Inspiring Youth and Advocating for Social Justice
At just 16 years old, Bella Bullock has discovered her passion—bringing young people together through faith, friendship, and meaningful conversations. But her impact isn’t limited to her local community; her dedication to social justice has also led her to an international stage.
Guided by her spirituality, the Grade 11 student from Bracebridge, Ontario, recently launched a youth ministry at The Salvation Army South Muskoka Ministries, creating a safe, welcoming space where young people can explore their beliefs, find emotional balance, and support one another.
“I’ve found a lot of comfort in my church, and many of the people joining the youth ministry are my friends,” Bella explains. “I understand that same comfort could help them as well. I feel a deep compassion and drive to help others experience the peace that I feel because of my faith.”
Her youth ministry offers an inclusive environment where teens can openly discuss the challenges of growing up while forming deeper connections with one another. The unstructured gatherings include fun activities like sports and games, as well as dedicated time for prayer and discussions about faith.
“I know what it’s like to struggle as a teenager,” Bella says. “I want to be there for my friends and help create a supportive space. I hope that this ministry will give people the confidence to talk about their faith, not just within the group but outside of it as well, helping others find their faith.”
A Voice for Social Justice
While Bella is focused on strengthening faith and community among local youth, her passion for social justice has taken her beyond cottage country and onto the global stage. She is a member of the International Social Justice Girls (ISJG), established in 2021, which is a global network of young Salvationist women advocating for social justice.
As part of The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC), based in New York City, the ISJG empowers young women through training and education on issues aligned with the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.
Each month, young women from around the world meet virtually to engage in global discussions, research UN social justice goals, and develop reports that help drive change in their communities.
“Our objective is to empower women. We have guest speakers from the United Nations, and I have gained the confidence to be a bigger advocate for women,” Bella explains. “Together it will be easier to achieve our desired outcomes if we all support each other and we should continue to strive for women’s empowerment.”
The Salvation Army’s Global Influence
Bella’s involvement in the ISJG reflects The Salvation Army’s long-standing commitment to global justice, a commitment that extends to the highest levels of international advocacy.
The Salvation Army has been an affiliated non-governmental organization (NGO) with the United Nations since its formation. As one of the founding NGOs, it holds consultative status, allowing it to contribute to the UN’s work alongside other non-governmental, non-profit, and faith-based organizations.
Since 2007, the International Social Justice Commission has served as The Salvation Army’s official representative at the UN, participating in meetings of the United Nations Economic and Social Council to advocate for justice and dignity for all people.
Through both her local youth ministry and her work with the ISJG, Bella is a shining example of how young people can make a difference—both in their own community and on the global stage.