Youth Council Application
Serving on the Youth Council (YC) in the Diocese of Western North Carolina is an exciting opportunity to be a leader in the diocese. However, this position requires commitment and sacrifice for the youth and their parents; therefore, both need to know the expectations of this position. While it is fun to be on YC, it is also a serious commitment of service to God's Church and the Diocese of Western North Carolina.
The Diocesan YC is composed of youth and adults from parishes throughout the diocese. The aim is to have no less than one youth representative from each of the six deaneries (Asheville, Hendersonville, Western, Foothills, Piedmont, and Mountain)in the diocese, at least 2 youth at-large members, and 3 adult youth leader members. The term of office is for one year. (Youth & adults who served as members of YC the previous year must reapply for another term).
Any Episcopal youth in rising grades 10-12 may serve on YC. Application deadline is: Saturday,May 23, 2015. The application will be reviewed by the Diocesan Commission on Youth Ministriesandapplicants will be notified of their acceptance to serve on YC byMonday,
June 1, 2015. Thoseapplying for YC must meet the criteria listed below and must be able to achieve all the listedexpectations.
Responsibilities of Youth Council Members
The YC plans and implements two major diocesan youth events each year: The Spring (generally in March) and Fall (generally in November)EYC Conferences, traditionally held at Valle Crucis Conference Center and Kanuga Conference Center respectively. Members of the YC are also expected to serve at the Diocesan Convention, and arestrongly encouraged to attend all other diocesan events planned throughout the calendar year.During the course of their term, members may also have the opportunity to represent the Diocese of Western NC at youth events outside the diocese such as Province IV Events (PYE) and Episcopal Youth Events (EYE). The Diocesan Department of Youth Ministry encourages and supports strong local parish youth programs;thus,YC members are expected to beregular attendees in their parish worship and active members of their youth group.
YC members have leadership roles both “up-front” and “behind-the-scenes.” This means serving on the planning teams for both conferences and coordinating activities for those events and others. It also means abiding by and enforcingthe Youth Ministry Community Covenant at all events. As leaders, YC members are expected to lead by example, particularly where the diocesan Youth Ministries Code of Conduct is concerned.
Members are also expected to make diocesan youth events a priority. Attendance at events andmeetings is expected,and absences will ONLY be considered for educational and family-related circumstances. If a member cannot attend an event, he or she should give ample notice to the Missioner for Youth Ministries.Being on YC may mean having to miss a sports game, travel plans, a concert, etc. in order to honor this commitment to youth ministry. Sometimes it will mean talking with employers, coaches, and school administrators to make special arrangements.
Lastly, YC members will also be responsible for advocating and promoting youth events within the diocese. In order for this ministry to grow, it is essential that we have members spreading the word about youth opportunities that are available in our diocese. The Missioner for Youth Ministries will count on these efforts to help make sure each parish in the diocese receives information about events that will take place.
Tentative Schedule of Events (ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED)
Youth Council Introductory & Fall Conference Planning Retreat: August 16,2015, Location TBD
Fall Conference Planning Meeting:September 27th, 2015,Location TBD
Fall Conference Planning Meeting:October 18th, 2015,Location TBD
Fall Conference:October 30th – November 1, 2015. Valle Crucis Conference Center
Diocesan Convention: November 12-14, 2015, Kanuga Conference Center
*Provincial Youth Network Meeting: December3-6, 2015,
Youth Council Planning Meeting: January 3, 2016, TBD
**RADIX: January 15-17, 2016, Lake Logan Episcopal Center
Spring Conference Planning Retreat: February 6-7, 2016, TBD
Spring Conference: March 4-6, 2016, Valle Crucis Conference Center
*Our participation in this eventis highly recommended and the Missioner for Youth Ministries will select up to 2YCmembers to attend this event with him/her.
**YC members are strongly encouraged to attend this retreat as either a participant or staff member (if they have attended the weekend in prior years as a participant).
