hey, today is “youth worker appreciation day”!
if you live in the vacinity of one of the 100 or so christian bookstores celebrating the day, be sure to stop by for special deals, free stuff, and – hopefully – lots of affirmation. check out the ywad website for locations.
if you don’t live near one of the locations, know that we appreciate you!
if you know a youth worker, it would be a great day to send them a little note or e-card telling them what you appreciate about them.
here’s the press release:
Independent Christian stores unite for Youth Worker Appreciation Day. Christian youth workers rarely get the recognition they deserve. That’s about to change on Sept. 6, 2008, as more than 100 independently owned Christian stores come together for the first-ever Youth Worker Appreciation Day. Organized by Youth Specialties, the youth ministry division of Zondervan, the day is intended to recognize and celebrate the efforts of the hundreds of thousands of youth workers worldwide.
Youth Specialties Certified Dealers, such as family-owned Mardel Christian & Education Stores and others, will partner with local churches to host events and promotions designed to help youth workers lead their faith communities. Events during this inaugural campaign include special sidewalk sales, music performances, mini-seminars on youth ministry, and author meet & greet parties, as well as free Youth Specialties swag and in-store discounts.
“Youth workers pour themselves into the lives of the kids they work with year-round, offering them guidance, support, and a listening ear as they learn to walk and grow with Christ,” said Mark Oestreicher, Youth Specialties president. “Youth Worker Appreciation Day is all about recognizing their selfless efforts and their genuine hearts for impacting the lives of kids.”
Youth Specialties expects more than 100 independent Christian stores to participate in Youth Worker Appreciation Day. The organization has provided a resource kit that includes suggestions, templates, logos, and promotional materials to participating retailers.
YS has created www.ywad.org for participating stores to get fresh and fun ideas. In addition, retailers can also learn how to become a Youth Specialties Certified Dealer, and pastors, church leaders, and parents can find information and ideas on how they can show appreciation for their youth workers—including ideas for a special recognition event the next morning during their Sunday service.
For more information on Youth Specialities, visit www.youthspecialties.com.
to find if there’s a store in your area participating in youth worker appreciation day, click here.