Join interactive and engaging vital conversations, dialogues, and community events that explore societal issues, foster interreligious and cultural understanding, and celebrate our community’s diverse tapestry.
Experience the beauty of world religions in Greater Houston through our Brigitte and Bashar Kalai Plaza of Respect “Welcome to Our House” video series, annual Gershenson Lecture on religion, peace, and ethics, interfaith dialogues, faith leader workshops, and immersion learning experiences.
Explore the cultural and religious diversity of Greater Houston through specially designed house of worship tours for student, corporate, faith, and community groups. Visit some of our community’s historical cultural sites.
Support the critical work of Interfaith Ministries and network with diverse groups of women through ticketed events, service projects, and coffee chats that foster dialogue, service, and collaboration.
Embrace diversity, promote understanding, forge new connections, and make a difference through service as part of this programming for young professionals in Greater Houston.
Connect with 8th graders and a parent or guardian during this five-month leadership program to build stronger interpersonal relationships, strengthen communication skills, foster a more active volunteer spirit, and help with the transition from junior high to high school.
Interfaith Ministries extends heartfelt gratitude to CITGO Petroleum Corporation for their generous support as the lead sponsor of the 2024 iLead Youth Engagement Program.
We are also deeply thankful to Lisa and John Walker for their contributions. Additionally, we acknowledge the invaluable support provided by the Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Memorial Fund towards making iLead a reality.
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s iLead Youth Engagement Program inspires, educates, and connects 8th grade students and a parent or guardian in a unique learning and service opportunity to build stronger interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and networking abilities across diverse faith and cultural backgrounds.
From January to May, student and parent/guardian participants will explore Houston’s diversity, learn what allyship means, and make a difference through volunteerism and service through monthly interactive, innovative, and fun programming.
By uniting students and a parent or guardian in dialogue, service, and collaboration, we offer opportunities to share quality time with each other, build and strengthen family bonds, and impact our community in a positive way.
- By encountering individuals representing Houston’s many cultures and beliefs
- By valuing the individuality and identities of others and taking pride in their own culture and heritage
- By developing leadership skills to carry into high school and beyond
- By understanding the value and importance of volunteerism and community service
- By standing with others as an ally
Program Details and Dates:
• Starting January 2024
• Applications open October 3, 2023
• Monthly events from January through May 2024
Orientation – December 5 or December 14, 2023, at 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm – via ZOOM
Session #1 – Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Adopting Dr. King’s message of Allyship and The Beloved Community – in person
Session #2 – Sunday, February 4,2024, at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Exploring Houston’s Religious Landscape House of Worship Tour – in person
Session #3 – Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm –Growing Minds: The Power of Anti-Bias Lessons – in person
Session #4 – Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Navigating a Path of Success from Middle School to High School
Session #5 – Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 8:00 am – 11:30 am – See, Learn, Understanding Hunger – Houston Texans Huddle Against Hunger Activity and Food Sorting Volunteer Activity
Session #6 – Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 8:00 am – 12:00 pm – Tree Planting on Global Youth Service Day with Trees for Houston
Session #7 – Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Graduation: Reflection, Recognition, and Celebration
“iLead allowed me to learn more about my community and how I can help others through volunteering. It was also a great way to meet community leaders and interact with students from around Houston. Activities like making dog toys for MOW to sorting groceries at the Food Bank were simple but fun ways to make a difference.” Zach Lester
“Prior to the food sorting activity at the Houston Food Bank, everyone learned about what food insecurity means and the overview gave context for volunteer work, which was an impactful way to approach it. Owen shows more enthusiasm on how he can further participate in volunteerism, and I see him taking a more active role in finding opportunities instead of having his mom lead, and this has opened a new way for him to think about volunteering.” Shannon Lowry
“My favorite session during iLead was volunteering at the Houston Food Bank. While it was fun because I was there with friends, we knew were making a difference and helping people by sorting food. To see the impact and why you should volunteer and be more involved in the community, it’s motivated me to take a lead like iLead in getting more involved in my community.” Owen Lowry
As a high school senior, iLead was a phenomenal way to learn more about different religions and the values that bind us all. My understanding of faiths outside of my own grew substantially, which vastly contributed to my ability to practice and preach religious tolerance. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and sincerely recommend this program to any youth interested in expanding their knowledge of cultures and faiths.” Siddhant Ahuja (Previous iLead Participant)
“Both my children went through the iLead program a few years back and immensely benefitted from it. During the year-long program, they engaged in group discussions and dialog with a peer group of students from multiple faiths. Through visits to places of worship, they were able to further their understanding of other faiths and were able to find the commonality that helps unites each other. This experience was unique and positively impacted their personalities with an appreciation for other faiths and the role of IMGH in developing interfaith relationships and religious tolerance in the community. I highly recommend this program to middle and high school students.” Sanjay Ahuja (Parent)
“My time in iLead helped me not only learn more about different religions and cultures but also helped me directly engage in faith based current issue discussions to generate religious tolerance. I created friendships that I still have now and explored the impact of religious beliefs on identity and values. I enjoyed my time in my first year so much that I joined again for a second year as an iLead Fellow. I’m extremely grateful to Interfaith Ministries for developing a program that brings diverse perspectives and experiences together at such a pivotal age.” Smriti Ahuja (Previous iLead Participant)