Trinity Youth
Trinity Youth includes parishioners, students from Trinity’s School Partnerships, and youth from across NYC. We are a community that strives to practice radical welcome – the full inclusion of all people regardless of background, beliefs, or experience. You, your voice, and your experiences are valid and valued here.
Get Involved
Trinity Youth Group
Trinity Youth Group gathers each week for a drop-in video call hosted by the Rev. Matt Welsch, Priest for Youth and Family. Youth voice is central to our programming - and we participate in programs at Trinity and around New York City in addition to going on retreats and pilgrimages (when it's safe to do so). We explore questions of faith and the kind of lives we want to lead. RSVP for the Trinity Youth Group Drop-In Call here.
Trinity Youth Chorus
The Trinity Youth Chorus brings together talented youth from the five boroughs of New York City. Choristers receive individual and group training in vocal technique, music theory, sight-reading, and performance skills from a group of dedicated professionals led by Melissa Attebury, Trinity’s Associate Director of Music. Read more about the Trinity Youth Chorus here.
Trinity Youth Statement
When the George Floyd protests began, a member of Trinity Youth asked Fr. Matt, “What is the church going to say about this?” Fr. Matt replied, “You are the church. If you want the church to say something — say something!”
In response, Trinity Youth spent several weeks engaged in thoughtful conversation and deep listening. This Trinity Youth Statement, which we are honored to share with you today, is the result of that work. In it, Trinity Youth articulate a clear call to action for themselves and our community. Read the statement here.
Current Programs
Trinity Youth Action Call | Tuesdays, 7pm; Zoom
Do you need community service hours? Would you like to support movements for change while getting to know other youth from around NYC? Are you looking for opportunities to lead in your community?
Join DYCD and Trinity Youth to create and participate in youth-led service projects. On past calls, young people have created the Trinity Youth Statement and events like Finding Your Civic Voice and MLK jr. Day of Truth in History. There are both stipended leadership positions for youth planners in addition to the opportunity to receive certificates for community service hours. RSVP here.
Trinity Youth Group | Wednesdays, 7pm; Zoom
Do you need a space where you can unwind and unmute? A channel for you to be yourself and explore the big questions - and maybe the silly ones too? Do you wonder about who you are and how you want to be in the world? Trinity Youth Group meets each Wednesday to do all of that and more. We play games and talk about what’s on our minds, supported by our beliefs and one another. This call is led by Trinity Youth in collaboration with the Rev. Matt Welsch, Jenn Chinn, Karla Chee-a-Tow, and Damali Lewis. RSVP here.
Community Partnerships
For questions regarding the following programs, email Jennifer Chinn, Senior Program Manager for Trinity Commons, Youth Programs at jchinn@trinitywallstreet.org.
Freestyle Fridays with the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development
Friday, April 30, May 21, June 25 | 4-6pm, Online, Register for free
Join Trinity and the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development for a monthly Freestyle Friday open mic event with space to write, breathe, and perform. There will be an opening green room space with rotating guest teaching artists each month; writing, and warm-ups with Urban Word; followed by an open mic session. For more information, email Jennifer Chinn, Senior Program Manager, Youth & Community Engagement, at jchinn@trinitywallstreet.org. Register here for free.
Tutoring for Middle & High School Students with Skooli
The Trinity Youth Faith Formation subcommittee has made online tutoring support available to Trinity Youth as an outreach of the Congregational Council. This would take the form of a shared bank of online tutoring hours that Trinity Youth can tap into whenever they have homework questions or are otherwise stuck in their studies.
In the interest of addressing this need flexibly, Trinity has connected with Skooli, who have a system and platform with trained tutors in a variety of subjects and schedules. Skooli's platform is broad and they are looking forward to supporting our youth. Because Skooli is an outside vendor, we encourage you to follow these links for more information on Skooli's terms of use and privacy policy.
For more information and to book a session, email Father Matt at mwelsch@trinitychurchwallstreet.org.
UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE: Writing in Your Own Tongue with Urban Word NYC
Mondays, April 12th – June 14th | 5-6:30pm, Online, Register for Free
This workshop will explore ways to tell stories about our history and heritage through poetry. Dive into poetry from around the world while considering your connection to your community through traditions, culture, and your native language (whether it be Spanish, Arabic, Creole, or NYC…yes, our neighborhoods have a language all their own.) New writers and English Language Learners, we welcome you!
The sessions are led by Sergio Jimenez, who has featured in theaters such as The Apollo, The Mist, and The Snapple Theater. His teaching artistry has been spotlighted on Telemundo and NY1 News. He hosts a weekly open mic called “The StageBox” and has worked with underserved and bilingual students in classrooms across the city. Register here.