Youth Caucus is Coming!
Be an individual in the crowd In just six short weeks, thousands of Unitarian Universalists will gather in Louisville, Kentucky for our annual General Assembly. Youth always have a strong presence at GA, and we expect this year will be no different. As of May 3, we had over 180 youth registered. We expect to exceed 200 youth participants this year and are looking forward to the high-energy of the Youth Caucus. The Youth Caucus Staff has been working hard to put together programming offered for and by youth this year and are ready to share their work with you. Over the next weeks, we’ll be sharing more about what you can expect at…
Be a Bridge Keeper for Youth Faith
SHOW THE WAY ACROSS THE BRIDGE! The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) sponsored Bridge Connections Program helps keep youth transitioning (“bridging”) into young adulthood connected to Unitarian Universalist (UU) faith communities and campus groups when they go off to college, get their own apartment, or start a new job. A Timeless Connection Each spring, the UUA Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries sends brochures to every certified congregation with a link to the online Bridge Connections Form. Bridging youth provide the contact-information of their new location on this form. Every fall, the UUA notifies local congregations and campus ministries of recently bridged young adults moving to their area, so that they may welcome them and…
Multicultural Leadership School Aug 2-6, 2013
Scholarship Deadline May 15. The UUA Multicultural Leadership School for UU youth and young adults of color ages 15-30 will be held in Boston, August 2-6, 2013. Read about this empowering program led by Rev. Dr. Monica Cummings, now in its fourth year, and register and request a scholarship by May 15. APPLY HERE!
Merit for All Scouts: GSA Edition
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) plans to review its policy banning LGBTQ membership or participation in May of this year stands in contrast to the Girl Scouts of America (GSA) policy of not discriminating against LGBTQ membership. GSA policy with regard to the sexual orientation of its members, volunteers and staff states, “there are no membership policies on sexual preference,” which means that unlike the Boy Scouts and their policy regarding homosexual male adults, at the Girl Scouts of America sexual orientation or identity does not disqualify individuals from serving as leaders (1). From the GSA website, Diversity has been a core value of Girl Scouts since its founding in 1912. At a time…
March Call: Bridging
Our March call is open to anyone who is interested in having a discussion about the Bridging process and what we can all do to enhance this. The bridging process in this context refers to youth who are bridging to young adulthood. The Unitarian Universalist Association provides resources and a bridge connections program nationally, and most regions/districts also provide programming. Whether you are a UU youth approaching bridging, young adult, campus student, youth advisor, lay leader working with youth or young adults, religious educator, minister, campus ministry leader, college chaplain, or any other role involved in this bridging process, we welcome you on this call. We will be meeting on Sunday, March 3rd at 8:30pm Eastern time. Content Details:…
UUA: Merit For All Scouts
The following statement was issued by Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President Rev. Peter Morales following the Boy Scouts of America decision during their board meeting last week to put off consideration of ending their ban on LGBTQ membership. – Ed. “The Unitarian Universalist Association joins in solidarity with Scouts for Equality to work together to end the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) discrimination against gay scouts and scout leaders. As a religious community, Unitarian Universalists affirm the worth and dignity of every person regardless of sexual orientation. Starting in 1985, the UUA has spoken out in opposition to the BSA’s discriminatory practices. It is our hope that the UUA and Scouts for Equality, together with…
Merit for All – Scouts On Hold.
Boy Scouts of America Defer Policy Change Decision to May. At their meeting today in Dallas, The National BSA Board (which is composed of more than 70 members) decided to put off voting on ending the Boy Scouts of America’s practice of discriminating against the LGBTQ community, proposing instead to bring the issue to the 1,400 voting members of the national council at their national convention in May, 2013. Read the statement from the Boy Scouts of America here. Read the full story on Reuters here.
Religiously Congregating (or Not)
In response to Katherine Ozment’s article “Losing Our Religion”, KJ Dell’Antonia presents an argument for what is gained by not fostering connection with religious community: parents having the opportunity to support their children’s freedom to define their religious identity. We invite you to add your reflection to the debate! – Ed. KJ Dell’Antonia, writing in the New York Times blog Motherlode – Adventures in Parenting, comments on Katherine Ozment’s article “Losing Our Religion” (in the January 2013 issue of Boston Magazine, previously excerpted by Blue Boat) that it might not be a bad thing when parents don’t offer their children access to religious community. Citing Andrew Solomon’s thesis in “Far From the Tree” (that “vertical”and “horizontal”…
Learn Now How to Make it Better Now
Make it Better Now Professional Development Opportunity for Unitarian Universalist Leaders Take advantage of a day of workshops and discussions on how to better welcome and minister to LGBTQ youth within Unitarian Universalist congregations. This professional development opportunity is available for Ministers, Seminarians, Directors of Religious Education, Youth Group Leaders and all other UU leaders interested in exploring the pastoral care needs of LGBTQ youth, reflecting on church policies, and sharing best practices. COST: $15 per person includes refreshments and lunch WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, January 26, 9AM – 3PM in Stow, MA. WORKSHOPS: (For full description of workshops and presenters click here.) Church Policies and LGBTQ Youth Creating a Culture of Safety, Acceptance, and…
Youth Ministry Extravaganza!
Youth, Religious Educators and Ministers – this is for you. Ministers, religious educators, and youth will meet in a fun, immersive event at Camp Allen (Navasota, TX), 21–24 February, 2013. There will be opportunities for fellowship, worship, spiritual depth, and fun! We will learn and practice skills to help us develop our congregations as integrated, multi-generational communities. This event will be a unique opportunity for ministers, other professional religious leaders (who are being trained specifically for youth ministry), and our youth to create meaningful youth ministry through interaction. Learn more about the Youth Ministry Extravaganza 2012 (including programming, fees and registration deadlines). This event is hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Association Southern Region with support…
