UDLC Stories: Ayla DiBattista
Northeastern University sophomore Ayla DiBattista is spending the semester making a global impact at the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies (CANVAS) in Serbia. The nonprofit educational institution based in Belgrade promotes human rights by supporting pro-democracy activists in over 50 countries around the world. Her advocacy journey 4,000 miles across the globe began close to home at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church.
While serving as President of Youth and Government at Springfield Township High School, DiBattista became interested in politics and social justice. She volunteered for our state representative, Melissa Cerrato, in a campaign that flipped the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, making history.
When offered the opportunity to help expand UDLC’s welcome, she was eager for the challenge. Her time as the co-chair of the RIC (Reconciling in Christ) Team came at a pivotal point in her life and cemented her passion for advocacy. She learned that even at her young age she could make a difference.
“Working with so many incredible people to create an inviting place for everyone reaffirmed my belief that our church is truly special place,” she said. “That experience empowered me to want to continue to make change in my community and beyond.”
DiBattista’s fondest memories of growing up at UDLC include the hand chimes bells choir and the partnership with Bear Creek Lutheran Camp. Her family helped start a similar program in Wisconsin so her grandparents gifted her a week at Bear Creek. That turned into an annual adventure that strengthened her faith and created lifelong friendships.
“Working with so many incredible people to create an inviting place for everyone reaffirmed my belief that our church is truly special place. That experience empowered me to want to continue to make change in my community and beyond.”
Last summer the international affairs major’s schedule was full with a study abroad in the Middle East. Still she was determined to bring her camp experience full circle and return as a counselor. Her goal was to provide the same religious foundation for other young children, but discovered it also deepened her own spiritual growth.
“God brought me back to camp. After such a busy time I was able to take a deep breath. I didn’t need to focus on the roles I need to fill,” DiBattista said. “I was able to relax and be myself. That time recentered me to be able to give my best to all I have planned in my life this year.”
She recalls her parents Debi and Tom chose to join UDLC because they were looking for a community for her and her brother Adam. Over the past decade, the 19-year old found a supportive congregation that embraced her as a person and leaders that nurtured her talents.
“UDLC has been a great constant that has meant so many things at different points in my life,” DiBattista said. “From a safe space that I looked forward to every week to people that helped me believe in myself and showed me to stand up for what I believe in.”