Organizational Members
We’re committed to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people.
The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) recognizes that it takes the whole church to minister effectively to our young people. Therefore, the NFCYM invites organizations and groups (hereinafter “organizations”) committed to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people to apply for organizational membership. Members work together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual responsibility to provide encouragement and opportunity to achieve a shared vision and to serve today’s young church. As Saint Paul writes, “What I mean is that both you and I will be helped at the same time, you by my faith and I by your faith.” (Romans 1:12).
Organizational members are any youth-oriented organizations, educational/formational organization, resource/publishing organization, religious order, or ministerial organization that shares in the mission, vision, and values of the NFCYM and wish to be engaged in the mission and work of the NFCYM.
PROSPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERS
Organizations interested in pursuing organizational membership with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) should be familiar with the goals, components, and objectives of Catholic youth ministry as outlined in Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry. Prior to applying, prospective organizational members are encouraged to attend a NFCYM Annual Membership Meeting to better familiarize themselves with the work and workings of the NFCYM.
BENEFITS | |
|---|---|
3 Designated Member Representatives | Networking Opportunities |
Early Access to Booking NFCYM Events/Programming | Early Access to Sponsorship and Exhibitor Spaces |
Discounts to NFCYM Events/Programming | Listing on the NFCYM Organizational Member Page |
Access to Member Directory | Resoures highlighted on NFCYM Resource Pages |
Professional Development | Resourcing and Support |
Access to digital resources | Local and National Support |
Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis and unless there are extenuating circumstances requiring additional information and discussion, organizations will complete their application process within a month.
QUESTIONS? Contact us at [email protected]
- Membership/Charitable Organizations (non-profit)
- Defined: Membership/Charitable organizations are those groups whose income is generated primarily through membership dues or services, if applicable, or charitable donations, and whose services are primarily directed towards membership or charitable, service, and justice activities; e.g. national ministerial organizations, religious communities, and charitable or service organizations.
- Annual Fee: $300
- Business/Corporate Organizations (for profit)
- Defined: Business/Corporate Organizations are those groups whose income is generated primarily through the sales of goods and services, conferences and events, or tuition; e.g. performance ministers/ministries, universities, training and resource centers; and retail businesses.
- Annual Fee
- Tier 1 (gross income less than $1 million): $300
- Tier 2 (gross income between $1 million – $5 million): $450
- Tier 3 (gross income over $5 million): $700
- Special Categories
- The annual fee is waived where there is a reciprocal formal affiliation between the NFCYM and an organization and neither is expected to pay dues (complimentary reciprocal affiliation). Decisions regarding reciprocal membership are made by the Membership Engagement Committee.
- The annual fee can be waived due to financial hardship, with the request submitted in writing to the executive director of the NFCYM.
- Designate up to two additional members. These names are to be submitted annually.
- Facilitate a consensus process for voting.
- Ensure the payment of annual dues.
Each organization that is a member shall have one (1) vote on all matters before the membership for which an organizational member is entitled to vote.
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizational members shall have one (1) vote on all matters before the membership including governance and non-governance (ministerial) issues.
- For-profit organizational members shall have one (1) vote on all non-governance related issues before the membership such as membership papers. For-profit organizational members do not vote on governance related issues such as election of directors or officers, amendments to articles of incorporation or bylaws, or mission, vision, and values statements.
Additionally, by virtue of membership, each organization that is a member shall have the following privileges and responsibilities: Thus, each affiliated organizational member is now entitled to identify up to three (3) designated representatives and to have one (1) vote on all matters before the membership.
- To identify up to three (3) designated representatives (“representative”), one of whom will be considered the official representative;
- To participate on, and serve as members of and leaders for the project teams, ministry networks, and other activities including the annual membership meeting;
- To participate in the annual membership meeting and to address the membership while in general session at the annual membership meeting on all matters before the membership; and
- To receive NFCYM mailings and discounts.
- For any organization to become an organizational member of the NFCYM, such organization must share in the mission, vision, and values of the NFCYM, and:
- Be a non‐profit corporation recognized as such under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which has a board of directors and bylaws, OR
- Be a subsidiary organization thereof, OR
- Be a for‐profit legal entity, OR
- Have a listing in the most recent edition of the P.J. Kenedy and Sons’ The Official Catholic Directory.
