As of September 1, 2018, YCWI’s new membership policy is as follows:

Membership in Young Clergy Women International is open to those who meet all of the following requirements:

• Young

  • Our membership is open only to those who have not reached their 40th birthday.

• Clergy

  • Christian clergy are individuals whose self-identified gifts for ministry have been affirmed, supported, and lifted up by a community of faith, such that the term “clergy” is a meaningful and appropriate term for their role in their particular tradition, and who can provide documentation/endorsement of such support.

  • Women who are not accountable to a faith community, an institution, or a higher governing body (such as a denomination), are not eligible for membership.

  • Women who are serving as lay pastors, temporary ministers, student ministers, or interns are not eligible for membership, unless they fall under the exception categories.

  • Advanced theological education or training is typical, but not required.

  • Exceptional Membership may be applied for by those who are serving within a denomination where they may not seek authorization or affirmation of their call to ministry in a clerical capacity. Exceptional memberships are considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Women

  • We use an inclusive definition of “women” and “female.” All women are eligible for membership, including trans women and cis women. No prospective member will be required to provide medical or legal documentation of her gender identity. Genderqueer and non-binary people who feel that their membership in a women’s organization is appropriate are also eligible.

Women wishing to affiliate with the organization must complete the online application form linked above, clearly identifying their ministry location, denomination (if applicable), date of birth, date of start of affirmed service (e.g. ordination, consecration), and any relevant theological degrees, training, certificates, or credentials. The Registrar shall verify information through whatever means are available.

• Renew your membership annually. Annual membership dues are $45, due upon joining and by February 1st each year. Waivers covering the full cost of dues are available to all members.

• Provide a valid e-mail address, and be willing to receive occasional mailings.

• Respect the confidentiality of our on-line and in-person forums.

• Be supportive and respectful of the diversity of experiences and viewpoints within the membership of the Project.

• Hold as confidential any passwords to on-line fora.

Women who wish to leave the organization may do so by contacting the Board.

Behavior that violates the above membership expectations or is disruptive to the community should be brought to the attention of the community board. The community board may then initiate the following procedures that may result in an involuntary separation.

• First, one or two members from the community board shall approach the member and ask for a correction or explanation of behavior, after the community board chairwoman has been informed.

• If that is ineffective, the matter may be and voted on as a full community sub-board. A simple majority will decide.

• If the above vote results in a tie, the chairwoman of the other sub-board shall be brought in to break the tie.

Please be sure to note that we require a personal email address (non-work). However, once you are in the organization, you may use a work email as your primary email.

Keep your eye out for an email responding to your application from leadership@youngclergywomen.org. If you haven’t received a response within a week of submission, check your spam folder and then email membership@youngclergywomen.org to inquire about your status.

Ordination exceptions are made by subcommittee of the YCWI board. To apply for an exception, send an email to  our membership team at membership@youngclergywomen.org.

As above, monitor your email responding to your application from leadership@youngclergywomen.org.

If you haven’t received a response within a week of submission, check your spam folder and then email membership@youngclergywomen.org to inquire about your status.

On the Road is a community for those who do not yet qualify for full membership. Individuals discerning a clergy vocation or pursuing credentials may join, provided that they are at least 18 years old but not older than 39 years old. On The Road members must abide by the same community standards as YCWI members.

Women who are On the Road are welcome to join with members of YCWI for conferences and any in-person meet-ups. Only the online communities are separate.

To join, complete the YCWI registration form in the button below. Keep your eye out for an email responding to your application from leadership@youngclergywomen.org. If you haven’t received a response within a week of submission, check your spam folder and then email membership@youngclergywomen.org to inquire about your status.

Once approved, members are welcome to join the Closed Facebook Group for those On the Road.