The first World Congress of Families regional youth event was held in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, April 28 - 29, 2000. More than 400 participants of all ages joined in during the two-day event including 200 youth (ages 12 to 25). The event, known as the World Congress of Families Millennium Youth Assembly (MYA), was attended by youth of remarkable caliber and commitment. Co-sponsored by Youth For Action (YFA) and Youth Making A Difference (YMAD), the purposes of the MYA were three-fold.

The first purpose of the MYA was to rally youth to stand for the natural family. Richard Wilkins from the World Congress of Families spoke to the youth, along with many prominent international and Canadian pro-family leaders, including Roy Beyer (President of the Canada Family Action Coalition), Hermina Dykxhoorn (President of the Alberta Federation of Women United for Families), the Goodman Family, Cecilia Forsyth (REAL Women of Canada), Tanya Granic (World Youth Alliance), Fred Reagh (Lawyer & participant in the Proposition 22 Campaign in California), Susan Roylance (United Families International), Dolina Smith (President of C.A.S.E., Canadians Addressing Sexual Exploitation), and Larry & Barbara Spiess (Teen-Ed and Birthright leaders).

The second purpose of the MYA was to prepare a Millennium Youth Report supporting existing U.N. pro-family language. Youth delegates were divided into 5 committees. Each committee was assigned to write personal statements about one of the following pro-family statements which use international consensus language, (note these statements are taken from "A Guide for Language Supportive of the Natural Family in the Six Core International Treaties and the Seven Major U.N. Conference Documents," compiled and edited by Susan Roylance):

Family- "The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society, and is entitled to the widest possible protection and assistance."

Marriage- “The right of men and women of marriageable age to marry and to found a family shall be recognized," "and husband and wife should be equal partners."

Human Life-  "Recognizing the dignity and worth inherent in the human person," and that "the child, by reason of his physical and metal immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth," "motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance."

Parents and Children- "The family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children from infancy to adolescence." "For the full and harmonious development of their personality, children should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding." "Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children," “and to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions."

Family Values- "We commit ourselves to the recognition of the family, 'in its supporting, educating and nurturing roles,’" "with respect for cultural, religious and social aspects, in keeping with freedom, dignity and personally held values, and taking into account ethical and cultural considerations." 

A Sample of Millennium Youth Report Statements

Family - The Link to Society
The family is the child's first introduction to society and is the essential link between the child and the society they live in. Children can best learn these values when a mother and father who are legally married are present in the home to teach them. The values taught in the family can never be replaced and will guide them all their lives. -Natalie Pepin, 15, Lethbridge, Canada

Marriage - a Sacred Institution
I believe that enough emphasis isn't being focused on the family, that is, the nuclear/biological family. The "family" should consist of a mother and a father. Allowing gay and lesbian marriages is a step in the wrong direction and is a mockery to what was and will always be a sacred institution, which is marriage. I think the rights of parents should be put back into law and parents should have the right to discipline their own kids but not to the point of abusing their children. -Audley O'Neil Sailsman, 17, Toronto, Canada

Respect for Motherhood
As children are taught and reared in a positive manner, in a natural family, full of love, they will grow to serve the world and become a great member of society. By respecting motherhood, it becomes an honored position to have and not a chore.    -Stacey Mendenhall, 17, Magrath, Canada

Adoption
I was given up for adoption by my 15 year old birth mother. If my birth mother had chosen to abort me, as many pregnant teens often do, I might not be here today, or have the wonderful family I have. No one has the right to decide who gets to live or die.  -Janae Van Orman, 15, Medicine Hat, Canada

Right to be Protected, Nurtured, and Taught - by Parents
Children have the right to be protected and nurtured by their parents. Both parents have the primary responsibility to teach their children with their own principles and beliefs, and raise them in a safe and loving home environment where they can grow and mature happily. -Kelli Malacko, 19, Lethbridge, Canada

Importance of Human Life
Human Life is very important, but the world does not see this. Our population is becoming very few because families are having less kids and abortion is killing off a number of people too. Life is a great thing even through all the trials. At the end of these trials comes happiness . -Sheena Quinton, 16, Cardston, Canada

Best Interest of Children
Parents need the necessary rights to fulfill their responsibility to ensure that their children are nurtured, protected, and are given an education that is in agreement with their own religious and moral convictions and will therefore promote the development and happiness of the children - since the parents have the child's best interest at heart. -Sarah-Anne Strydhorst, 20, Neelandia, Canada

Peace & Prosperity
A return to the glorification and protection of the family must commence if society ever hopes to achieve peace and prosperity.   -Scott Abbott, 25, Winnipeg, Canada

The third purpose of the MYA was to participate in a family celebration. Family members of all ages enjoyed professional family entertainment provided as part of the Family Celebration. With toes tapping, hands clapping and children dancing in their rows, Bob King (Canadian children's singer, songwriter, recording artist) and his family performed favorites such as "Brother for Sale," " Sandwiches are Beautiful," and "The Hot Dog that Ate Lethbridge." The Goodman Family closed the conference sharing their message with families to REMEMBER the importance of family, inviting families everywhere to each strengthen their own FORTRESS OF LOVE and to START WHERE THEY ARE. The Goodman’s encouraged participating families to join with families from around the world to become a voice for the family.

In Summary the Millennium Youth Assembly was a gathering of youth (not unlike millions of youth throughout the world) with a dedicated interest in protecting and promoting the natural family, traditional marriage, religious freedoms, family values, human life, and the importance of parenthood. Expressed in a hundred different ways, those who attended the conference felt hope as they saw in the faces and hearts of the youth delegates the power to "stem" the modern tides of globalization, individualism, overpopulation, reproductive rights, etc. As Scott Abbott stated in his final rallying call to the youth "There is only one option -- to save the family!"

An Invitation to Youth Around the World! A website for the Millennium Youth Report is being prepared. Youth (ages 12 - 25) from around the world, of good will and with concern for the protection of the natural family are invited to join us in supporting the above pro-family U.N. consensus language statements by writing their own personal Millennium Youth Statement. Statements can be sent to the Millennium Youth Report by emailing: mailto:joannymad@hotmail.com