Y.A.S.C.

Q: What is the Young Adult Service Corps, and who can apply?

A: The Young Adult Service Corps is a ministry for young adults who are interested in exploring their faith in new ways by living and serving in communities around the Anglican Communion. YASC brings young adults into the life of the worldwide Anglican Communion and into the daily work of a local community. At the same time, it brings the gifts and resources of the church into the lives of young adults as they explore their own faith journeys.

YASC is open to Episcopalians between the ages of 21 and 30. Applicants must have a high degree of maturity and possess a faith commitment, the willingness to be a humble guest, and the ability to be an authentic companion.

Q: Do I need to be Episcopalian to apply?

A: Yes.

Q: How many Young Adult Service Corps volunteers (YASCers) are there each year?

A: Though the number of YASCers varies from year to year, there are generally 15-20 each year.

Q: What does one get out of the Young Adult Service Corps?
A: You get a unique opportunity to be in relationship with people from a different culture in a different part of God’s world. Many YASCers use their year of service as part of the discernment process for continued lay and ordained ministry in the church. YASC also provides a foundation for ongoing work in development-related fields.

Q: How are YASC placements arranged?
A: All YASC placements are made at the request of a diocesan bishop of a diocese within the Anglican Communion. We make placements based upon the skills, gifts, and interests of the young adult and the needs of our partners around the Communion.

Q: What are some of the current YASC placements?
A: In the last few years, young adults have served in a variety of ministries including, but not limited to, teaching, working in agricultural development, working with refugees and migrant workers, working in medical settings, and working in provincial offices.

Q: What costs associated with being a YASCer does the Mission Personnel Office cover? A: The Mission Personnel Office covers the full cost of the discernment retreat, two- week mission orientation, re-entry retreat, language study (up to $1,200), health insurance, and a monthly stipend during the year of service.

Q: Do I have to raise funds for my year of service?
A: There is a fundraising expectation for all YASC candidates. This should not be seen as a barrier to your consideration for application. Rather, this is an opportunity for your parish and diocesan community to actively participate in your mission service.

(Want to donate to help me fundraise? Click here for more information!)

Q: I have student loans. What do I do with them while I am overseas?
A: It is possible to defer your student loans for your time overseas. The Mission Personnel Office will provide you with the appropriate paperwork.

Q: Do I get health insurance while I am overseas?
A: The Mission Personnel Office provides comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for all YASC volunteers. This includes coverage for emergency medical

evacuation. We also cover all pre-trip vaccination costs and a month of coverage upon return.

Q: What will my host diocese provide for me while I am abroad?
A: The host diocese provides housing, which, depending on the location, ranges from family stays to private apartments. Host dioceses also ensure that the assigned YASC volunteer has someone in the diocese who serves as a mentor during the year of service.

Q: What is the role of the Mission Personnel Office while I am overseas?
A: The Mission Personnel staff will provide pastoral care and logistical support while you are overseas. Staff members follow blogs and Facebook updates and are available to talk on the phone, on Skype, and via email. Staff members will also assist with health insurance issues and reimbursements for program-related costs.

Q: What is the role of my home parish and diocese?
A: While the Mission Personnel staff will keep in touch with you during your year of service, we also expect that your home parish and diocese will do the same. They should pray for you, follow your blog, and keep in touch with you.

Q: What are the Mission Personnel Office’s expectations of me?
A: During your year of service, you should actively keep in touch with the Mission Personnel Office and your home parish and diocese. Many people choose to do this via blog or email newsletter.

Q: How will the Mission Personnel Office share my story with the wider church?
A: The Mission Personnel Office maintains a close relationship with the Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication, which sends out a media release when a new group of missionaries begins serving and often runs missionary-related news stories in the Episcopal News Service. The Mission Personnel Office also actively promotes readership of YASC blogs, listed at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/content/blogs/yasc.

For additional information, or to apply to the Young Adult Service Corps, please visit www.episcopalchurch.org/yasc or contact Grace Flint, Mission Personnel assistant: gflint@episcopalchurch.org.