On October 3, 2026, youth, volunteers, families and community members came together for the Commemoration of Fethullah Gülen, a community gathering organized by GRFS Youth.
The program remembered Fethullah Gülen, a thinker and intellectual known internationally for his contributions to education and humanitarian service, while creating space for participants to reflect on themes including education, service, dialogue, compassion and social responsibility.
Youth Leadership at the Heart of the Program
The evening was led and shaped by young people.
GRFS Youth members organized the gathering and contributed through speeches, personal reflections and letters, as well as readings from Fethullah Gülen’s poetry.
Through these contributions, youth explored how education, service, responsibility and compassion can translate into meaningful involvement in their communities.
This youth-led approach reflects an important part of GRFS’s broader work: creating opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, express their ideas, volunteer, engage with others and take active roles in community life.
Education, Service and Dialogue
A central theme of the program was the relationship between ideas and action.
Speakers reflected on Gülen’s emphasis on education and service and discussed how values can become meaningful when they encourage people to learn, volunteer, support others and contribute positively to society.
The program also explored the role of dialogue in building stronger and more connected communities, emphasizing listening, mutual respect and constructive relationships among people from different cultural, religious and social backgrounds.
These themes connect closely with GRFS’s ongoing work in education, mentorship, youth development, intercultural dialogue, volunteerism and community engagement.
We were pleased to welcome Ünal Öztürk, Chairman of the Northern Civic Federation, who joined the gathering and shared remarks with participants.
A Special Contribution from Our Youngest Participants
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was a surprise video featuring some of our younger participants.
Children were asked questions about Fethullah Gülen, and their sincere and spontaneous responses brought both smiles and thoughtful moments to the gathering.
Their answers created a meaningful intergenerational moment and demonstrated how children and youth can bring their own perspectives to conversations about education, kindness, service and responsibility.
Creating Space for Youth to Lead
For GRFS, community programs are also opportunities to help young people develop confidence, communication skills, leadership and a sense of social responsibility.
This gathering provided young people with the opportunity not simply to attend an event, but to plan, organize, speak, write, reflect and bring members of their community together.
We thank GRFS Youth for their leadership, Ünal Öztürk for joining the program, and all of the volunteers, families, youth and community members who contributed to the evening.
Through education, mentorship, dialogue, volunteerism and youth leadership, Grand River Friendship Society continues to create opportunities for people of different generations and backgrounds to learn from one another and contribute to stronger, more connected communities.
Together, we learn. Together, we serve. Together, we build stronger communities.