What is Agents of Change?
Agents of Change: Youth Leadership for Peace and Justice is a national leadership programme run by Million Minutes. Fifteen young people (aged 15-18) nominated by schools and parishes across England and Wales come together to explore what it means to put faith into action. They spent a year being formed as advocates for peace and justice, generously funded by the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace.
Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and in the group's own lived experience of faith, the programme has four gatherings – a residential weekend, a prayer vigil, a social action conference and an evening with Church leaders.
For a full overview of the programme, click here to download our Agents of Change booklet.
Insight of Agents of Change
The programme begins with a residential weekend, bringing together the group of passionate young people for a weekend of learning, reflection, and collaboration as they developed plans for their final community project.
Through workshops, discussions, reflection, and shared worship, the group strengthen their leadership skills, build lasting connections, and grow in confidence as young leaders committed to creating positive change in their communities.
Hosted by our Agents of Change young leaders, this evening opened the group's testimony to a wider audience of clergy, parents and Church leaders. Young people speak on what being Catholic means to them, on where their faith is misunderstood, and on how it leads them to love, serve and act, followed by breakout conversations and a closing time of prayer.
Other Opportunities
Some of the group travelled to London to join a prayer vigil event, as part of the Refugee Week collaborated between the FCJ Centre for Spirituality and EcoJustice and the Columbans. The day began at the FCJ Centre for Spirituality and EcoJustice with introductions and reflection, before the group walked via Parliament Square to the vigil itself, then back for a debrief over snacks.
The day sat with a hard theme: that Jesus himself experienced life as a refugee, and what that means for how faith communities welcome people fleeing conflict and persecution today.
Mentoring session with experienced leaders to reflect on your aspirations, further develop skills, and receive guidance in developing projects or advocacy initiatives.
The Archdiocese of Liverpool Social Action Conference brings together people from across the Church, charities, schools, and local communities to explore Catholic Social Teaching and inspire practical action for the common good. This year's theme, "Humanitas: Flourishing in Action", focused on how faith can shape compassionate leadership, community engagement, and social justice. Million Minutes was proud to support the event through our Agents of Change programme. Some of our Agents of Change young leaders facilitated a workshop as part of the day titled “In Our Words”.
Interested in Learning More?
Are you 15 -18 who want to be a future young leader of the Church? If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the programme, please feel free to contact us at info@millionminutes.org. We’d love to see you at our next Agent of Change cohort!
Thank you to the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace for funding this project.