Our Work

World Youth Alliance Core Reading List


The core reading list of 8 books is intended to help our members develop their understanding of the human person as they work to build a culture of life around the world. Each book was chosen for its relevance to the work of the World Youth Alliance and because it contributes in some way to a fuller understanding of the intrinsic dignity of the human person. We highly recommend reading these books as they will help you to better understand the ideas and language needed to build societies that affirm the dignity of each person. The books included are:

  • Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
  • Mary Ann Glendon, A World Made New
  • Jacques Maritain, Man and the State
  • Pope John Paul II, Centesimus Annu
  • Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point
  • Walker Percy, Lost in the Cosmos
  • G.K. Chesterton, Brave New Family
  • Josef Pieper, Only the Lover Sings

Click here for a brief description of each book and author together with a set of corresponding study/discussion questions.


World Youth Alliance Film List


The WYA film list is a selection of films that explore the truths of the human person and the drama of the human condition. They are intended to help our members reflect more deeply on what it means to be human. The films, coming from all over the world, look at specific themes related to our common humanity – the search for meaning, justice, freedom and peace as well as the need for beauty inherent in human nature. These themes are relevant to the work of the World Youth Alliance and aim to contribute to our members’ growth in understanding WYA’s vision of the human person and to enhance the capacity for empathy and solidarity. These films include:

  • Mad Hot Ballroom (2005) – Directed by Marilyn Agrelo
  • Children of Heaven (1997) - Directed by Bacheha-Ye aseman
  • Lumumba (2000) – Directed by Raoul Peck
  • Buena Vista Social Club (1999) – Directed by Wim Wenders
  • Babette’s Feast (1987) – Directed by Gabriel Axel
  • Les Choristes (2004) – Directed by Christophe Barratier
  • The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Directed by Frank Darabont
  • Schindler’s List (1993) – Directed by Stephen Spielberg
  • Hero (2004) – Directed by Yimou Zhang

Click here for a brief description of each film together with a set of corresponding study/discussion questions.