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Youth News
A monthly newsletter of the UUA Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
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 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR TOGETHER
On Sunday, February 14, over 100 communities participated in a day of worship and action as part of the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign. Each community that participated focused on issues that mattered locally and used tactics that would create change. Looking through the photos and videos produced from events around the country, I was inspired by the ways in which youth and young adults stepped up for justice and equality. Among the many examples, youth and young adults attended a town hall style meeting, held bake sales, organized campus rallies, and lobbied politicians. Read more or watch videos and see photos of the success.
I was also deeply moved by the more than two-hundred bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender Ugandans who gathered in Kampala for the "Standing on the Side of Love: Re-imagining Valentine's Day" conference. The conference served to organize a response to the anti-gay bill that will soon be voted on by the Ugandan Parliament and to provide support for Ugandans who are facing persecution. Ugandan Unitarian Universalist minister Rev. Mark Kiyimba convened the conference in conjunction with Spectrum Uganda and other grassroots BGLT community organizations. Many of the conference participants were young adults. Risking arrest and imprisonment, the courageous activists at this conference witnessed for justice. Read more about the Kampala conference.
In January I expressed my hope that youth and young adults would be integral to the success of this day. I am so incredibly inspired by the youth and young adults around the world who took a powerful stand for love! Keep it up!
Erik B. Kesting
Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director |
PASTORAL MESSAGE MIRACLES
Hi Family,
February was a memorable month in so many ways. D.C. and other southern U.S. cities experienced record snow fall amounts. It was also the month of Valentine's Day and an unprecedented show of love and support for the Standing on the Side of Love campaign that was mentioned in the editor's column.
February was also the month that survivors from the earthquake in Haiti continued to be pulled from the rubble weak but alive. It was the month that the New Orleans Saints won their first Super Bowl. February also marked the 30th anniversary of what is called the miracle on ice; when the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, against what many people thought were insurmountable odds, won the gold medal in the 1980 winter Olympic Games.
While reflecting on the events of February and looking forward to what I would write about for the March newsletter, I could not stop thinking about the word miracle. I'll admit it is not the first time that the word occupied my thinking. The first time I really gave serious thought to the meaning of miracle was my first year of sobriety when my relationship with the "one" ended, and my therapist and father died one month apart and through it all, I stayed sober. For me not to drink or use drugs to ease my pain and grief was a miracle, in my opinion. Since that time I have looked for and counted on miracles in my life. Occurrences in my daily life that seem insignificant yet are reminders that there is a power greater than myself working in the world and in my life. A Higher Power that reminds me that I am not alone and helps me to remain hopeful that what is happening in my life has meaning and my actions and efforts make my life meaningful.
So I ask you, do you believe in miracles? What gives you strength? What inspires you? What gives you courage to pursue your dreams or goals when others see nothing but obstacles?
As always I would love to hear from you. You can message me on Facebook at Monica Cummings, email me at mcummings@uua.org or leave a comment for me on the YaYA of Color blog, UU Living Mosaic at http://uuyayaoc.blogs.uua.org/.
Living My Faith,
Rev. Monica
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HERE AND NOW RESISTANCE
Ugandan UUs Resist Anti-GBLT Legislation
Uganda is the current hot-spot in the struggle for equal treatment as the country's parliament considers a bill criminalizing homosexuality, and the non-reporting of homosexuals to the police by Ugandans.
The Rev. Eric Cherry, head of the UUA's International Resources Office explains, "The situation for gays and lesbians in Uganda has been terrible for many years. We've heard stories from members of the congregation about physical violence, being disowned, political oppression, andbeing socially outcast."
