During my time on my local Committee, I’ve realized there is one tool that every YL area needs. It’s versatile, functional, can get you out of a pinch, and is usually found in random locations like -a toolbox, aside drawer, glove compartment, and often the proverbial back pocket. Whatever you need, the multi-tool can deliver!
In Young Life, the multi-purpose tool is your local Alumni or Mission Community They are the stakeholders of the ministry. They have been involved and desire to have an effect. There are hundreds or thousands of them in every geography where YL exists and when they are equipped- they are powerful! A hand tool (multi-tool) combines several functions in one unit, and that is what I think you will find when you engage those who have a history with YL in your community. All you need to do is know how to use this incredible resource.
A few months ago we asked YOU this Question: “Tell us all the ways you are engaging alumni in your community?”
We asked, you answered and it turns out that engaging alumni is something many of you are already doing! Way to go! Whether you are a pro already or need a nudge in the right direction, this group is a game changer for your area! Maybe you’ve been a part of a conversation in your area that sounds something like this…
Staff Associate: “I just ran into someone at the gym with a YL shirt on. Turns out they were a club kid here in our area in the early 2000s- I wonder how many other people who used to be involved are living here locally?”
Area Director: “I’m sure there are lots! Let’s put that on the agenda at our next committee meeting- we also have some former staff and leaders who still live here, maybe they would be excited to help!”
Committee Member: “Ooh that sounds like a fun job! I would love to help build significant connections with local alumni by putting on fun social events and keeping them updated on the area!”
I know in our Area, similar conversations have been happening a lot so we decided to do something about it. I just became the leader of the team focusing on sharpening this multi-purpose tool. YL Alumni. Here’s our game plan…we are basically building out another club in our area!
TEAM LEADER: Have a committee person/couple who leads the charge on Alumni Engagement
VOLUNTEER LEADERS: Gather a small team of folks (former staff, former leaders, other YL alums who are still involved) who will OWN the alumni effort together
CLUB PLANNING: Determine an Annual Alumni Calendar (here is ours) and who will be the point person
Quarterly events (happy hour, trivia night, cornhole tournament…)
Alumni Communication
Social media plan
Email/text database
Web page development/updates
INVITATION: Spread the word! We have a growing list of former staff and leaders who are excited to tell all the folks they know about what’s going on with Alumni in our area.
LEARN FROM EACH OTHER: Let’s continue to share best practices! Here are some other ideas happening out in the field already- keep up the good work!
Promote Summer Staff to local alumni
Offer opportunities for mentoring leaders or leading YLC small groups
Resources for parents
Social gatherings
High School grad campaign participation
Monthly area update emails with 1 min video kid story
Family Camp opportunities
Help plan and lead YL information evenings.
Alumni judges at Club events
Pancake Breakfasts for D-groups or Campaigners
Hosting Team meetings
Lead and develop your area prayer initiative
Adult guest trips for fall weekends or summer camp
We are fond to say “it takes a community to lead a community! And when you do, EVERYONE is changed!” When someone realizes that they could be involved with Young Life for Life, everything changes. I am still learning, if you have thoughts on input on how to lead your own local Alumni effort, and become an expert with this multi-tool, please contact ME so I can continue to learn from you!
Here we go!
-Emily Lewis, Young Life Community Networks