Additionally, such organizations must meet the following criteria:
- The organization must work directly or indirectly with or for youth.
- The mission and activities of the organization must be compatible with the mission, vision, and values of the NFCYM and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- If the applicant is a subsidiary of another organization, the written consent of the “parent company” must be provided with the completed application.
- The activities engaged in by the organization must be compatible with the activities of the NFCYM.
- The interests of the organization, as outlined in their literature and through their actions, must be compatible with the interests of the NFCYM.
- The organization must have been engaged in ministry for at least three (3) years prior to applying for organizational membership.
- The organization must complete the application/approval process set forth by the NFCYM.
- The organization must submit an annual report of their activities, especially as they pertain to the NFCYM, along with an annual renewal of commitment.
- Further criteria for membership may be established for organizational membership.
If the organization does not meet these criteria, individuals might wish to consider Associate Membership.
- Agree with and advocate for the mission, vision, and values of the NFCYM.
- Designate representatives who are compliant with safe environment/youth protection standards of the Catholic Church in the United States and eligible to serve with young people.
- Every exhibitor or speaker at an event should be vetted (by the diocese).
- Engage with NFCYM through active participation in the annual membership meeting and/or regional gatherings and participation in a national NFCYM event at least once every five years.
Organizational members are required to summit an annual report which includes the following:
- A statement renewing their desire to continue as an organizational member;
- A description of their activities in the past year, especially as they pertain to the NFCYM.
- Payment of annual dues, as set by Finance Advisory Committee;
The annual renewal of organizational members will take place from June 1 to July 30:
- By June 1, the NFCYM sends a letter to all organizational members requesting their annual reports and statement of renewal;
- Reminder notices are sent on June 1 and July 1, as needed.
- If an organizational member does not submit their annual report, statement of renewal, and annual dues by July 31, organizational member status may be forfeited and the organization may be required to re-apply for membership.
MEANS OF COLLABORATION
The level of collaboration varies from a lesser to a greater involvement, depending on the resources, gifts, and needs of the organizational member. Possible means of collaboration include:
The annual meeting takes place in February of each year and is the occasion for planning and discussion regarding projects, policies, and issues important to the membership.
For more information, see ministry networks and project teams.
The NFCYM values the ongoing relationship and communication with our organizational members. Bringing expertise and vision, organizational members are often involved in consultation in the development of NFCYM projects and are an important resource in project implementation.
There are opportunities for the various organizations to collaborate equally in major projects. For example, the NFCYM collaborated with the National Association of Lay Ministry and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership in the development of common competencies for ministry. This project resulted in a joint resource publication and a national certification program.
The NFCYM can be a valuable resource in service to organizational members. For example, the NFCYM served as a consultant for a major publisher in their research project on the state of adolescent catechesis in Catholic parishes. This conversation has led to the creation of a research group in the NFCYM to continue the work of gathering information on youth ministry concerns and issues. Likewise, an organizational member can be a valuable resource to the NFCYM when they develop a strategy to respond to a common issue or concern, born out of their special expertise.
Content
Organizational members bring their expertise to the work of the NFCYM through participation in ministry networks, project teams, and NFCYM programs. Organizational members are often asked to be presenters at NFCYM conferences and to develop pre-conference tracts on specific issues.
Organizational members can encourage their members to participate in the NFCYM youth and adult conferences. Organizational members are eligible for the member registration rate for conferences.
Organizational members contribute their expertise and financial resources in support of the NFCYM’s work through direct financial support of conferences, projects, and programs, and by providing their expertise. In the past, organizational members have sponsored elements of the membership meeting and adult conference and have subsidized speakers and performers at NFCYM events.
Organizational members are encouraged to exhibit at NFCYM conferences as a means of sharing their resources and services with the NFCYM constituencies.
The NFCYM is committed to reciprocal relationships with organizational members. NFCYM members are encouraged to participate in the programs, conferences, and services of organizational members where appropriate. The NFCYM has also provided presenters and in-service opportunities for organizational members. Examples include the role of NFCYM members in Encuentro and in the international celebration of World Youth Day. NFCYM members have also been asked to present at various national and international conferences.
