Home >> FAQ >> What's a Jam? << LPSC << Programs

Each YES! Jam brings together approximately thirty outstanding young changemakers for a week of networking, skills sharing and community building. YES! Jams create transformative fields of shared inquiry in which young leaders deepen the root system behind the commitments, prayers and actions that move through their lives.  Our alumni support one another and collaborate together on-goingly long after the Jam, sustaining themselves for a lifetime of service to the world.

The program incorporates facilitated dialogue, sharing circles, inspiring guest speakers, organized networking, ceremony, live music, artistic expression, games, yoga, participant-led workshops, and free time for participants to enjoy each other and the beautiful environment surrounding them.

Why is it called a Jam?

When musicians get together and play unprepared music, they create songs that have never been heard before, and this is often called a "jam." When talented musicians do this, it often results in some of the most memorable music of our collective history. But that's not the end goal. When musicians get together to "jam," they get to share their unique skills and knowledge, as well as learn from the other musicians. They get to hear and experience other styles of music, expand their horizons and make something unique. They get to have fun, build community, and combine their collective talent, inspiration and skills to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. This fertile ground of diversity, trust and joy sprouts some of the most powerful seeds.

How are Jams different than a conference or workshop?

Our process uses peer coaching, whole and break-out group discussion, and facilitated activities to foster community building and self-awareness.  All of our activities emphasize individual and shared reflection, inquiry, and connection.  In creating dialogue space, facilitators and participants hold YES!’s approach to social change sovereign: transformation takes place on three interconnected levels, the internal, the interpersonal and the global.

This is a constantly evolving statement that has  been created by and is being refined by the YES! Jam community. If you are a Jam alumni and would like to suggest any changes to this document, please email your thoughts to: info@yesworld.org.

Need more information? Read this alumni-written article.