From Being Served to Serving Others: When Young People Become Leaders

Sometimes, a young person’s first step toward leadership is having someone listen.

A mentor remembers their name. Someone checks in on a difficult week. A caring adult takes time to talk about faith, answer questions, and offer encouragement. These moments give a student room to build trust and begin recognizing what they have to offer.

At Urban Youth Excel (UYE), our mission includes introducing young people to Christ, helping them grow in faith, and equipping them to become spiritual leaders in their schools and communities. Mentorship helps lay that foundation.

Learning to Lead Through Service

Leadership can begin long before a student holds a title or stands in front of a group.

It can look like inviting a classmate to sit with them, listening to a friend who is struggling, or choosing kindness when joining in would be easier. These everyday decisions give young people opportunities to put their faith into practice.

Jesus modeled leadership through service. As students learn to follow Him, they can begin asking a meaningful question: How can I use what God has given me to help someone else?

That question makes leadership personal and practical. A student doesn’t need to have every answer to offer encouragement. They can take a first step by noticing someone who needs a friend.

Encouragement That Reaches Further

Being supported can help a young person recognize the value of supporting others.

Think about the possibilities: a student who has experienced patient listening learns to listen patiently. Someone who has been welcomed into a community makes room for a newcomer. A young person encouraged to explore their faith finds the confidence to have a thoughtful conversation with a friend.

These are examples of how service can grow from relationships. They are also a reminder of why investing time in young people matters. The encouragement we offer today can influence how they care for others tomorrow.

Help Make Those Connections Possible

UYE brings together mentorship, Bible studies, retreats, connections to local churches, and leadership training to support young people as they grow. Community support helps sustain that work and the relationships at its heart.

This December, we invite you to connect with that mission at 2026 UYE Happy Hour for Hope.

Join us on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 4–6 p.m. at Alpio’s at Troon, located at 10452 East Jomax Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262.

The program includes a welcome from the UYE team, a keynote speaker, and UYE student stories, with the auction closing at 5:30 p.m. It’s an opportunity to hear from students and learn more about the ministry you’re helping support.

Whether you attend, become a sponsor, or make a donation, you can help UYE continue caring for the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of Phoenix youth.

Register, explore sponsorships, or give through the Happy Hour for Hope event page.

Every young person has something to offer. Help us encourage the next generation to discover their gifts, grow in faith, and use those gifts to serve others.

Want to make a tangible difference in the lives of Arizona’s youth? Arizona Urban Youth Excel (UYE) relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations to continue guiding young people toward a brighter future and raising up the next generation of spiritual leaders.

Here is how you can get involved and join the movement today:

• Attend or Sponsor Our Upcoming Event: Join us for our 2026 event! Whether you want to participate, bring a team, or sponsor, your involvement directly supports our student programs. Register or view event details at 
  

• Explore Sponsorship Opportunities: Align your business with a cause that transforms lives. We offer meaningful corporate sponsorship packages at birdease.com/2026UYE that demonstrate your commitment to community collaboration and youth empowerment.