UCC CYYAM Job Description and Expectations
For the purpose of this information and future correspondence you may see the following acronyms for terminology that is repeated throughout.
CYYAM – Council for Youth & Young Adult Ministries
UCC – United Church of Christ
YAS – Young Adult Service program
Faith INFO – Faith Education, Innovation and Formation
NYE – National Youth Event
CYYAM shall consist of youth and adults that are active in their home congregations and have a desire to give leadership to the ever-changing landscape of the UCC. These individuals must be able to commit themselves to the work of the CYYAM and uphold the priorities of the Church.
Budget permitting, there will be one face to face meeting held a year, with location to be determined with input from the FEFI staff liaison. All travel expenses incurred by the members of CYYAM will be paid by FEFI. All CYYAM members are expected to attend all meetings.
CYYAM members are to attend and participate in General Synod and any other planned meetings which includes conference calls. On years in which General Synod is held the face to face meeting will be held as a part of/alongside of the Synod schedule. CYYAM will be requested to arrive on time and remain through the entire event and in some cases remain an additional day after for evaluation. CYYAM will be responsible for personal expenses other than travel, rooming and registration.
CYYAM is composed of approximately 14-18 people (6-8 youth members, 6-8 young adult members and 2 adult chaperones/sponsors. Candidates will be interviewed by phone or another virtual method such as ooVoo, Skype, or other electronic means and voted on by members of the CYYAM currently serving with final approval from FEFI. CYYAM will seek to be representative of youth and young adults in the whole church through a balance in gender identity/expression, racial/ethnic background and geographical representation. Members will be selected in the fall of each year with new service beginning the following January with an introductory call.
A youth representative must be completing their sophomore year of high school to be eligible to serve and serve a term of 2 years. A young adult representative must be at least 19 years of age and no more than 26 at the time of application.
All CYYAM members are to promote and interpret the UCC youth events as opportunities arise through local church, regional and constituency events and communication with the National Office for instruction and resource materials.
To the extent possible, members of the CYYAM are to extend staff representation in awareness and support of youth and young adult ministry across the whole church. All CYYAM members will keep open and regular communications with FEFI.
It is expected that CYYAM members will not consume illegal or controlled substances especially when at CYYAM sponsored events or together as a Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Any alcoholic beverages must be purchased and consumed on personal time at the members own expense when youth members of CYYAM are not present. We ask that all members of CYYAM, regardless of age, refrain from the use of all recreational drugs regardless of state laws. This shall include, but not be limited to marijuana and other street drugs. If for any reason you have a medical condition that permits such usage, please discuss this with the FEFI staff representative upon your appointment to the committee.
Each applicant must return this packet in its entirety in order to be considered for the position of CYYAM representative.
Being a member of Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries is a privilege, a commitment and a responsibility. Christian values are the center of all meetings and therefore being a member can provide you with many opportunities for growth in your own life.
United Church of Christ CYYAM Covenant of Service
I understand that CYYAM shall consist of youth and adults that are active in their home congregations, who have a desire to give leadership and who commit themselves to the work of the Council and agree to share and uphold this commitment.
By July of 2019 I will have completed my sophomore year of high school and I agree to serve a term of two years if selected to CYYAM.
I am aware that in order to be considered for position of CYYAM representative, I must return this packet in its entirety and I am responsible for insuring all needed references are included or have been submitted to the designated member of the Faith INFO team.
I am aware that the selection of CYYAM occurs in the spring with new service beginning in the summer with an introductory phone/video call.
I understand that CYYAM seeks diversity in gender identity/expression, race/ethnic background and geographical representation; however, in doing so, will not sacrifice the value of CYYAM representation.
I understand that I will be interviewed by phone or an online method.
I will attend all meetings of CYYAM and understand that failure to do so could result in removal from CYYAM. I also understand that these meetings may take place in a part of the United States to which air travel may be required.
As a member of CYYAM, I will work with my fellow representatives, CYYAM sponsors and FEFI staff with planning, preparation and presentation of Youth/Young Adult Ministry Events.
I understand it is my duty to promote and interpret UCC youth and young adult events as well as extend staff representation in awareness and support of youth ministry across the whole church.
I will not consume illegal-controlled substances especially when at CYYAM sponsored events or together as a Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. If I consume alcohol it will be on my personal time and at my own expense when youth members of CYYAM are not present. We ask that all members of CYYAM, regardless of age, refrain from the use of all recreational drugs regardless of state laws. This shall include, but not be limited to marijuana and other street drugs. If for any reason you have a medical condition that permits such usage, please discuss this with the FEFI staff representative upon your appointment to the committee. I will govern myself in a manner that is appropriate and respectful of myself, my fellow council members, the UCC and Christian faith.
I understand that being a member of Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries is a privilege, a commitment and a responsibility. I agree to uphold Christian values as the center of all meetings and commit myself to being open to the growth and opportunities found in the Church and with the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries.