• Any mature young woman who is preferably 22-35 years of age, a member of the LCMS, and has not previously attended a national convention as a YWR may become a Young Woman Representative.
• A YWR has a deep love and devotion for her Lord Jesus Christ and is willing to participate in the full scope of the convention.
• A YWR will fill out the application completely and honestly, and return it to the district by the date it is due.
• A YWR is willing to be away from home /work for the entire convention and the travel time involved to attend.
• A YWR will attend all sessions of the convention, sitting with her district delegation, though she will not be able to vote.
• A YWR will be asked to report on her convention experience either orally or in written form to the district, zone or society that nominated her.
• A YWR will actively seek to be involved in her local LWML as well as encourage other young women to be active in the LWML.

Guidelines for Selecting an LWML Young Woman Representative

The YWR should:

• Have a strong relationship with her Lord. Everything will flow from this. The significance of the LWML and the convention experience will hold great meaning for her. Her faith will encourage her as she carries out her YWR duties and responsibilities.
• Have some knowledge of the LWML. She will gain much from her national convention experience if she understands the basics of the organization. Each district should make an effort to provide education and information for the YWR prior to the convention.
• Know what is expected of her on the district level after the national convention, whether that is speaking engagements, attendance at district events or YWR committee work.
• Have experience or potential in at least two of the following areas: speaking, leading, recruiting, or encouraging. Since she will be expected to impact others with her convention experience, skills in these areas would be helpful.
• Have a desire to make a difference. Enthusiasm to learn and be involved is a must! This YWR will be more willing to assume the responsibilities given her by the district and serve in a sincere, dedicated manner.

These guidelines are suggestions to empower your Young Woman Representative program to have the greatest effect on the young women of your district. May the Lord lead and guide you in your selection process!

Supporting Your Young Woman Representatives

Before the convention:

• Have the YWR's photo and an article about her in your district newsletter and on your web site.
• Give her some basic information about LWML and invite her to attend a meeting to see how LWML works on the district level.
• Find a mentor for the YWR, preferably a district officer that is attending the convention.
• Find a travel liaison who offers to help with any travel arrangements that need to be made for the convention. This person would be available to travel with the YWR or pick her up on arrival at the convention, as well as also help with registration and hotel forms.
• Pray that the YWR will come to the convention with an open mind and a willing heart, and that the Lord will bless her in this experience.

During the convention:

• Encourage the YWR to connect with members of your district at convention by telling her where the district delegation is staying and giving her phone numbers. Perhaps different women from the district could invite her to sit with them at meals.
• Write a special note to the YWR. Place it at her seat before the first business meeting.
• Be ready for questionsthere is a lot happening at the convention, and it is kind of confusing, especially if this is the first time you attend.
• Always have a smile and an encouraging word if you see the YWR around the convention center.
• Pray that the Lord would strengthen the YWR so that she can fully participate in the convention and that the Lord will bless her.

After the convention:

• Immediately send a follow-up note to the YWR.
• Invite the YWR to a district meeting and give her the opportunity to discuss her experiences and share her ideas.
• Listen. Young women are creative and full of enthusiasm.
• Ask the YWR to write an article for your district newsletter or web site.
• Encourage zones and societies to extend personal invitations to the YWR to speak at their meetings and rallies.
• Ask the YWR to speak at your district convention.
• Send or e-mail LWML newsletters to her along with a personal note of encouragement to help maintain her interest.
• Involve her in the planning process for YWR programming in the district.
• Pray for her.