Young Leaders Initiative

The Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) is an annual event in Washington, D.C. organized through the partnership of 16 national Catholic organizations. It is rooted in the Sacraments, the Word of God and the Church's living Catholic social tradition. The gathering builds solidarity, knowledge, and skills among social ministry leaders in dioceses, religious congregations, Catholic educational institutions, and other national Catholic organizations. It animates the Church's social mission for the evangelization of the world. The theme for CSMG 2013 is Promoting Human Life and Dignity in the Year of Faith.

Catholic universities and colleges are invited to send student representatives to CSMG 2013 to participate in this unique and valuable opportunity to:

• Meet national Catholic social ministry and advocacy leaders.
• Understand current Catholic social ministry priorities and initiatives.
• Build knowledge and develop advocacy skills that will empower students to contribute to positive social change.
• Voice concerns with legislators on issues of human life and dignity in the U.S. and internationally.
• Discover new ways that Catholic social ministry and advocacy present opportunities for growth in faith, studies and future work.

Who organizes participation in CSMG-YLI?

Universities and colleges designate a campus coordinator who identifies 2-4 students who demonstrate both leadership and interest in Catholic social teaching and ministry. YLI campus coordinators will be responsible for arranging registration, travel, accommodation and all related funding for CSMG-YLI participants. While CSMG does not require that students be accompanied by the Campus coordinator, we strongly encourage a member of staff (or graduate assistant) with pertinent interests to accompany undergraduate students.

How will students benefit from CSMG-YLI?

CSMG provides students at Catholic universities and colleges an opportunity to integrate faith, education, and action in pursuit of a better world. During the three-day gathering, students will join a community of professional, dedicated Catholic social ministry and advocacy leaders in their central annual gathering to connect, pray, learn, and advocate for change. The experience has proven transformative for students who have attended in the past, influencing their continuing education and decisions about life after college or professional careers, in part by connecting them with leaders in the field who will serve as future contacts for internships and employment. There are opportunities for follow-up reflection and action back on campus after CSMG, including national legislative advocacy in students' home districts, and participating in local programs of Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Learn more about these opportunities.

How are CSMG-YLI participants funded?

Coordinators are asked to seek resources on campus to allow students to participate in this unique educational, professional, and formative experience. Likely sources of funding include campus ministry or Newman centers, academic departments, experiential or service learning programs, faith and justice centers, and sponsoring religious communities. It will be important for campus coordinators to secure funding from their institution before the end of December 2012 so that they can ensure students are registered and accommodation arranged before the end of our reduced hotel room rate on January 18, 2013 [$213 per night (plus tax) for a double room]. Registration for the meeting itself costs only $295 per person for approved YLI participants.

In their own words:

Students grow as leaders in society and in the Church at CSMG.

CSMG 2012 Student Participant

CSMG 2012 was a completely unique experience for me. There, I interacted with individuals who are truly putting their faith into action for those in need. As a college student trying to discern my life's path, I valued the opportunity to listen to their stories, take their advice, and reflect on how I feel called to serve. I would strongly encourage other students to consider attending CSMG. Doing so really renewed my hope for the future of the Church, and reminded me of how proud I am to be a part of it.

CSMG 2011 Student Participant

This experience is helpful to college students because it introduces them to way of exercising their beliefs and using their knowledge and ability to help others. It evokes critical thinking about the structure of our political system.

CSMG 2007 Student Participant

We learned that a sense of faith and mission can bring a lot to solving problems… It is good to see so many role models doing good things for social justice. I think it inspires leadership.

Next Steps: participating in the CSMG Young Leaders Initiative.

December 2012

• Consider the role CSMG can play in forming students on your campus for leadership.
• Investigate funding options for CSMG registration and travel on your campus.Work with others on campus who may have received information on the CSMG Young Leaders Initiative, or who might want to help.
• Select 2-4 student participants (2 women and/or 2 men suggested so that shared rooms can be arranged to reduce costs). Decide if a staff person will accompany the students to CSMG 2013.*
• By December 21, submit the CSMG-YLI Participation Form, indicating your plans for participation. You will receive a confirmation e-mail providing a passcode and special instructions for YLI participants registering for CSMG 2013.*

January 2013

• By January 18 (close of discounted hotel room rate), make sure registration, travel, hotel reservations are completed.
• Take advantage of informative resources and opportunities CSMG staff provide to prepare those who will be attending for the Gathering.

February 10-13, 2013

• Students attend CSMG 2013 in Washington, D.C.!

March – May 2013

• Take advantage of further opportunities CSMG staff and partners provide to students and campus coordinators for related follow-up experiences on campus or in your diocese.

*Note: Students and campus staff participating in CSMG-YLI should not register until the Campus Coordinator receives a confirmation e-mail providing a passcode and special registration instructions for YLI participants. CSMG will not provide a refund to any student or campus staff member who incurs additional expenses by registering without a CSMG-YLI registration code.

Apply Now!

CSMG 2013 Young Leaders Initiative Team:

Lou Charest
Catholic Relief Service, Campus Outreach

Barbara McCrabb
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Department of Catholic Education

Ian Mitchell
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Dept. of Justice, Peace and Human Development

Jill Rauh
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Dept. of Justice, Peace and Human Development

Lindsay Weldon
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities