Volunteer for Y-Corps!

Are you passionate about service, leadership, and advocacy for the long haul? Want to spend an intensive but rewarding 7-9 days 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 7- to 9-day 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

Y-Corps Volunteers must be 21 years old 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 7- to 9-day service trips. Volunteers will be responsible for filling the following roles:

• Care for the mental and physical well-being of a team of 15-35 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)
• 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

New in 2024: Volunteers selected to attend Y-Corps will be asked to attend Y-Corps Institute as an introduction to the students, staff, and captains on their Y-Corps team. This will likely take place in April and we will work with volunteers to coordinate their attendance.