We often say that the Committee Chair is the highest ranking volunteer in a local area while acknowledging that the majority of Committee Chairs in the US receive very little training if any at all. We have a strong conviction that the local area committee and specifically the Committee Chair is key to the sustainability of local Young Life ministry.
In an effort to give focused training to the local Committee Chair, in the past 18 months over half of the Regions in the US have engaged in a Committee Chair/Area Director summit or have participated in a training call on resourcing Committee chairs from a Regional perspective. At the end of both the Summits and training calls, the Region is given the charge to continue to own the resourcing of committee chairs from the Regional Leadership team in collaboration with the Regional Board. Where we have seen the greatest traction is when a member of the Regional Board focuses on the development of the Committee.
The Committee Developer is a Regional Board member whose purpose is to foster shared partnership and ownership of the Health and Growth of the local Committee between the AD and Committee Chair in the Region. They help facilitate the support, training, and leadership to local committee members while working in partnership with RD, RMT, and Board. The Regional Committee Developer gives leadership and support to local Young Life Areas toward:
Health and Growth: Of all 5 Core function ministry essentials (Spiritual Development, Resource Development, Leadership Development, Direct Ministry, and Ministry Support)
Strategic Plan: Design of a yearly local strategic focus
Vision Case: Funding plan, Leadership Development., Ministry Development, and Camping
The Committee Developer role works toward the delivery of the Young Life Mission within a local committee by aligning Committee purpose toward the YL Mission Vision, Values and Methods and current mission-wide priorities YL Forward as well as committing to general Regional Board expectations that include:
Participate consistently in all Regional Board meetings as well as Regional functions as requested
Consistent communication and alignment with Young Life National Committee office
Cultivate healthy relationships with Regional stakeholders and donors
Partner with Regional Director and Regional Leadership Team
Regular interaction with Regional Committee with emphasis to Committee Chairs
Development of Committee role within unique ministry contexts (Multi-ethnic, small towns, YLC etc.)
3 Year (optional recurring) term
To learn more about the Committee Developer role click HERE for a full job description.