Purpose & History
AYS HISTORY
When Glenn and Elisabeth Bingham's oldest son was a teenager, they wanted to send him as a volunteer on a service expedition. However they were concerned that many of the established youth humanitarian programs would put him in a situation that would test rather that strengthen his LDS standards.
According to the Binghams, they explored the thought, "Wouldn't it be great if there was a group for LDS youth!" Talking with friends, they found several other parents who felt the same way and were looking for the same type of experience. So, to mark the beginning of AYS in 1999, the Bingham's began contacting friends throughout the U.S. in effort to form their own excursion – one based on values they all shared as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first Alliance for Youth Service expedition was to Brazil, with just 10 participants.
Today, AYS is a thriving humanitarian organization catering to teens ages 16-19 who are willing to abide the AYS Code of Conduct. Annual summer service expeditions have grown to include nearly 200 participants who choose between a variety of trips. Throughout the years, countries served by AYS have included:
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic
• Fiji
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Peru
• Tonga
• United States – Appalachia
AYS faith-based initiative, catering to values held by member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "Our goal is to grow to make enough room for everyone who want to participate,” said Glenn Bingham. “Over the years, we’ve had many participants come home and get right back in line to go again the following summer. If we can provide this type of experience, one that is really life-changing, we want to make it accessible to everyone.” With plans to accommodate 300 youth in 2010, AYS will expand its reach of service to Belize and Brazil.
PURPOSE OF AYS
Simply stated, the purpose and motto of AYS is “Changing lives through service.” At AYS we believe that service draws us closer to Christ. There is a great need for service in the world, and there are many LDS youth who want to fill that need. Our mission is to provide opportunities for teens to serve in areas of the world where they can be of assistance to our less-fortunate brothers and sisters and grow in their testimonies of the Gospel in an atmosphere that is safe, fun, and conducive to the standards of followers of Jesus Christ.
With headquarters in St. George, Utah, AYS is an LDS-oriented service group dedicated to engaging youth in global and interpersonal betterment. As an organization, the goal of AYS is threefold: 1) to complete a character-building service project for those living in extreme poverty; 2) to embrace the the culture of the country in which we serve; and 3) to create opportunities to build lasting friendships with members of the church where AYS groups are serving and with peer volunteers and trip leaders. Ultimately, AYS aims to develop and nurture a perpetual and long-lasting desire for participants and alumni to engage in humanitarian projects that edify both the giver and the receiver in an environment that reflects positively on the LDS Church and maintains its standards.