In a new era for the student division, it has become a stand-alone division that will include youth between the ages of 18–25 enrolled in college, university or other forms of post secondary education. Youth 18 and older not in college will remain in their respective young men’s and young women’s divisions.
While the student division will remain under the youth division umbrella, it will have a parallel leadership structure that includes national, territory and zone student division leaders, and campus club leaders.
Their activities will include: campus club activities; a monthly student division study lecture; an FNCC conference; and supporting their monthly district discussion meetings. They will also continue to support activities behind the scenes as Byakuren, Soka Group and Gajokai.
Dates to remember in 2025
6/13 Student Division Conference
At the Florida Nature and Culture Center. Register now through your SGI-USA portal at portal.sgi-usa.org.
6/30 Student Division Founding
Five hundred students gathered for the inaugural meeting of the student division with second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda on June 30, 1957. At this meeting that took place at the Azabu Civic Hall in Tokyo, President Toda shared his highest expectations of the students, calling on half of those present to become outstanding scholars and the other half to become great leaders in their fields. It was the last division founded by President Toda.
Want to learn more about the student division?
The New Human Revolution, volumes 6 and 8 are great places to start!
In volume 6 “Young Eagles” chapter, Ikeda Sensei clarifies the student division members’ mission to serve as trailblazers for kosen-rufu. And in volume 8 “Jeweled Sword” chapter, Sensei recounts the Sixth Student Division General Meeting conveying his great expectations for the students to become outstanding leaders in society.
Buy your copies at your local SGI-USA bookstore or online at bookstore.sgi-usa.org.
Also available in e-book and audiobook formats!
‘We have full control over our lives’
Name: Hana Peck
City: Tucson, Arizona
School: University of Arizona
Living Buddhism: We heard that you are in the process of starting a campus club at the University of Arizona. What prompted you?
Hana Peck: I went to the Student Division conference at the Florida Nature and Culture Center for the first time in 2024, and I had a blast! The greatest part about being there was meeting other youth who are serious about their Buddhist practice and kosen-rufu. That was super refreshing.
I met one of the student division leaders there who talked about sharing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on campus and holding intro meetings. Her stand-alone spirit encouraged me. I wanted to follow her lead and do the same on my campus.
LB: Why do you feel that your peers would benefit from learning about Buddhism?
Hana: I think many youth struggle with feeling helpless. I certainly do. With all the unrest and conflict going on in the world on top of our personal challenges, it’s easy to feel like, What am I doing here? What is the point of any of this? That can make us feel small and, ultimately, like nothing’s worth doing.
But this practice gives us hope and strength to fight for the total victory of ourselves and others. It gives us the courage to realize that we have full control over our lives.
LB: What do you hope to achieve in 2025?
Hana: I’m determined to expand the youth division in Tucson and find committed students to start the campus club with. I want to share Buddhism with others and show the value of Buddhist practice through actual proof. I’ll be honest, I’m shy about telling others about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but I know it’s an incredible cause to make so I’m working hard and chanting to break out of my shell.
As a pre-med student, I also want to find the best clinical experiences for my journey in becoming a doctor that supports the health and happiness of everyday people.
LB: Any final thoughts?
Hana: With so many things going on, sometimes it feels wrong to smile, laugh and have fun. But it’s the little things in life, like smiling, and doing what we can as individuals, like laughing with a friend, that cascade into the bigger picture. So, let’s have fun, face every challenge with shining faces and do our best!
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