-organized with partners from the political, ecclesial world and NGOs. "Future Spirit" is promoted by the Austrian Federal Chancellery. The organization “Future Spirit Österreich”, directed by Christoph Berger, vice-director of the ecclesiastic pedagogic university of Vienna/Krems, was set up for the operative follow-up of the projects. Follow highlights of the initiative.Religion motivates to action. "The commitment, the fact of focusing on emergencies, is part and parcel of religion", said cardinal Christoph Schönborn during the opening ceremony of "Future Spirit". "Religion motivates and provides the strength to examine and face different situations", he added. "The religious dimension of the human person is a strong motivation to being available for others, since God is present for each one of us", continued the Archbishop of Vienna. According to Cardinal Schönborn, "although the youth in most cases are not regular attendants of Sunday Mass, many of them are committed within the ecclesiastic community", notably in organizations like "YoungCaritas" or "Jugend Eine Welt". "In these situations", the cardinal said, "the young have access to religion and faith through social relations". Card. Schönborn said that he was "fascinated and motivated by the meeting with marginalized groups and by the experience of social struggles". For the cardinal "there exist many fundamental questions in Europe, not only of an economic nature, but also as relates to the meaning of life and the values that guide us. There is an experimented way of grasping this meaning and that is donating time, attention, interest, and sympathy to others. For this reason, values such as loving our neighbour, respect, care, and also abnegation are important for society". Being committed for others: a necessity. Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann pointed out that mutual commitment shouldn’t be taken for granted. "But it’s necessary", he warned. "This is what democracy and cohesion thrive on, which makes our existence more human". Faymann also underlined that "the contribution of volunteer work in Austria is very strong. However", he added, "everyone’s commitment is necessary". Vice-chancellor Michael Spindelegger stressed the importance of experiences matured by the youth when they are put in the condition of contributing to the shaping of the society and of the environment in which they live. "Experiences made when we are young remain impressed in our memory and can be important also for future commitments", he said. For Willi Mernyi, from the organization that combats anti-Semitism and racism "Mauthausen Komitee Österreich”, the initiative "Future Spirit" "proves wrong all those who claim that the youth distance themselves from politics". Also Christine Mann, director of the Archbishop’s Office for education, president of the Academic Council of the Pedagogic Ecclesiastic University (Kirchliche Pädagogische Hochschule – Kph) in Vienna/Krems, said that initiative represents "an opportunity to show that our youth are different from the way we see them". Mann praised the presence and the cooperation of NGOs, public bodies, political parties, Churches and religious communities taking part in the event. The latter includes the Islamic community of Austria (Iggiö), whose president Fuat Sanac attended the inauguration ceremony, along with the President of the Council of Shura Zekirija Sejdini. Churches and NGO delegates took part in the opening ceremony such as Catholic Youth and Diakonie, a protestant organization. A competition for ideas. The initiative "Future Spirit" includes a competition for new ideas. Until July 15, all youths aged 15-25 can present projects in the two main sectors: "School" and "Extracurricular structures", respectively for three categories: "Social justice and cross-generational dialogue", "Cultural, ethical and religious pluralism" and "Human rights". Details on the initiative can be found on the website www.future-spirit.at. In the month of August, a jury will examine and select the best ideas, that will be carried out with the support and guidance of nnon-governmental organization and of the "Mauthausen Komitee Österreich". Finally, in May 2013, the projects will be showcased in an exhibition along with with the awarding of the first prizes.