Friends,
On behalf of the youth formation team of the Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan, I write to invite young people from our dioceses to apply to serve as part of the Official Youth Presence at General Convention next summer.
Episcopal teens who will be ages 16 to 19 in June 2024 are invited to apply to become part of the 81st General Convention’s Official Youth Presence, a competitive and impactful experience in our church. Members of the Official Youth Presence have seat and voice on the floor of the House of Deputies and can testify at hearings held before and during General Convention.
“I am delighted to invite young Episcopalians to apply for the Official Youth Presence,” said House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris. “The voices, experiences, and viewpoints of our young people are invaluable as we seek to discern God’s calling for our church. Through the Official Youth Presence, we create opportunities for our youth to engage actively with legislative committees, learn about the governance and polity of The Episcopal Church, and build relationships across the church.”
Up to two youth from each of the church’s nine provinces will be selected to participate in the Official Youth Presence from June 20-28, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. Youth who are selected must also attend orientation and training in Louisville from February 16-19, 2024. The Episcopal Church budget covers travel, lodging, and meals for those attending orientation and General Convention.
The General Convention, which normally meets every three years, is The Episcopal Church’s governing body. It is composed of the House of Deputies, with nearly 900 clergy and lay deputies elected from the church’s 108 dioceses and two area missions, and the House of Bishops—with around 140 active and retired bishops.
Applications and nomination forms—in English and Spanish—can be found online, as well as additional criteria and information for potential applicants. The deadline for applications and nominations is November 17, 2023. All applicants must identify a non-family member nominator who can complete an online essay nomination form by November 17, 2023.
Questions about the application process should be directed to Myra Garnes, Officer for Youth Ministries for The Episcopal Church. If we can support you locally, please contact me at the information listed below.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Radhajyoti Kaminski
Regional Youth Missioner – Northern Collaborative
The Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan
rkaminski@eastmich.org | rkaminski@edwm.org
352-727-8927
