Why Join the Network? What Do I Get?

Someone e-mailed the Network this past week. They were trying to go through the online "joining" process, but after filling out the info page, it took them to a payment page. They said "payment? You have to pay to join this thing?" And so they e-mailed us to see what that was all about, and about what the costs "got them."

It's a fair question. And I would guess a fairly common one. So I answered it, and I decided to put my answer here. Hopefully this will answer the questions...please feel free to add your comments or questions below:

Dear _______________,

Thanks for your note! Laurie Hoium forwarded it to me and asked me to respond.

Your questions are great ones. Just a quick bit of background: The ELCA Youth Ministry Network is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is separate from, but works very closely with the ELCA Youth Ministry Offices.

Because we are separate, we do not receive much in the way of funding from the ELCA to support the work of the Network. The Network's primary task is to provide opportunities for renewal, education and support for adults who work with young people in ELCA congregations.

We are self-funded, which means that our 'members' pay 'dues' to be a part of the organization. These dues cover our operating costs.

Members of the Network receive:

A discounted registration to our annual conference, the Extravaganza.
A subscription to our quarterly journal of youth and family ministry, “Connect”.
Discounts at resrouce providers, including:
Vibrant Faith Ministries
TXTSignal (text message service)
Youth Specialties
Impression Media Group
Hertz Car Rental
The Center for Youth Ministries at Wartburg Seminary
Trinity Center for youth ministries at Trinity Lutheran College
Youth Leadership
Lutheran Life Coaching
Access to our new monthly "conference calls" with youth ministry experts (3rd Tuesday Convesations) that begin in March, 2010
"Standards and Guidelines" for professional development
In addition, members can access web resources:
The annual salary survey.
The membership directory
streaming online videos of past Extravaganza keynote speakers
An online version of the "Connect" Journal

We think these are pretty helpful and valuable resources. Of course, there is other stuff like the placement pages, discussion boards, etc that the Network provides to all youth ministers regardless of whether they are a member or not.

But the bigger picture is that we think the Network sits at the forefront of a movement that is growing the profession of children, youth and family ministry. Our members are a part of that movement, and they help support the growth and development of children, youth and family ministry throughout the church. This is the exciting stuff. Our members are having an impact on the whole of the church. In 20 years, the church's approach to ministry with children, youth and families will be different than it is today...with the help of God and the gift of the Holy Spirit, it will be stronger, more dynamic, more diverse and deeper than it is now. It is the members of the Network who are making this happen.

More information can be found at http://elcaymnet.org/JoinTheNetwork. I hope you consider being a part of the community! If you have other questions, please contact me toll free at 866-ELCANET.

Blessings,

Todd

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Why Join the Network? What Do I Get?

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