Anticipated Start Date: May 23, 2026
Description
Pilgrim | May 25 – June 5, 2026 + travel time | Young Adults (ages 18-28) | $300
The United Church of Canada is seeking two young adults (ages 18-28) to participate in the Young Envoys for Amity and Hope (YEAH) program organized by the Amity Foundation in Nanjing, China from May 25 to June 5, 2026.
Amity Foundation was created in 1985 by Chinese Christians “as a channel for people-to-people contact and ecumenical sharing of resources and advancing world peace”. Over the past four decades, Amity has offered opportunities for people of the United Church to teach and volunteer. This year, they are offering this new exchange program, YEAH, for young adults from all over the world, together with college students in China.
The world is undergoing unprecedented changes. Geopolitical tensions are on the rise. The world faces growing crises and challenges: environmental and climate change, widening income gaps, global economic recession, risks posed by artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity threats etc. These intertwined challenges impact the development and future of society. Addressing these crises urgently requires the collective efforts of the global community, particularly young people worldwide.
The program will include tours and visits which focus on current affairs analysis, economic overview, historical exploration, environmental awareness and peace advocacy. Amity's goals of the program are to promote understanding of social issues of Chinese society and approaches to addressing them through site visits, lecturers and discussions, deepen a multi-dimensional understanding of the world today through lectures and discussion and strengthen understanding of peace by youth through visits to historical sites in Nanjing and reflections on historical events.
We are seeking two young adults (ages 18-28) who:
- have a demonstrated commitment to, and engagement in, The United Church of Canada (locally, regionally and/or nationally)
- have a passport that does not expire before November 2026
- have good knowledge, critical analysis and professional expertise in one or more of the following areas: global affairs, peace, economics, environment, advocacy and education
Participants will be expected to:
- participate fully in all program elements in preparation, in China and upon return
- do four presentations about their experience upon return
- write a blogpost for United Church webpage/communications with photos
Participants are expected to contribute $300 towards the cost. International flights, visa, room and board and program costs will be covered by Amity Foundation and The United Church of Canada.
If you have any questions, please contact
To Apply
Please complete the application form and email it to by February 19, 2026.
Downloads
- yeah-application-form_uccan.docx (318.63 KB) (Word)