Statement of Faith

As a volunteer, I understand that NYT is a Christian organization and that the leadership is held to agreement with the following beliefs.  I further understand that dispute resolution and other issues will be handled in a manner consistent with the following Statement of Faith:

  • We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
  • We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
  • We believe in the active ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
  • We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those that are saved to resurrection of life and those that are lost to the resurrection of damnation.

As a volunteer, I understand that all of the following applies to me, as well as the board of directors and staff of NYT:

General Principles

  1. Have respect for authority figures who oversee you (1 Peter 2:13-17; Romans 13:1).
  2. Have an attitude of compassion for the differences, needs, or disabilities of others.  The world can be a very “mean” place for  youth.  NYT should be a safe place where their defenses can be lowered.
  3. Act and speak in a manner worthy of the God who calls you – unkind remarks, profanity, coarse jokes, conversation involving inappropriate content, or sexual situations should be completely avoided. Any language or conversation unbecoming of the Bible’s instruction is unacceptable at all times and especially at youth functions (1 Thessalonians 2:12; Ephesians 4:1; 5:4).

Specific Guidelines

  • At no time should a volunteer be alone with any one child.
  • Volunteers should refrain from inappropriate physical contact with each other and students. If you are in a relationship with another volunteer, public displays of affection are not allowed while serving at NYT activities.
  • Unless it is during an organized activity, volunteers should not engage in physical play with students.  This would include, but not be limited to, pushing, disrespectful behavior, initiation activities, punching, teasing, etc.  A chief goal of NYT is to provide a safe environment for students.

Responsibility to Students, Parents, Other Staff, and the Church

  • As a volunteer, you have the responsibility of upholding the standards of parents while their children are entrusted into your care.  Do not tell students their parents are wrong, out of touch, or in any way undermine the authority of their parents.
  • Disagreements with other board members, staff, students, or other volunteers should be handled in an appropriate manner away from direct interaction with the students (see Biblical Conflict Resolution Matthew 18).  Discussions or conflicts should occur privately.  Submission to authority is crucial even if there is not total agreement.

Personal Lifestyle

  • As a volunteer, your personal habits and your actions are closely watched by the students.  In being an example, your priorities go beyond what is right for you and extend to what is best for the students.
  • Volunteers are to dress in a modest fashion:
  • Clothing must be modest and appropriate for all activities for men and women.
    • Be aware of what may be exposed when dancing, moving, jumping, sitting, bending over, etc.
    • Remember the 3 B’s (for men AND women): behind, belly, and breasts are to be covered.
    • Undergarments must be covered.
    • No low-riding pants or shorts.
    • No clothing that bares midriffs or shows cleavage.
    • Boys may swim without wearing a shirt. 
    • Transparent or see-through clothing MAY ONLY BE WORN WITH a tank, shirt, shorts, or leggings underneath.
    • All skirts and loose athletic shorts (a.k.a. Nike or sport shorts), or any other shorts shorter than mid-thigh, MUST BE WORN WITH bike shorts, leggings, tights, or bloomers.
    • Leggings, jeggings, tights, yoga pants, etc. MUST BE WORN WITH something additional that covers your behind (i.e., a long shirt, shorts, skirt, etc).
    • No inappropriate messages or images on clothing (ex: crude language, provocative images).
  • Volunteers should be courteous, respectful, and dignified in their personal demeanor.  Your choice of language should not include offensive words, including referring to the opposite gender in slang terms, using profanity of any kind, disrespectful nicknames, etc.
Clear Signature
I have read and agree to adhere to the above code of conduct.