Inspired by Ikeda Sensei’s call to light a flame of courage in each individual, thousands of members have signed the “One Youth. Infinite Hope.” pledge. Four of those members share why they signed the pledge—and how, especially in these turbulent times, introducing one youth to this Buddhist practice in 2026 is their way of creating infinite hope for our shared future.
A Vow That Moves the World
by Donalynn Reddick
Young Women’s Division
San Diego
Today, our society feels fragile. Fear, disconnection and uncertainty seem to be everywhere. Yet I am filled with hope, because Buddhism helped me transform into someone I never thought I could be.
I received the Gohonzon in 2015 after seeing such a diverse group of members stand up and show living proof of Buddhism. At the time, I was carrying heavy doubt and anxiety about my future. When I first chanted, I felt powerful, awakening to a sense of purpose in my life.
Ikeda Sensei says: “When we change, the world changes. … We all have the power to change. When we realize this truth, we can bring forth that power anywhere, anytime and in any situation.”[1] This guidance reminds me that change begins with each of us.
The pledge is personal to me. Because one person introduced this practice to me, I was able to dispel doubt from my life and awaken to my true potential. It is now my vow to help others realize that they can create change in their lives, families, communities and the world.
To put this vow into action, our region launched the “2026 YWD SHOW PROOF Campaign.” It’s a space where young women experience the power of Buddhist practice in daily life through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, studying, engaging in honest dialogue and showing proof of victory over life’s challenges. I refuse to accept disunity and will strive for peace so every life can experience absolute happiness.
Starting a Ripple Effect of Hope
by Gabe Batmanglidj
Young Men’s Division
Erie, Colo.
Growing up in a Buddhist family, I didn’t really begin practicing on my own until I was about 13. At the time, I struggled with confidence and just wanted to make friends. Chanting started almost as a way to prove my family wrong about the practice working—but instead, I discovered that the only person holding me back in life was me. Through SGI activities like the Ikeda Youth Ensemble and the friendships built, I experienced how powerful it is to be surrounded by a diverse community striving to grow together.
Today, when I look at society, I feel both concerned and determined. What worries me most is the amount of hate and disrespect between people. It seems like so much of it comes from a lack of dialogue—people not really talking or trying to understand one another. That’s why I signed the “One Youth. Infinite Hope.” pledge.
For me, signing the pledge is a way to challenge my fear of sharing Buddhism with others and to motivate myself to take action. Buddhism has helped me build confidence, overcome doubt and navigate stressful situations. I want other young people to experience that same hope and happiness. Introducing even one person can create a ripple effect—you never know how that one life will influence countless others.
Right now, I’m especially focused on encouraging my older brother and close friends. Taking that first step, I believe can spark real change—in our family, our community and ultimately society.
Paving a Path for Peace
by Christina Davis
Women’s Division
Huntley, Ill.
In 2006, I felt lost, struggling in my relationship and uncertain about my career path. I was searching for direction and answers when a co-worker spoke with me about Buddhism. I started attending meetings, and I felt embraced by every SGI member. This planted a seed of hope in me, a light in the midst of uncertainty.
Today, as I look at the world, I see much confusion, frustration and hurt. I feel the same need for hope, but on a larger scale for creating a more compassionate world. When I opened Living Buddhism, it said, “We can strive to become living examples of what [Ikeda] Sensei calls ‘dealers in hope,’[2] igniting hope in ourselves and others in any place, at any time.”[3] Those words reminded me that the warmth I once received can now be spread.
This practice is about both self and others. As a youth, I was grateful to the people who supported me, and now I want to do the same for today’s youth. The path has been paved by the three eternal mentors of the Soka Gakkai, and I feel the oneness of mentor and disciple is essential to transforming the world. Now, it is up to me to help pave a path of warmth and peace, just as Sensei has done, to support the next generation.
Believing in Youth, Believing in the Future
by Michael Flynn
Men’s Division
Manassas, Va.
I began practicing Buddhism in 2009 at one of the lowest points in my life. I had always resisted religion, even though my wife had practiced for years. But when she was diagnosed with ocular cancer, I found myself chanting with members for an hour—and something shifted. As I studied more, I learned that I could change the karma of seven generations in the past and seven generations in the future by practicing Buddhism. Coming from a family marked by abuse and deep pain, I made a determination to transform my family’s karma.
Today, when I look at society, I see division and a lack of respect for the dignity of life. As a teacher preparing to enter the profession full time, I see young people who feel disillusioned and even ready to give up. That concerns me deeply. But I also share Ikeda Sensei’s unwavering belief in the youth and in America’s future.
That is why I signed the “One Youth. Infinite Hope.” pledge. First and foremost, it is my way of repaying my debt of gratitude to my mentor. Through this practice, I have seen real benefit in my life, and have become, as a result of my human revolution, a better human being. Because of this, I have the absolute conviction that youth can transform quickly when they awaken to their Buddhahood.
If thousands of youth begin chanting and affecting their environments, that will create a turning point. I feel it is my responsibility to take action without waiting for others to do it first. In these divided times, introducing even one youth can begin to change the destiny of our society.
February 20, 2026 World Tribune, pp. 6–7
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