The National Christian Youth Council was founded in 1930. In 1998, the NCYC changed its name to the Varick International Christian Youth Council. ViCYC is the oldest existing unit within the Christian Education Department.
The mission of the Varick International Christian Youth Council is to develop youth committed to living spirit-filled Christian lives and to teaching others how to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
The purpose of ViCYC is the cultivation of spiritual development among persons 13-21 and to provide representation for the youth of this denomination. ViCYC coordinates youth activities, channels their concerns and presents their collective contributions to the AME Zion Church. ViCYC is the avenue with which the youth of the church can develop their abilities and walk through problems in relationship with other teens and supportive adults can work on their development tasks. ViCYC provides opportunity for implementation of successful youth councils in the local church, and on the district and conference levels.
Red (the blood of Jesus) & Purple (royalty)
The emblem of ViCYC features the Latin cross that includes a globe with longitudinal and latitudinal lines symbolic of the world, reminding us of the Great Commission. The profile of James Varick, the first Superintendent (Bishop) of the AME Zion Church and the namesake of the NCYC us superimposed on the globe. The emblem is completed with the full name and the acronym of the Varick Interational Christian Youth Council.
ViCYC in the local church can be a catalyst for the various ministries that can be developed within the church to incorporate the youth. Involvement in the church is a key element in the education of the youth on God’s word and what it means to be a Christian. ViCYC can provide the vehicle through which youth have the opportunity to develop essential life skills, such as decision-making planning, teamwork and leadership.