10-17-24 Young Life of New Canaan, Sara Dugal

Keith introduced our speaker, Sara Dugal the Area Director for Young Life. Sara described growing up in Richmond VA and being a participant in Young Life (YL) at that time. She continued as a volunteer while at UVA and when she launched her career at Capital One. Several years into her banking career she was approached by YL and asked if she would like to join professionally. She came to New Canaan with her husband two years ago to rebuild a YL program that has waxed and waned over 40+ years in New Canaan.

Sarah began by observing children in high achieving schools and communities can easily be over-programmed, stressed, and posses’ narrow views of what qualifies as success. A YL survey done at a national level found that Gen Z, the generation born 1997-2012 (ages 12-27) expressed three attitudes that are important to YL programming.1) Relationships in person matter- screen time is not enough. 2) Transitions are the most challenging times, i.e. into and out of High School,3) Friends including adult mentors, and coaches as well as family are trusted sources of support. The most frequent words used to describe how they want to be thought of were Kind and Good.

Sarah then told us that 40% of this Gen Z population are not certain they are loved and 40% feel they do not belong. This can be particularly acute in high achieving communities as ours. Young Life steps in with programs that foster relationships at several levels, friendships, mentorships and faith. This is done by bringing these middle school through high school children together to first just have fun as kids and introduce adults who care about them. This can lead to exploring faith driven issues and while faith is present in the programming it is not demanded to participate.

The New Canaan program is rebuilding with a core of seven families providing the support for the program.

In the Q&A John recalled that in the early 1980’s YL was very big in New Canaan and could remember as a high school student events with over 100 kids participating.

John’s question was on how the local churches respond to an organization seemingly duplicating their work. Sara spoke of good relations with churches in town. Scott strongly seconded that from the floor saying he was very happy to have the program knowing there needs to be a range of ways to reach this population. Martha said the Methodist Church is in the same place and welcomed YL.

A question regarding non-Christian participation drew the response they are welcome, and they will know adults who care about them.

Quantifying impact is difficult, but Sara did share that every YL leader does report on how many kids are known by name, reinforcing the importance of relationships and connectedness. Scott added there are several studies that link being connected to others is one key to having a healthy life.

Tom thanked Sara for her presentation and adjourned the meeting at 1:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Doug Dooley

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