Diocesan Youth Participation in the 77th General Convention

An opportunity for youth and their adult chaperones to experience the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.

Approximate Cost: $552 (Actual value is approx. $1,200). Scholarships available. Cost includes airfare, ground transportation in Indianapolis, hotel, General Convention registration fee, fun excursions and meals.

Application deadline: March 23, 2012.

Who may attend? Youth having completed 9th-12th grades this year. A limited number of adult chaperones may also attend (must be at least 21 years old). More information is below.

What will the group do?

• Learn about a variety of things that make up General Convention such as: history, structure and terminology; What General Convention is and how it works; Hearings, legislative sessions (deputies and bishops); How to follow legislation through the Convention, vocations, development of personal theology, looking for Christ in General Convention actions, provide opportunities to sign-up for things according your interest.
• Experience the inner workings of Convention. Participate in hearings, exhibit hall, worship, daily reflections, House of Deputies, House of Bishops, etc.
• Have a positive experience that will influence everyone in the group to return home and become more active participants in all areas of their own congregations, the Diocese, and the Episcopal Church.

Preliminary Details:

• We will leave from Newark Airport very early on the morning of July 6.
• We will return to Newark Airport on the night of July 10.
• Accommodations will be at the JW Marriott Indianapolis hotel.

General Convention is…

• A policy making body of the Episcopal Church. It usually meets every three years to enact legislation and approve the program and budget of the Episcopal Church.
• A confederation of dioceses represented by individuals.
• A place for people to exhibit their wares related to the ministry and business of the church. The Exhibit Hall will be filled with hundreds of booths selling and giving out both resources and ideas.
• An event where a whole variety of people can demonstrate their viewpoints in a variety of ways, including flyers, pamphlets, marches, songs, and vigils.
• A time of worship for the church. The possibilities to worship together seem almost limitless. There are large Eucharists that involve everyone as well as small prayer circles.
• A way to learn about others’ experiences through organized forums and guest speakers.
• A chance to relax, enjoy good food, laugh at ourselves, talk with friends, see new places, pray, sing and exercise.

Youth applicants should possess the following attributes:

• Find the Episcopal Church exciting.
• Want to learn more about how the Episcopal Church operates and makes decisions.
• Are interested in following and engaging the issues that face our Church and our Communion.
• Are interested in the great work and ministry in which our Church engages.
• Will honor and respect the experience and diversity of our Church, while honoring difference of opinion.
• Would be interested in engaging clergy and lay leaders of our church in dialogue and discussion.
• Already have a leadership role OR are interested in taking a leadership role in their local Episcopal community.
• Whose conduct would be compatible with a church wide gathering such as General Convention.
• Would be comfortable participating in an adult event.
• Want to have fun with other youth and adults in our Church.
• Can represent the Diocese of Newark well!

Adult applicants should possess the following attributes:

• Find the Episcopal Church exciting.
• Enjoy working with young people, but still know how to be adults.
• Have completed Safeguarding God’s Children training.
• Want to learn more about how the Episcopal Church operates and makes decisions.
• Want to work to help make our young people’s experience fruitful and fun.
• Are flexible and can make the best out of quirky situations.
• Are firm yet compassionate with teenagers.
• Can represent the Diocese of Newark well!