The motto of the Young Adult Volunteer Program (YAV for short) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reads, “A year of service for a lifetime of change.” The YAV Program is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church that has engaged and transformed the lives of young adults (Presbyterian and non-Presbyterian alike) for 25 years. In the program, young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 commit to a year of simple living, service, learning, and solidarity as part of a community of faith and justice in one of several locations, both domestic and international. In this montage of articles, we hear from 5alumni/ae about how their experience of up-rooting and re-rooting as Young Adult Volunteers – and how that experience put set their lives on a new route!
Roots in the Present, Karol Farris, Nashville
“I discovered that my roots are connected not so much to a particular place but rather to my faith in God, who is not limited by time or place.” Read Article
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‘There’s No Place Like Home,’ Josh Orem, Kenya & Hollywood
“These days when I click my ruby slippers, they could take me to one of many places. But as it turns out, they would all still be ‘home.'” Read Article
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The YAV Program Ruined My Life – For Good!, Megan McCarty, Miami
“I thought that I needed to consume, to pay high bills, to accrue debt, to be the best, to step on others in order to be considered a valued member of society.” Read Article
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Roots, Privilege, and Solidarity, Meredith Wilkinson, Tucson
“As I have reflected upon my YAV experience, I am realizing that being rooted in a particular place might not be as important as being connected to each other.” Read Article
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Flashmobs of Reconciliation, Patrick Harley, Northern Ireland
“There is much work to be done in divided Belfast, but God is still working, still speaking, and still dancing.” Read Article
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Read more articles from the young adult issue!
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