Volunteer for Y-Corps!

Are you passionate about service, leadership, and advocacy for the long haul? Want to spend an intensive but rewarding 3 - 4 (MS) or 7 - 9 days (HS) working with a team of servant leaders during the month of July? Consider applying to volunteer as part of our Y-Corps program!

Y-Corps is a six-month service learning program for students who want to make a difference in their communities and around the commonwealth and country. The program culminates in a 3 - 4 day (MS) or 7 - 9 day (HS) service trip throughout Kentucky or a specific region of the country, i.e. the North, South, or Midwest. Through a combination of hard work, cultural experiences, travel, self-discovery, and reflection, Y-Corps extends the Y's mission into communities throughout our Commonwealth and beyond.

The program incorporates the 4 types of service we emphasize at the Y:

• Perform direct and indirect service in their local communities (goal determined by team)

• Practice philanthropy by fundraising for our Scholarship Fund (goals set by years of experience in Y-Corps)

• Engage in advocacy on behalf of their Y-Corps teams and the YMCA Movement

Volunteers are essential members of our Y-Corps teams. Y-Corps volunteers serve alongside students on projects, support YMCA Staff in caring for the health and safety of students, and serve as role models for students.

Age Requirements

• MS Trips: Volunteers must be 18 years of age by the beginning date of the Y-Corps trip to which they are assigned.
• HS Trips: Volunteers must be 21 years of age by the beginning date of the Y-Corps trip to which they are assigned.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Y-Corps volunteers act as an extension of Y-Staff on our 3 - 4 day (MS) or 7 - 9 day (HS) service trips. Volunteers will be responsible for filling the following roles:

• Care for the mental and physical well-being of a team of 10 - 35 teenagers from across Kentucky, perhaps in unfamiliar cities
• Supervise and actively participate in daily manual labor projects, including heavy lifting
• Act as emotional support and mentor to program participants
• Maintain a positive attitude and high energy during a trip that will include active days, very basic food options (e.g. PB&J), limited opportunities to shower, and nights sleeping on YMCA gym floors, often for fewer than 8 hours (note: all adults will be provided air mattresses)
• (Volunteers 21+ Years of Age) Be able to drive and in possession of a valid driver’s license. Spend long stretches of time in transit. Take shifts supervising students on a school bus or driving/riding passenger seat in a van or car. (If you are unable or uncomfortable with driving, please indicate that when prompted on the next page; knowing this in advance is important for logistics.)
• Be able to lift and move 35 lbs, have good mobility, and maintain a high level of energy over an extended period of time
• Be able to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community
• Keep an open mind in different, potentially new cultural settings and invite participants to challenge their perspectives
• Actively engage with participants by talking with individual team members, asking questions, and supporting any struggling students
• Maintain constant phone communication with other Y-Corps adults
• Must have reliable mobile phone
• Be able to work independently and with a team
• Handle potentially stressful situations (schedule changes, student illness, inclement weather, unexpected difficulties) gracefully and productively
• Model servant leadership by participating fully in all activities, being respectful to all individuals and communities, and exhibiting a positive attitude at all times

Please note that applying to volunteer for Y-Corps does not guarantee you a spot on the trip. Applications will be reviewed by staff who will reach out if you are accepted to join the team. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Emilee at emilee@kyymca.org.