Friend:

Given the frequency of attacks on church-state separation that we must defend against, it would be easy to neglect the equally urgent work of ensuring that a new generation of America’s leaders understands and values the importance of our country’s promise of religious freedom. Americans United is determined not to make that mistake. In fact, our strategic roadmap clearly articulates the priority of outreach to younger people.

AU’s Annual Student Essay Contest is just one example of the effort we are making to help a new generation connect to church-state separation. We are thrilled that high schoolers have already submitted over 100 essays and there is still ten days to go before the deadline!

If you know any high school juniors or seniors, please share our contest information with them and encourage them to submit an essay by April 19th, 2021. It can’t hurt to remind them that there are cash prizes for the top three essays, up to $1,500!

In addition to the essay contest, AU’s Youth Organizing Fellowship is in full swing. Just a few weeks ago, the fellows put together and ran a phenomenal training on the Do No Harm Act that generated 60 personal messages to members of Congress in support of the bill. To attract other youth, we're highlighting the incredible young people who make up our inaugural fellowship class on our social media channels. Meet Ranen Miao, from St. Louis, Missouri:

Get to know more of our Youth Organizing Fellows by visiting AU’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – or by checking out their personal stories in the March edition of Church & State magazine.

These youth-oriented programs have the power to be transformational, friend. Not only for participants, but for the whole movement to defend religious freedom. Thanks for helping them come to life through your generous support of Americans United.

With hope and determination,