Dear friends,

I’m happy to share some updates about the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program, which invites young adults into a transformative year of service and fellowship. Over the past few years, the YAGM team have had conversations with program partners, participants and alums and explored ways to enrich the YAGM experience for all involved.

Now, we are excited to announce two changes to the YAGM application process:

1) Young adults ages 21-35 are welcome to apply for YAGM. This expands the previous age range of 21-29 to align more closely with ELCA Young Adult Ministry.

2) Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, year-round. The timeline for decisions and the period of service for program participants will remain the same as in previous years:

• Jan. 15 — Priority deadline for the upcoming service year.

• Feb. 1 — Final deadline for the upcoming service year.

• August — YAGM participants depart for service.

Through YAGM young adults learn what it means to serve in a spirit of accompaniment as they walk alongside global church companions. They become immersed in new communities and form deep relationships. And they confront issues of poverty, racial privilege, gender privilege, economic disparity and globalization, all through the lens of faith.

We hope these changes will make YAGM more accessible across our church community, giving more young adults the opportunity to step out into the world. If you have questions about these updates or would like to chat about anything YAGM-related, please reach out to me at MaeHelen.Jackson@ELCA.org.

Thank you for your support and partnership!

Mae Helen Jackson
Interim Program Director, Young Adults in Global Mission