Youth For Understanding Organization Incorporated

The Youth for Understanding teenage exchange program has become a non-profit corporation.

As Youth for Understanding, Inc., the program now has a status separate from the organizations which have been its sponsors nearly as long as the program has existed — the Michigan Council of Churches and the Ann Arbor-Washtenaw Council of Churches. 

A relationship between the new corporation and the two church groups will be maintained, however, by means of the latter having representation on the corporation board of trustees.

The Rev. Ralph B. Piper, who has served as chairman of the Council of Churches’ Youth for Understanding committee, is president of the corporation board of trustees. The Rev. Mr. Piper is pastor of Zion Lutheran Church.

Mrs. Rachel Andresen will continue as program director and will become executive-secretary of the corporation.

Youth for Understanding, Inc., will continue the program’s interracial aspects, it was explained.

During the past year, 19 countries were represented in the program, with placements totaling 939 students in 614 schools in the United States.

In addition, more than 650 American students were involved in exchange activities during the past year through summer placements, year - long exchanges or the Michigan Youth Chorale program.

The corporation has acquired title to a facility at 1930 Washtenaw in which the Ann Arbor-Washtenaw Council of Churches will continue to occupy offices for a time with Mrs. Andresen as director until a successor is chosen.

Other members of the corporation board include Clyde Johnson, vice president; Mrs. Sibley Hoobler, secretary; John Walters, treasurer; and Nicholas Schreiber, Thomas Harrison, the Rev. Wendell Bassett and the Rev. Henry Kuizenga.