On February 14 the UU Church of Kampala sponsored a conference protesting the bill. More than 200 people attended, although the location was kept secret until the last moment to keep authorities from arresting conference organizers or participants. Pastor Kiyimba stated, "I can not stand by and watch as my community is exterminated. If the bill finally passes into law, our church will go to court and sue the government... What this work means to me is that my church can take a leading role in liberating the sexual minorities in Uganda... People should have freedom of worship and relationship. The fact remains that LGBT people exist. They are in Uganda..." (Read more...) |
YOUTH IN ACTION LEADER PROFILE
Youth Leader, Alexander Askew
"UU is more than an idea - it is a way of life." - Alexander D. Askew
Alex Askew is a Unitarian Universalist (UU) youth who makes a difference through his way of being. For him, "Unitarian Universalism is more than an idea - it is a way of life." Alex serves as the Board of Directors Youth Representative at the UU Fellowship of Ames, Iowa, is a member of the high-school debate society, and runs track. These and other commitments display his determination, drive, and openness to the outside world. It is his relating to others, however, that reveals his belief in UU values as a way of life. He approaches others with compassion, acceptance, and humility. His longtime friend Claire Barnes Runquist, says about Alexander, "Alex is able to find something in common with everyone he meets, and works off that."
Claire also observed, "In our fellowship there is very low attendance at Sunday morning services, especially during the summer. Alex is one of the very few youth that I've seen go to a service completely of his or her own accord, which shows his desire to connect with different generations and ages. He is not afraid of talking to people, any people." Alex answers, "This is my community, and diversity is what makes up every individual, so there needs to be respect and love for all different types of people in the community. But I feel that it is our duty, as youths, to rise up when we see injustice."
That's why Alex decided to become more active in the governance of his local congregation. "I thought it was important that youth be represented in the Fellowship, and I wanted to do something about that," so he volunteered to serve on his congregation's Board of Directors.
As Youth Representative of his congregation's Board of Trustees he used his debating skills to be sure a youth point of view was included in the decisions being made. "Even though I felt intimidated when the adults would talk about the budget, and stuff like that, I used my experience on the debate team to speak up."
He loves debate because, "To be a good debater you have to be able to argue an issue from both sides, which means really understanding the alternate point-of-view, so in the end you have a real sense of what you believe and the ability to accept someone's beliefs even when you don't agree." But you have to wonder if Andrew's love of debate started earlier in his life. He was introduced to Unitarian Universalism when he was in third grade, and explains that he "felt at home" because of the sense of community that valued individuals and their personal path of spirituality, encouraging a sense of "self-worth." Growing up in the UU Fellowship he participated in the Coming of Age program, and built strong friendships with other UU youth. Together they learned about other faiths, visited a Muslim mosque and Buddhist temple, and learned how important it was to, "be sensitive of other's beliefs and opinions."
Alexander truly has found a way to connect his faith to his daily life. As Claire says, "Alex is happy to be friends even when it isn't so convenient. No matter what problem comes up in my life, Alex is always there cheering me up, whether or not he knows it."
Alex graduates high school this spring and is waiting to hear back from his first-choice college. He plans on studying political science or international relations and religion so he can, "create meaningful change in the lives of others." Although he does not yet know where he will attend school next year, he plans on remaining an active UU, joining other young adult members at creating value in their lives and the lives of others. |
This Month in UU History
March 2, 1401
English Parliament passes the "De Haeretico Comburdendo" (On the Burning of Heretics), the first law in England regulating Dissenting Religion. Although abolished in 1677, holding Unitarian views was still a criminal offense.
March 18, 1568
The Act of Religious Freedom and Conscience (Edict of Torda) issued by King John Sigismund of Transylvania, assuring religious freedom in his principality.
March 25, 1585
John Palaeologus of Chios is burned at the stake in Rome for teaching that Christ should not be worshipped.
March 19, 1652
Richard Coppin, student at Oxford University in England, tried for his belief in universal salvation, convicted, and expelled from University.
March 23, 1657
Richard Coppin arrested a second time for preaching Universalism under 1648 statute requiring belief in future judgment: "Those who held to the final salvation of all people shall be seized and imprisoned until they give assurance that they will teach such doctrine no more." Croppin is released after public outcry against the law, but after a few years his whereabouts are unknown. It is speculated he was executed after 1659.
March 31, 1899
The Universalist General Convention ordains Joseph H. Jordan as the first African-American Universalist minister.
