FREE Training Videos for YoungLives

Did you know that as a staff or volunteer of Young Life, you can have FREE access to the Netflix of Christian Bible studies, teachers, kids' shows, and online trainings? Yep, it's true! Through a contract with RightNow Media, Young Life has created it's own online training portal, called YL Access. Every Young Life staff person and volunteer is eligible for his or her own account, which gives them unlimited access to literally thousands of Christian videos and video series on everything from parenting to YoungLives-specific training. Want to watch Matt Chandler? Veggie Tales? Jen Hatmaker? Some of your very own YoungLives co-workers? They're all there!

Don't miss out - ask your local Young Life or YoungLives staff person about getting access... to Access!

Community Resource: ReMoved {A Short Film on Understanding Foster Care}

I watched (read: cried through) this video (see below) earlier this week and wanted to share it with you. ReMoved, a short film by Nathaneal Matanick, focuses on the importance of foster care, while serving as a powerful reminder that every single person has their own unique story. Incredibly moving, and at times hard to watch, I couldn't help but think of so many of the girls we work with in YoungLives. The majority of them have close ties to a foster experience. Take a few moments to watch it and share it with your community. (I wouldn't recommend sharing it at club, this may hit too close to home for many girls. Instead, offer it as a resource for mentors, committee, and other community members.)

After viewing this, it's easy to get feel overwhelmed with the need, yet underprepared to help. Just because we can't fix the problem, doesn't mean we can't help. Anna Wehrmeyer (Holland, MI YoungLives) shared an incredible idea with me that her club recently did. A woman from Anna's community decorates suitcases for children entering foster care. Realizing that so many kids leave home with just a garbage bag or pillow case, this woman started supplying a local agency with personalized suitcases to give to kids moving into foster care. This small act speaks volumes to frightened children that are removed from their homes. The Holland YLVS girls spent part of club decorating suitcases to give to kids in their city. This helped the girls give back in a very real & tangible way. It's a powerful way to encourage teen moms to be a positive member of their community! 

Thanks for sharing, Anna! Do you have an idea you want to share? Email Amy at greatergryounglives@gmail.com to submit it for a blog post.

Resource: Streetlights Urban Multimedia Bible

Have you heard of Streetlights? They use spoken word and soundtracks to produce audio versions of the books of the Bible that are perfect for urban teens. There are also Bible studies, videos, and curriculum to go along with these. Right now they offering downloads of John and Romans for FREE! Check it out here: Streetlights

From Streetlights: "Streetlights is the world’s first urban multimedia Bible, using audio, video and curriculum components to communicate the authentic Word of God. Top recording artists, accomplished music producers, professional videographers and seasoned teachers unite to bring you word-for-word Scripture recited to industry standard, street-credible beats; creative scripture narration music videos and multimedia integrated curriculum. Through these relevant and engaging formats, people of all literacy levels will be able to hear, understand, and internalize the Word of God."

Check out this great resource for yourself and see how you can apply it to club & campaigners with your teen moms!

Video Resource: "Who You Are"

Check out the "Who You Are" video! This would make a great tool for club or Campaigners... or to simply post on your group's Facebook page. An awesome reminder as we start a new school year.

Summer Childcare Opportunity

Each summer we need hundreds of volunteers to help make YoungLives camps happen across the country. We've created this short video to help you recruit these amazing people. Here are some ideas... show it to Young Life leaders, committee folks, small groups, churches, share on Facebook, Twitter and your own blog/website if you have one. Let's spread the word!

As always, more details about this ministry opportunity can be found on younglife.org.

Interview with Teen Moms and Mentors

Pittsburgh East Hills recently produced this 5-minute video interview with four pairs of teen moms and their mentors. Use it as a tool in recruiting and training new mentors, at your banquet, or send the link to donors and volunteers as an encouragement!

YoungLives Video

Here is a video that was done by an amazing volunteer in our local area. It's short and communicates the heart of YoungLives from our mentors and teen moms. We made it for a fundraiser that we had this last spring and have since used it to introduce new people to the ministry. 

Why I'm a YoungLives Mentor Video

Why I'm a YoungLives Leader video

 (Filmed and Edited by Thomas Bernardan)

Henderson, KY YoungLives mentor Jen Forker tells why she is a leader. This short video is good to use for mentor recruitment! 

Sierra's Story: Teen Mom Testimony

Sierra Martinez recently shared her story at the Young Life Celebration conference in Florida. She did an excellent job! Feel free to share with potential (or current!) volunteers or donors. 


Sierra Martinez Testimony at the 2012 YL Celebration from Young Life on Vimeo.

YoungLives Camp Promo

It's camp sell time! Here's a 2 1/2 minute YoungLives camp video. Filmed at Lost Canyon, but the content is generic enough to work for any camp sell. You can download on youtube here, or on staff resources here.