Abbreviation YU Type INGO | Formation September 1919 Membership Youth | |
Purpose To help "churches challenge youth to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and transform this world for Him" Region served Canada and the United States | ||
Youth Unlimited (abbreviated YU, formerly known as the American Federation of Reformed Young Men's Societies, the Young Calvinist League, and then the Young Calvinist Federation) is a youth ministry in Canada and the United States that was formed in September 1919. The organization has its roots in the Christian Reformed Church in North America, but partners with other Christian denominations. Youth Unlimited is one of three youth ministries under the Dynamic Youth Ministries umbrella organization, the other two being GEMS Girls' Clubs and the Calvinist Cadet Corps. In August 1950, the organization, which was then called the Young Calvinist Federation (YCF), released a report calling for the institution of educational programs and legislative programmes in order to afford African Americans "rights and opportunities equal to those enjoyed by other members of society." The American Federation of Reformed Young Women's Societies, which was founded in May 1932, merged into the YCF in December 1955. In August 1967, the YCF held an international convention in Edmonton, Alberta. From December 30, 1982 until January 2, 1983, the YCF co-sponsored a conference with members of local churches in Calgary. The name of the organization changed to Youth Unlimited (YU) in 1992. In 1998, the Ellensburg, Washington chapter of the organization spent three days removing graffiti from various parts of the city. In Toronto, Ontario, YU volunteers and staff work to help transition women out of prostitution.