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Summary of Question:	How Do We Get People Back To Gurdwaras?
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Thursday, 5/06/2004 4:49 AM MDT

The sangat in Kenya seems to have stopped coming to Gurdwaras. The only time one can see the Temple full is on a wedding. Sikhs seem to be drifting away from Sikihism. I am sure that some other places have or have had the same problem. What was done or what can be done to involve the youth so that they can start coming to Temples and the Sikh faith? Need some ideas.

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Involve the youth in the Gurdwara. Have them read the Hukum, cut the prasad and serve it...play kirtan, tell an inspiring story...have a say in the running of the Gurdwara. Draw the youth in by Inviting them to a party, where there is good food..then have a short meeting where you ask them why they are not coming to Gurdwara and what they would need to be involved. Have a young person who is involved call the event and run the meeting. If fanatical, narrow older members run it with an aire of judgment, the youth won't respond...you'll lost them. Our young people need to be inspired and given an experience of being a Sikh...not judged or had a guilt trip laid on them. Show them how being a Sikh is inspiring, useful, uplifting...and yes, even fun and "cool." Be kind, inclusive, and positive. Some areas have youth camps to inspire youth. Singapore and Vancouver have them. Let us know how it goes. GTKK