At the Senior High Gathering (March 2023), students from across the synod elected 12 high schoolers to serve as members of the LYO Board (description below). The LYO Board is now tasked with appointing three more students to serve on the board with a particular focus on expanding the diversity of the students represented on the board. The elements of diversity we consider for these appointments can vary widely from race/ethnicity to gender, from neurodiversity to differing physical disabilities, from geography to economic class. All applications are welcome!
The LYO Board is responsible for planning and leading the Jr. and Sr. High Youth Gatherings and representing the voice of youth on a synod level. The LYO board is a leadership team that requires leadership skills, maturity, a significant investment of time, and a desire to grow in and share one’s faith. Board members receive training to grow in their skills and accomplish their assigned tasks.
Youth from your congregations in grades 9-11 are eligible to run for one-year LYO board terms—thirteen seats are up for election. The elected youth will choose their own officers during LYO training in June. After the gathering, the current 2022-23 LYO board will appoint 2 additional board members to increase diversity on the board.
Serving on the LYO board involves a time commitment of attending LYO training in the summer, 2 weekend meeting/retreats, and planning/leading the Jr. and Sr. High Gathering.
The 2023-2024 LYO board must commit to attending all of the following events:
- Training: June 11-13, 2023 (Gustavus)
- Planning: September 9, 2023 (Synod Office)
- JH Gathering: November 16-19, 2023 (Willmar)
- Training: January 19-20, 2024 (Green Lake)
- SH Gathering: March 7-10, 2024 (Mankato)
If you know you will be unable to attend more than one meeting or will not make your participation in the LYO board a priority, please consider letting someone who is able to make the commitment and be present for more meetings have the chance to serve on the LYO Board. Your commitment to LYO starts with a training to build foundational skills in leadership and create relationships of trust within the LYO community. Participation in training is essential and expected.
All candidates must fill out this online application before voting takes place. If you do not receive confirmation that your form was submitted successfully, please contact Nikoli Falenschek at nikoli.falenschek@swmnelca.org.
