2013 STTW: Cape Town, South Africa

Here's the official stuff:

The mission of Y-Corps: Service to the World is for Kentucky YMCA Alumni to practice global citizenship through service learning, cultural exchange, and exposure to global YMCA movements.

YMCAs all over the world are doing remarkable work to enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve.  The Kentucky YMCA is a powerful advocate for the development of engaged, socially responsible youth and young adults.  With Y-Corps: Service to the World, the Kentucky YMCA will stretch beyond our current borders, engaging in meaningful cultural exchange and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with partner YMCAs around the world.

In the second year of our Y-Corps Service to the World program, the Kentucky YMCA hopes to engage young adults in similar international activities by partnering with the Cape Town YMCA and the Cape Flats YMCA in South Africa. We plan to engage our young adult alumni, offering this first opportunity to those who have a passion for serving others, a desire to be exposed to the cultures and work of YMCAs around the world, and previous experience with the Y-Corps program.

In our effort to develop this program, the Kentucky YMCA hopes to offer those, both here and in our partner countries, who might never have the opportunity to truly experience another culture the chance to do just that.  In this way, the YMCA can continue to develop socially responsible young people by fostering meaningful relationships that contribute to a broader global perspective that is more tolerant, productive, and beneficial to humanity.

Here is what this really means to me:

This spring, I will be lucky enough to spend two weeks in South Africa.  I will be part of a team volunteering for communities in and around Cape Town. Without knowing any specifics, we have committed to work as members of the Y-Corps team unconditionally; we're confident that our experience will be as beneficial to our team and our communities at home as they are for the partners we serve abroad.

As a person that I am positive shares a strong conviction for youth and community development across the globe, I am asking you to also make a commitment of support.

Now, imagine that we let those people grow up a little and sent them to South Africa.  How awesome would that be?  How much would you want to help that team accomplish their mission? Lucky for you, this exact thing is happening in April. And here is how you can help:

Together, our team is raising $45,000 and each of us is responsible for $3,800 to cover airfare, lodging, on-ground transportation, meals, and entrance fees to cultural destinations and contributions to our partner organizations.  In addition to raising funds from others, I have personally dedicated $500 and I have already raised over 27% of my total goal.

Any amount will be greatly appreciated and I ask only that you give what you can for the sake of supporting a team of young people getting inspired and working together to provide authentic community service.