Why the name Polaris?
Polaris is the name of the North Star, a steadfast beacon in the night sky that has guided sojourners on their way for millennia. The star appears to hold the same celestial location from dusk until dawn, providing a natural guidepost for navigation. In this spirit, the Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network serves as a steadying conduit of community, holy friendship, and collaborative innovation for young adults who lead. The network also shares stories and generates research for those invested in Christian young adult leadership across the United States.
Just as collections of unique stars form captivating constellations across the cosmos, bright young leaders and their gifts illuminate each other’s lives when they become interconnected . Polaris creates space for meaningful vocational friendships to emerge and for new constellations of support to develop among young adults around the country. Together, young adults form a new cosmology of relationships within the vast and evolving landscape of Christian leadership.
What do leaders gain from being part of the network?
Christian leaders often feel lonely and isolated in their work. Polaris proactively responds to this crisis. It’s easy to imagine leaders as those on the frontlines of every enterprise and arena, making sure the needs of their communities are met and those entrusted to their care are adequately cared for. Still, young adult leaders face distinct challenges, dealing with life transitions or even experiencing resistance in their leadership. These strains can leave them feeling as if they are alone in their experience, without a community to offer solidarity or to work alongside toward resolutions to seemingly intractable problems. Polaris creates a community of people who “get it” and want to engage in friendships and mutual support. If you are a leader in your 20s and this resonates, get connected.
I’m a young adult leader. How do I join?
We are so glad you are interested in connecting with other young adults! You can fill out this form and we will be in touch soon with more information about upcoming opportunities.
Do I need to work or serve in ministry to be considered a Christian leader?
Absolutely not! Christians are called into all sectors of public life, and the Polaris Leadership Network connects with individuals who live out their Christian faith and leadership in the many different contexts in which they live, work, and lead.
How do I nominate a young adult to join the Polaris Leadership Network?
If you know and admire a young adult in their 20s because of their Christian leadership, tell us about them here. As soon as we have opportunities available for them to join, they’ll be the first to know.
I work with an organization that supports young adults. How do I get connected?
We are currently working to map the ecosystem of organizations that call young adults into leadership and equip them to lead. If you want to share about an organization that should be included in that map, tell us about the organization here. If you’d like to get connected in other ways, reach out by email or phone using the contact information provided.
Can I nominate a Fellow to participate in the Polaris Fellowship Program?
Currently, we are only accepting nominations from a handful of collaborative partners. However, as the network grows this may change and we will update the site accordingly. In the meantime, if you admire a young adult who should be part of the network, please tell us about them here and we’ll reach out to share other ways that they can get involved.