Over 95% of the world’s youth age 12-24 live outside the United States , while less than 5% of the world’s donor resources go to meet the needs of this generation. Most of the over 1.5 billion youth worldwide are growing up without a clear path to a meaningful future, yet still only 5% of the world’s paid youth workers work with these youth. “Changing the whole world of youth.” Although it is the key phrase of International Youth Initiative(IYI), it’s going to take more than an organization.  However, IYI seeks to be a vehicle to make it possible.  IYI is a non-denominational, Christian non-profit organization that seeks to empower international youth workers to transform and equip each present and future generation of youth.  IYI works to replicate generational life transformation and ministry in youth age 12-24 globally through international youth worker partnerships, leadership training, and strategic development projects.  Foundational is stirring the vision within the global church and its leaders to develop effective youth ministry that reaches all youth for Christ and raises them up as world changers. 

IYI was founded in 2002 by Keith King, who brings with him over 30 years of youth ministry experience as well as experience in college and family ministries.  Additionally, he was a professor at Talbot Seminary and a trainer with Youth Specialties. Upon familiarizing himself with the needs of youth leaders internationally when conducting international conferences with Youth Specialties, Keith decided to create the necessary medium to raise-up youth leaders to influence this generation and those to follow. Currently, IYI is building the model of what it looks like to transform a country through youth and youth leadership in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.  As this model develops, incredible impact is occurring at all levels of society – from university students, business leaders, IYI’s network of youth leaders and their ministries, IYI’s LEAD Youth Leadership Institute, the attitude of the governmental leadership, to major league baseball.

As IYI continues to develop this model as well as replicate it and contextualize it in other countries, the support of individuals and partner organizations is critical. God continues to open up incredible opportunities to transform generations and whole countries and collaboration in this effort is needed.