March 7, 1965
600 Civil rights marchers attacked by local law-enforcement in Selma, Alabama. MLK sends telegram asking for clergy of all faiths to support the march, and more than 125 Unitarian ministers respond. Three UU's killed during the march:
Jimmy-Lee Jackson, a UU church deacon.
Viola Liuzzo, a UU lay-person.
James Reeb, a UU minister.
March 25, 1965
Viola Fauver Gregg Liuzzo murdered in Selma, Alabama, aged 39, while marching for voting rights of African-Americans.
March 7, 2010
Reverend Mark Kiyimba of the Kampala, Uganda UU Congregation vows to sue the government should the proposed Anti-GLBT legislation pass into law.
(From "This Day in Unitarian Universalist History", by Frank Schulman.)
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 EVENTS
Chrysalis Training of Trainers, July 10 - 14
For youth and adult advisors. Become a Chrysalis Trainer and train others. Expenses paid for selected participants.
Interfaith Leadership Summer Camp, August 1-6, Highlands, NC
For youth and adult advisors. Learn how to lead from an interfaith perspective. Partially subsidized event.
LDC for Youth and Young Adults of Color, August 13-17, Boston, MA
Annual Leadership Development Conference for Youth and Young Adults of Color.
DRUUMM: West Coast Regional Conference March 19-21, 2010, Pasadena, CA
DRUUMM is a UU People of Color organization. Scholarships available for youth and young adults.
UU Allies for Racial Equity Annual Conference, March 19-20, 2010, Long Beach, CA
For white anti-racist allies seeking accountable ways of partnering with people of color to create transformation in our congregations and communities. Scholarships available for youth and young adults.
Joseph Priestly District: Identity Development Conference for Youth, March 20, 2010, Rockville, MD
For high school age youth, youth advisors, youth coordinators, and those who work with youth. Exploring race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. |
 ANNOUNCEMENTS
YOUTH MINISTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE SELECTED
The Youth Ministry Advisory Committee will serve in an advisory capacity to the UUA President on Associational progress in implementing the recommendations of the Youth Ministry Working Group, the future needs of Unitarian Universalist youth ministry, and the creation of a truly multigenerational faith. Thanks to all those who applied! Newly selected members are Katherine Allen, Sonrisa Alter, John Coakley, Michael Han, Karen Letourneau, and Rev. Liz Stevens. Learn more about the Youth Ministry Advisory Committee.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Join thousands of Unitarian Universalists June 23 - 27, 2010 for the 2010 General Assembly (GA) in Minneapolis. You'll experience wonderful and uplifting worship services-morning and night-led by some of our best worship leaders, with glorious music and inspiring messages. General Assembly is also the way that our faith does business, and YOU have a voice in the discussion. There will be hundreds of entertaining programs and informative workshops, including programming specifically for youth and young adults. Scholarships are available. Learn more or register today!
DEADLINE FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS - MARCH 15.
Is there someone in your congregation or life has mentored or inspired you, who has created or sustained a ministry so vibrant that people's eyes widen when they witness it? Thank that person by nominating them for a UUA award:
Don't let that person's exceptional contribution go unrewarded!
UUA UNVEILS NEW YOUTH PROJECT GRANT PROGRAM - APPLY NOW!
As called for in the Youth Ministry Working Group Recommendations, the UUA has established a grant program for local youth-led projects giving Unitarian Universalist high school-aged youth opportunities to grow in faith, deepen in spirit, develop skills, and offer leadership and service to Unitarian Universalist communities. Grants up to $2,000 will be awarded to youth who pair with an adult advisor in a sponsoring congregation, district, or Unitarian Universalist organization. We areaccepting applicartions now, so apply immediately!
Learn about how to apply, including sample project ideas: Youth Project Grant Program.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY VIDEO PROJECT - DEADLINE MAY 14.
Have a short video that you've posted on your congregation's website or sent out to welcome visitors, educate or inspire members, or evangelize? Want to create one? Your fellow Unitarian Universalists want to see it; UUA is selecting the best videos to showcase at General Assembly. The GA Video Project Team will work with you to make this a success. Learn more! |
Contact Us!
Have questions, comments, or contributions? Reach us at youngadults@uua.org. | |
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