Youth Unlimited

Youth Unlimited (abbreviated YU, formerly known as the American Federation of Reformed Young Men's Societies,[2] the Young Calvinist League, and then the Young Calvinist Federation)[3] is a Christian youth ministry for short-term mission trips in Canada and the United States that was formed in September 1919.[2] The organization is a non-denominational ministry[2] that has its roots in the Christian Reformed Church in North America,[4] but partners with other Christian denominations.[5] Youth Unlimited is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)[6] and Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission (SOE).[7] It is one of three youth ministries under the Dynamic Youth Ministries umbrella organization, with the other two being GEMS Girls' Clubs and the Calvinist Cadet Corps.[8]

Youth Unlimited
AbbreviationYU
MottoFaith for life.
FormationSeptember 1919
TypeINGO
PurposeTo help "churches challenge youth to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and transform this world for Him"[1]
Headquarters1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Region served
Canada and the United States
Membership
Youth
Official language
English
Parent organization
Dynamic Youth Ministries
AffiliationsGEMS Girls' Clubs
Calvinist Cadet Corps
Christian Reformed Church in North America
Websitewww.youthunlimited.org
Formerly called
American Federation of Reformed Young Men's Societies
American Federation of Reformed Young Women’s Society
Young Calvinist League
Young Calvinist Federation

The non-profit is mainly known for its "SERVE" mission trips for teens, which are 5-7 day trips for middle school and high school age students,[9] which are mostly made up of youth groups from various churches. The volunteers participate in a variety of community service projects[9] in the host church's community.[10] A small sample of these service projects includes that in 1998, the Ellensburg, Washington chapter of the organization spent three days removing graffiti from various parts of the city.[11] In 2014, student teams did various service projects throughout Chicago, Illinois as part of The Chicago Project.[12] In 2016, volunteers painted houses around Sioux City, Iowa.[13]

History

In August 1950, the organization, which was then called the Young Calvinist Federation (YCF), released a report calling for the institution of educational programs and legislative programmes in order to afford African Americans "rights and opportunities equal to those enjoyed by other members of society."[14]

The American Federation of Reformed Young Women's Societies, which was founded in May 1932, merged into the YCF in December 1955.[2] In August 1967, the YCF held an international convention in Edmonton, Alberta.[15] From December 30, 1982 until January 2, 1983, the YCF co-sponsored a conference with members of local churches in Calgary.[16] The name of the organization changed to Youth Unlimited (YU) in 1992.[17]

References
  1. "Mission Statement". Youth Unlimited. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  2. "About Youth Unlimited" (PDF). Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church of Chilliwack. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  3. Robert P Swierenga (2002). Dutch Chicago: A History of the Hollanders in the Windy City (2 ed.). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. p. 467. ISBN 978-0802813114.
  4. Robert Wuthnow (1989). The Restructuring of American Religion: Society and Faith Since World War II. Princeton University Press. p. 111. ISBN 978-0691020570.
  5. Joe Kingsley Eyiah (January 19, 2004). "Churches in Toronto Fight to Prevent the Deportation". Modern Ghana. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  6. "Youth Unlimited (Accredited Organization Profile) - ECFA.org". ECFA. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
  7. "SOE Members | SOE". www.soe.org. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
  8. "Dynamic Youth Ministries". Calvinist Cadet Corps. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  9. "SERVE Mission Trips - Christian Summer Mission Trips for Teens". Youth Unlimited. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
  10. "Youth Unlimited: Host Teen Mission Trips". Youth Unlimited. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
  11. "Graffiti buster". Daily Record: 16. September 3, 1998.
  12. "Youth Unlimited Serves Hundreds in Chicagoland | Trinity Christian College". Trinity Christian College. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
  13. "Summer Prairie Serve project". Dordt College. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
  14. "Chicago Young Calvinist Outing | Busy Beaver Button Museum". buttonmuseum.org. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  15. "Calvinists Will Meet In City". Edmonton Journal: 25. October 1, 1966.
  16. "Youth meeting set". Calgary Herald: G8. November 20, 1982.
  17. "About Youth Unlimited". Youth Unlimited. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
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