In the Summer of 1974, Los Angeles youth Oscar and Freddie DeGruy began in their own home the Bahá'í Youth Workshop, a group of youth dedicated to creating social change through both service and the performing arts. Since its formation, there have grown to be more than 200 Bahá'í youth workshops across the world. Through dance, drama, and music, they portray the messages of Universal peace, unity through diversity, and spiritual awarness as is conveyed in the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith.

Although some of the battles for our future have been won in many Cities across the United States, there is still so much work left to be done. The youth in the BYW have decided they cannot sit idly by as a women is beaten every 15 seconds, while their brothers and sisters are left wandering the streets homeless while others sit comfortably at home. In the spirit of the Dawnbreakers, those souls that sacrificed their homes, their lives, and their families to the oppressors in the beginning days of the Bahá'í Faith, these youth continually find ways to fight social injustice.

After Los Angeles, other youth around the world became inspired to initiate new workshops in their areas.  The first few were still basically in the Los Angeles and San Diego area, but soon they spread to such places as Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; and many others. By 1992, their were reported to have 80 in the nation, and 13 around the world.  The fire of love which blazed in the heart of these youth were indispensable.

"Let Thy Vision Be World Embracing, Rather Than Confined To Your Own Self"

Is the call that came out of Persia in the Mid 1800's. Bahá'í Youth have done just that, with their efforts spanning across the globe to even the most remote areas. Workshops in the Heart of Africa, Central America, and throughout Asia and the Polynesian Islands have become amongst the most dynamic forces motivating local communities all across the world in efforts of social change.