Is YAGM the Right Program for You?

Characteristics of a YAGM Volunteer...

YAGM volunteers are committed to mission through a model of accompaniment…
During their year of service, YAGM volunteers join other ELCA mission personnel in the work of accompaniment, or “walking together” with our global sisters and brothers and forming honest relationships that practice respect, mutuality, and interdependence.

YAGM volunteers are committed to exploring their faith…
Faith formation is a journey, not a destination. YAGM volunteers find themselves at very different points along this journey, from serious skeptics to seriously committed Christians. What YAGM volunteers all share is a commitment to exploring in community their relationship with God and their place in God’s world. As ELCA mission personnel, YAGM volunteers share their faith through building relationships, service, worship and spiritual reflection. Although faith conversations may be a natural part of life in some contexts outside the U.S., volunteers are not asked to proselytize.

YAGM volunteers are connected to the church…
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is deeply committed to leadership development among young adults. Because the ELCA contributes a very significant portion of the costs involved in supporting young adult international volunteers, YAGM candidates need to have some kind of ELCA affiliation—either through a congregation, an ELCA college or university, an ELCA outdoor ministry site (camps), the Lutheran Campus Ministry organization at their university, or…

YAGM volunteers are open to the world…
Although many YAGM volunteers have an idea of where they might like to serve before they apply, successful candidates are open to a variety of country and service assignments. They understand that they apply first to the YAGM program and only secondly to a specific country program. More information is available in the FAQ.

YAGM volunteers are open to being in community with one another…
YAGM volunteers know they are not lone rangers but part of a network of larger communities. Volunteers build community by meeting periodically with other volunteers in their country group for retreats, reflection, Bible study, and worship. They also commit to participating fully in the life of the local community.

YAGM volunteers are open to adventure…
A year of service stretches YAGM volunteers in ways they never imagined. Successful volunteers enter the experience aware of their expectations and open to having them changed. They are willing to be shaped and transformed by the communities they serve.

A few basic personality characteristics are helpful for volunteers. YAGM volunteers tend to be mature, flexible, and adaptable…ready to be challenged…willing to learn from others…have a sense of humor about themselves…desire to simply “be” with others and with God…remember that relationships are more important than to-do lists.

YAGM volunteers are open to sharing the story while in service and once they return home…
Participating fully in a community also means sharing the story! During and after their year of service, YAGM volunteers commit to sharing their learnings and experiences with communities of support at home, including congregations, family, and friends.

YAGM volunteers are curious and open to learning more…
A good place to learn more about the YAGM program is via other links on this website and the FAQ section.