Testimonials
Here you'll find articles and endorsements on YAEF, as well as participants stories and experiences of past YAEF's and what the YAEF means to them. It is our hope that these stories give you a greater sense of who YAEF is, of the opportunities YAEF provides, and the ecumenical spirit that YAEF embodies. Enjoy!
Articles: Church World Service YAEF 2006
Church World Service YAEF 2005
Testimonials:
"This year, we were all really thrilled by what was probably the most diverse YAEF to date-- denominationally, culturally, ethnically, and geographically. Our speakers from organizations such as the Polaris Project and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers taught everyone, no matter how little or how much they knew coming in, about the scope of slavery in the world today. These organizations also taught us how we can advocate for better legislation and corporate codes of conduct to fight slavery, as well as local actions.
YAEF inspired me and reminded me again about the power of Christian young adults to self-organize and work together for social justice." - Joel Abrahamson, MIT
"YAEF has the perfect balance of promoting education and promoting action. It equips you with the essential knowledge and then allows outlets for you to put that knowledge into action. It allows you to find new ways of solving everyday problems that affect a lot of people. Part of the experience that I value the most, besides getting a huge energy boost to actually DO something, were the people that attend YAEF every year. The people that YAEF attracts are those that put their money and their actions where their mouths are. They are willing to act! They are innovative and creative and ultimately inspiring to be around! Coming out of a short, three-day forum with this much useful information and energy is unheard of anywhere else and I highly recommend it for anyone that is tired of simply complaining about the issues affecting their communities and working on finding solutions for those issues" - Patrick Schwing, Eckerd College '06
"YAEF is a great event. As a grassroots forum designed by young adults for young adults, its content is incredibly relevant. The people it attracts are amazing and come from a variety of backgrounds. For college students, 20somethings, and the occasional person just sneaking into his/her thirties, this is a great opportunity to meet others who are concerned with not only talking about a number of social issues, but working with other young progressive people of faith to imagine alternative ways of dealing with globalization, the environmental crisis, and many of the challenges that face young adults now and in the years to come." - Brandon Gilvin, ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)