In January, when the Board was doing its big push to encourage everyone to officially renew their YCWI membership,I received an email from someone asking, “What are the benefits of joining YCWI?” It was a great moment to realize that even when someone has been part of this organization for years, there are so many facets of YCWI that many may not be aware exist!
The most obvious benefit of YCWI is our online community platforms, especially the Facebook groups. Over the years, I have turned to these spaces time and again in my ministry: when I had questions, needed support, or simply wanted a safe place to vent or connect with people who truly understand. Facebook is not the only online avenue, though! YCWI just recently launched a platform on Discord and continues to also offer various online Zoom opportunities for gathering and learning.
However, connection doesn’t stop online. Annual conferences and regional meetups are another important aspect of YCWI, offering opportunities for people to connect and deepen relationships face-to-face. Our next annual conference is set for July 2026, and I already look forward to connecting in-person with other young clergy women from all over for fellowship and spiritual nourishment.
Another benefit of YCWI membership is the monthly Fidelia journal, which includes articles and resources written by other young clergywomen, who are paid for their pieces. I have found the journal to be especially helpful in planning worship. There is also a branch of YCWI that works directly with Chalice Press to publish and promote books written by young clergywomen. In addition,the “On the Road” subgroup offers support for women in the process of ordination or who are considering ministry.
Other less well-known benefits that membership dues support include a small budget to send items to YCWI members in times of grief or hardship, access to legal aid funds, and we are working on building up a fund to help people who may have a one-time financial need. In addition to that, this year YCWI is committed to giving 10% of its income to anti-racism efforts, which is a reflection of our values.
It’s one thing to describe the “WHAT” of membership benefits. The “WHY” is less concrete, but it is the reason I am proud to be a member and board members of Young Clergy Women International. This organization has been a haven and a community for me during my decade of ministry. I am grateful that other female clergy have paved the way for me so that it IS easier to be a woman in ministry than it was forty years ago (based on stories from my colleagues!). However, we still have unique challenges that men in ministry simply do not face (comments on your hair or shoes every Sunday, anyone?!).
I have made dear friends through this network of smart, creative, and thoughtful women who truly “get it.” If I do nothing else as a YCWI board member, my hope is to share about this organization more broadly so that future young clergywomen will know what an incredible gift it is to be a member.
