How to join

Nobody joins the IDYM on their own: young people take part through a local group of young Dominicans recognised by the Dominican Family. Each group thereby becomes a member of the International Dominican Youth Movement and of the Dominican Family.

Step by step

  1. Find a group near you. Groups usually meet around a community of Dominican friars, nuns or sisters. If you do not know any, write to us.
  2. Take part in its life. Prayer, study, community life and mission: the four pillars of Dominican life.
  3. If there is no group, you can start one. With other young people and the accompaniment of a friar, a sister or an experienced lay Dominican.
  4. Ask for recognition. With its internal rules, the group asks to be recognised by the Prior Provincial, Vice-Provincial or Vicar, or the Prioress General or Provincial Superior of a Dominican congregation.

Who can join?

  • Young lay people between 18 and 35 years old.
  • Who have received the sacraments of Christian initiation and have a certain maturity in faith.
  • Who identify with the Dominican charism.
  • Who commit, in a temporary and flexible way, to their group and its mission.

You will find the details in the IDYM Statutes 2017 and in Who we are.

Frequently asked questions

Can I join the IDYM on my own?

No. Young people do not join the IDYM individually but as members of a local group that has been accepted and recognised by the Dominican Family.

How old do I need to be?

IDYM groups are made up of young lay people between 18 and 35 years old.

What else is asked of members?

To have received the sacraments of Christian initiation, to have a certain maturity in faith, to identify with the Dominican charism and to commit, in a temporary and flexible way, to the group and its mission.

Who recognises a group?

The Prior Provincial, Vice-Provincial or Vicar, or the Prioress General or Provincial Superior of a Dominican congregation. They also approve the group’s internal rules (Statutes 2.1, 2.5).

Who accompanies the groups?

Friars, nuns, apostolic sisters or lay Dominicans with experience in the Dominican Family can be group advisers. They take part in the meetings but do not vote and cannot be elected (Statutes 5.1, 5.3).

Where is the IDYM present?

There are recognised groups in 24 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe and North America.

How do I find a group near me?

Ask the Dominican friars or sisters in your city, or write to us through the contact page and we will put you in touch with the coordination of your country.

Do you have questions or want to find a group in your country?

Write to us