Cost
YC members must arrange for their own transportation to the planning days/retreats, as well cover their own meals and travel expenses to these events. If these requirements create ahardship for the member or their family, the member is advised to request assistance from his or her priestand/or from the Missionerfor Youth Ministries. As with all diocesan youth events, cost shouldnever be a reason for not attending.
Dismissal
Members may be dismissed from YC at the discretion of the Missioner for Youth Ministries for the following reasons:
1. Breaking any of the codes of conduct on the diocesan Youth Ministries Community Covenant.
2. Two or moreinexcusable absences from the events or planning meetings noted above.
Serving on YCrequires a serious commitment and it will likely involve some toughchoices. Please discuss this with your parents and/or priest and decide if you are able to make thiscommitment.
Applicant Name:______Prefer to be called: ______
Date of Birth: ______Gender: _____ Grade/Adult: ______T-shirt size: ______
Email: ______Home Address:______
City:______State: ______Zip Code:______
Home Phone: (______)______Cell Phone:(______)______
Parish: ______
Name City
I have read the expectations on this application and agree to uphold the
responsibilities set for the diocesan Youth Council.
Signature of Applicant:______Date:______
Parent/Guardian Name:______Relation: ______
Best Contact Number: H W M (circle to specify): (______) ______
Medical Insurance Carrier:______Group #: ______
Name of insured/parent:______ID# ______
Is the youth presently taking any medication? □ Yes □ No. If yes, explain:______
Is there any medical matter the Diocese of WNC should be aware of? □ Yes □ No. If yes, explain:______
Does the Episcopal Diocese of WNC have permission to use your child’s picture in promotional and video productions? □ Yes □ No.
PARENT’S AUTHORIZATION:I,______hereby acknowledge that my child can meet these requirements and fulfill this commitment to Youth Council. I confirm that the information on this form is correct so far as I know, and the applicant herein described has permission to engage in all prescribed diocesan Youth Council activities, except as noted by me. Also In the event that I am unable to be reached in case of an emergency, I hereby authorizesuch medical treatment as necessary and such additional procedures as are considered necessary during the course of medical examinationfor my child as named above.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date:______
Youth Ministry Community Covenant
(As established by the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina)
Signature of Participant:______
Parent/ Guardian signature:______
Rules and regulations provide guidelines for personal conduct. The following code of conduct has been established in order to promote a safe, fun, and credible atmosphere for youth events and to insure the future of youth programs for others. These guidelines will be in effect at all Youth Ministries events and are recommended for youth programs in local congregations. In this way, we are intentional about letting participants (both youth and adults) know what is expected of them.
1.Participants are responsible for their own behavior. Loving your neighbor as yourself means refraining from words or actions that hurt or offend others.
- Possession or use of tobacco products by youth or adults at Youth Ministry events is not permitted.
- Possession or use of alcohol by minors is against the law and will be dealt with accordingly. The possession or use of alcohol by youth or adults at Youth Ministry events is not permitted.
- Possession or use of illegal drugs is against the law and will be dealt with accordingly. The use of illegal drugs by youth or adults at Youth Ministry events is not permitted.
5.Persons found damaging the personal property of another (camp, conference center, or participant’s) will be required to pay for the damage and will be sent home. This includes graffiti!
6.Weapons of any type (guns, knives, etc.) are not permitted at Youth Ministry events.
7.Participants will stay on the grounds where the event is being held unless permission to leave is granted by the one adult in charge. It is expected that youth will be present at all activities during the event. Any exceptions must have prior approval of the adult in charge.
8.Visitors are not allowed during the course of the event unless permission is granted by the adult in charge.
9.Males and females have separate living quarters. At no time will any youth be allowed to visit the living quarters of the opposite sex without the permission of the one adult in charge.
What if . . . ?
For the infraction of any part of this Community Covenant, the participant’s parents or guardians will be called, informed of the infraction and asked to come remove their child from the event. If the parents cannot be reached, the participant’s parish priest will be called. Also, a letter will be sent to the youth, his/her parents or guardians, his/her priest, and the Canon for Youth, College and Young Adult Ministries, addressing the seriousness of the infraction and under what conditions the youth may participate in future Youth Ministry events.