Diocesan Youth Council Expectations
Membership
The DYC is open to youth in grades 7–12 who are active participants in an Episcopal church within the Diocese of West Tennessee. Membership concludes upon graduation from 8th grade (for middle schoolers) or from high school. Members who graduate high school before their 18th birthday may continue to serve on the DYC until age 18.
Youth who serve on the DYC in middle school and wish to continue in high school do not need to reapply but must notify the DYC adult coordinators (Emily Austin or Canon Rob Courtney) of their intent to continue by May.
Participation & Worship
Members are expected to regularly attend and participate in worship at an Episcopal church in the Diocese of West Tennessee. If their church offers youth fellowship or formation opportunities, they are expected to regularly participate.
Expectations
Meetings
The DYC meets 7-8 times per year on Sunday afternoons, typically from 2-3 p.m. Meetings may be held in person or via Zoom. Members are required to attend all scheduled meetings. Prior to each meeting, members will sign up for roles such as prayer leader, timekeeper, note taker, etc. Members are encouraged to rotate responsibilities to gain a range of experience.
2026 DYC Meeting Dates:
January 11; March 1; May 10; August 16; September 13; November 8; December 6
Event Participation
DYC members help plan and run Younited fellowship events, which are open to all youth in the Diocese of West Tennessee in grades 6-12. Members are expected to attend the entirety of each Younited event. If a scheduling conflict arises, members must inform an adult coordinator in advance.
Attendance Policy
DYC members are expected to be present and actively engaged at all DYC meetings and Younited events. Members who miss four or more meetings or gatherings in a calendar year will forfeit their seat on the Council.
Other Events
In addition to regular meetings and Younited events, DYC members are strongly encouraged to participate in the following diocese-wide opportunities:
Feast of Lights Worship and Gathering: Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Columba (Memphis)
During this youth-centric outdoor worship at St. Columba, new DYC members are introduced during the prayers. Families encouraged to attend.
Bishop and Council Meeting: May 28, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.; location TBA
Diocesan Convention
DYC members serve as volunteer pages each year.
2025 Convention: November 14-15 at Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis
2026 Convention: November 14; location TBA