STEP is an exchange programme for youth whereby they spend 3-11 weeks with a Y's Men's family in another country or another region of their own country. It developed out of a desire for a programme offering an opportunity for international experience to those unable or not wishing to participate in the longer exchange offered by the Youth Educational Exchange Programme (YEEP)

In contrast to YEEP, STEP does not involve attending school in another country. Rather, the focus is on participation in activities of interest to both the young person and the host family, club and community. Examples include: Club fundraising activities, involvement in YMCA camps or Time of Fast (TOF) projects.

Benefits

STEP has many of the same objectives as YEEP, such as promoting better world understanding among people of different cultures and providing an international experience to future leaders of Y'sdom. The benefits of STEP include:

• Experiencing different cultures, customs and languages;

• Experiencing the joys of world brotherhood and peaceful association among nations;

• Learning about the activities of Y'sdom worldwide;

• Growing in self-confidence, responsibility and maturity;

• Bringing an international flavour to the host club and community;

• Learning about one's own country from a different location (if participating in an exchange within the country).

Eligibility

The programme is open to young people aged 15-25 years. Those who apply should be mature enough to be ambassadors for Y’sdom and live away from home for a period of 3-11 weeks. Applicants must:

1. Be a child/grandchild of a Y’s Man and/or Y’s Menette; or

2. Have been inducted as a Y’s Man/Y’s Menette; or

3. If neither of the above, have participated in the screening and introduction process of a local Y’s Men’s  Club.

(Please note: people in the first two categories will be given higher priority.)

Application Procedure

Only the official STEP application form will be accepted by the International Service Director (ISD). Three photos must be included with it and the dates of travel stated on it must be very specific. The application must be received by the ISD at least 5 months before the exchange is to begin. A brief essay must be sent with the application, including information on hobbies, career goals, Y’s Men activities, involvement in other organisations, leadership experience and special interest activities. Please type or print the essay in block letters.

Application Fee

All applicants must pay an application fee of 30 Swiss Francs by bank draft payable to Y’s Men International. This should be attached to the application form. Upon placement they must also pay a placement fee of 35 Swiss Francs by bank draft payable to Y's Men International.

Applications are handled as follows:

1. The young person submits the completed application form to the sponsor club.

2. The home Region’s Regional Service Director (RSD) receives the application from the sponsor club and forwards it to the Area Service Director (ASD).

3. The home Area’s ASD reviews the application and immediately forwards the form to the ISD and the bank draft to IHQ.

4. The ISD assigns an international registration number and forwards copies to each of the Areas requested by the applicant.

5. ASDs forward the application to RSDs who attempt to place the applicant with a suitable family who has found an appropriate project for the applicant to participate in during the stay.

6. When a placement is found, a Confirmation of Placement Form is completed by the host Region’s RSD and sent to the sponsor Region’s RSD. Copies are also sent to the sponsor and host ASDs and the ISD.

7. At this point, direct communication between the young person and the host family begins, as well as preparations for the exchange. These include travel arrangements, dates, visas, insurance and a plan of activities for the exchange.

Ideas For Projects

The projects or activities must be voluntary. Some projects undertaken by past STEP participants are outlined below. There is really no limit to the possibilities: it is up to everyone involved to develop ideas that suit the individual young person, family, club and community. It is important that these projects be decided and agreed upon prior to the exchange by everyone involved.

• Counsellor or leader at a YMCA camp. Depending on personal interests and the opportunities available, this could include baby-sitting, outdoor activities, science camp, etc.

• TOF project.

• Club fundraising projects.

• Speaker to both youth and adult groups about country/club.

Conclusion

STEP is a programme with endless possibilities. It is important that clubs promote it in order to make young people aware of this fantastic opportunity for international experience and growth. The programme benefits not just the young person, but also the host family and community and our entire movement because it helps fulfil one of the main purposes of the Y’s Men/YMCA: world fellowship. By providing this opportunity to youth, we ensure that future generations will be involved in and excited about Y’sdom.

STEP is not a holiday, though applicants do choose their holiday time to participate in the programme so that it does not interfere with their education. Since the time period is shorter than YEEP, it is best if the language is that of the applicant to ensure good communication, although this may not always be possible. Also, the applicant may have learned other languages in school or at home and wish to be placed in an area where those language skills can be improved.

This programme will succeed in its aims providing all participants open their minds to new and innovative ideas. The club, host family and young person must cooperate to ensure that everyone benefits from the experience. The host family provides a loving home environment and, with club members, gives the young person as many opportunities as possible to learn about Y’sdom in action.

(Adapted from the STEP Manual written by PISD for STEP Ole Hansen and updated by ISD for STEP 97/00 Ginny Gulyas)

Interested in participating? Download the forms here.

    Basic Application Form (26 KB)
    Confirmation of Placement (21 KB)
    Host Family Application Form (27 KB)
    Confirmation of Travel (22 KB)
    Brotherhood Fund Support for STEP (23 KB)
    Club Registration for STEP (32 KB)
    Checklists for STEP Participants (47 KB)