Applications open Oct. 1 for 2021–22 YAV year

Plans underway to place young adults in national, international sites

By Kathy Melvin | Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — Applications for the 2021–22 Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program open Oct. 1.

Forced by the global pandemic to make the 2020–21 YAV year a virtual one, plans are underway to place young adults in both national and international sites as the program has done in the past.

“We are gearing up for the 2021–2022 YAV recruitment season,” said the Rev. Everdith Landrau, coordinator of the YAV program. “I am excited for the new opportunities young adults will have to respond to ministry in God’s world in the midst of all the changes. We are hopeful and ask for the churches’ continued prayers and support as we seek to journey with young adults and support their vocational discernment.”

The 27-year-old YAV program is an ecumenical, faith-based year of service for young people (ages 19–30) in sites across the United States and around the world. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation. Alongside this work, volunteers explore the meaning of their Christian faith and accountability to their neighbors in the community with peers and mentors.

The YAV program is a PC(USA) Matthew 25 ministry focusing on three areas: building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating poverty.

The YAV year is from August to August.

Benefits during the year of service include a regular stipend, housing, coverage of all program-related transportation costs and student loan assistance.

YAVs also engage in world issues, commit to self-reflection, listen to those who are being marginalized and learn in a new way. The program’s slogan is “a year of service for a lifetime of change.”

The applicant, the site coordinator and the YAV staff work together through a mutual discernment interview process for the placement of each YAV. Candidates are encouraged to enter the discernment process with an open mind and consider all sites (nationally and internationally) before narrowing their options. The program works with local partners to ensure each YAV’s safety throughout the year, including detailed contingency plans.

International Sites:

Colombia
Scotland
Peru 
Philippines
South Korea
Zambia

National Sites:

Albuquerque
Asheville
Austin
Boston
Chinook
New Orleans
New York City
Tucson
Washington, D.C.

Important Dates

• Oct. 1, 2020 — Applications open
• Jan. 1, 2021 — Round 1 — All sites available, early placement
• March 1, 2021 — Round 2 — Most sites available, final date to apply to international sites
• June 1, 2021 — Round 3 — National sites only, limited spots available, final date to apply to national sites

To watch a brief video on the YAV program, go to youtu.be/vvGDY6GngxY.