Unitarian Universalist Association Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

June 2010   Youth Newsletter

 
gaga4GA!
Kesting Headshot Letter from the Editor



General Assembly - Community and Leadership






Dear Friends,

Our annual General Assembly is an opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to look to the future, strengthen bonds of faith, and renew community. Once again the UUA is putting its effort into enabling those who cannot be in Minneapolis June 23-27 to participate through electronic means--live video streams, blogging, commenting and conversations on Facebook, and more.

The Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office will be posting updates on our Unitarian Univeralist Youth Ministry Facebook wall throughout General Assembly so youth everywhere can follow the latest happenings during the convention. We have chosen to post updates via Facebook because it is immediate and easy for you to add your own comments and point of view.
 
Without your youth voices, the vision for our future is incomplete. So please follow General Assembly, comment on it, and make yourself part of it!

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Facebook. 
 
In faith,
 
Erik B. Kesting
UUA Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director
General Assembly!


What?  Where?  When?






Follow the 2010 UUA General Assembly in Minneapolis, June 23-27, from home 
(Links to resources:  online program guide, web-streaming schedule, blogs, and more!)

Youth Caucus Programming & other workshops of interest to youth
(A .pdf version of the GA schedule selected by the staff of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry.)


A selection of Youth and Youth Caucus oriented programming:
Youth are encouraged to attend general activities as well as Youth Caucus programming.  Here is a selection of events and workshops of interest we will be following and bringing to you:

HUUPLA
Who:   Michael Han (Senior HUUPER) and Noel Burke
What:  HUUPLA  (Hardcore UU People's Large Assembly)
When: Daily.  Check program guide for exact time.
Where:Convention Center, M101AB

Daily meetings for Youth Caucus to get program updates, connect with their sponsors or friends, and network with other UU youth.

Youth Caucus
Who:   Jessica York, Youth Programs Director
What:  Faith Based Service Learning Opportunities
When: Thursday, June 24, 10:45-noon
Where:Convention Center, room 101J

Faith-based service learning can strengthen religious identity, construct multi-generational connections, and provide an outlet to live our missions in the wider community.  Projects discussed will include interfaith service work and mission trips.  Participants will learn how to organize such opportunities and share their own experiences.  Youth and adults who work with youth are welcome.

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Who:   Sarah Minahan and Nan Moore
What:  Commit 2 Community Inside-Out Groups
When: Thursday, June 24, 9-10:45 & 10:45-noon
Where:Convention Center, room M101AB

9-10:45AM:  This multi-generational team facilitated workshop will open a dialogue around substance non-use, use, abuse, and addiction and their effects on community, both in youth groups and beyond.

10:45-noon:  Join us for small-group ministry style conversations, "Inside-Out Groups", to discuss substance non-use, use, abuse, and addiction.  Inside-out groups provide space for small groups to talk about tough issues in their communities with the hope of transforming them from the inside out.

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Who:   Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance
What:  Beyond "Duh!":  UU Youth Speak on Marriage Equality
When: Thursday, June 24, 1-2:15PM
Where:Convention Center, room M100 CD

Unitarian Universalists overwhelmingly support marriage equality for gays and lesbians - yet this remains deeply controversial nationally.  UU youth have much to offer adults and the culture by their gut-level "well, duh!" acceptance of LGBT equality.  Youth, their ministers and a local UU family married in Iowa will share perspectives.

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Who:   Rev. Dr. Monica Cummings ad Janice Marie Johnson
What:  Mosaic Ministry:  Welcoming Youth & Young Adults of Color
When: Thursday, June 24, 2:45-4PM.
Where:Convention Center MCC101J

The Mosaic Report is the voices of Unitarian Universalist youth and young adults of color describing their experiences and their hopes for Unitarian Universalist ministry.  Learn how to use this report to transform youth and young adults ministry to make it culturally relevant for the 21st century generation. 

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Who:   Sally Hartman and Danielle Jones
What:  Reaching Outside the Box:  Youth Work for Social Justice
When: Friday, June 25, 1-2:15PM
Where:Convention Center MCC 101ABC

Can youth observe injustice first hand?  A multimedia presentation documents our youth working for justice, including service trips to New Orleans and New Mexico, lobbying, protests, and documentary making.  A panel discussion follows that examines what made these possible and what challenges were overcome.

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Who:  Unitarian Universalist delegates to the assembly present on the floor
What:  Statement of Conscience on Creating Peace
When:  Plenary Session
Where:Convention Center meeting hall

This issue is highly relevant in view of recent events off the coast of the Gaza Strip and Israel, and addresses the UUA's position on all conflicts, whether longstanding or recent.  To learn more about this Statement of Conscience and form your own opinion, you can read it and discussion of it in the article by Dr. Sharon Welch, provost at Meadville-Lombard, and author of the book "Real Peace, Real Security", who will introduce the Statement at Plenary.

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Complete Schedule

Wednesday, June 23
1:30PM   Youth Caucus and Sponsor Orientation and HUUPLA 1

Thursday, June 24
9:00AM   Commit 2 Community: Healthy Community, Healthy Youth
10:45AM Commit 2 Community: Inside-out Groups
1:00PM   Fun Times
2:15PM   HUUPLA 2
2:45PM   Interfaith Leadership: Youth in a Religiously Diverse World
4:30PM   Anti-Racism / Anti-Oppression Workshop and Identity Caucusing
9:15PM   Youth-led Worship

Friday, June 25
1:00PM   Fun Times
2:15PM   HUUPLA 3
2:45PM   Interfaith Leadership: Advocacy and Organizing
4:30PM   Anti-Racism / Anti-Oppression Workshop and Identity Caucusing

Saturday, June 26
1:00PM   Fun Times
2:15PM   HUUPLA 4
9:15PM   Youth and Young Adult Led Worship (co-sponsored with the Young Adult Caucus)

Sunday, June 27
1:00PM   Fun Times

Youth leadership@ GA





Who's who and what they will do


 






Youth Caucus at GA has a busy schedule.  Here is who will keep us running smoothly:

HUUPERs (Hardcore UU Person Energized and Ready)
What they do:  Co-Deans and Managers of the Youth Caucus.
Who they are:  Noel Burke & Michael Han

FUN TIMES MANAGERS
What they do:  Facilitate sessions pertaining to GA business.
Who they are:  Julia Angley & Kayli Carter

Worship Co-ordinators
What they do:  Plan and lead evening worships.
Who they are:  Abhimanyu Janamanchi & Ellen Zemlin

Chaplains
What they do:  Attend and support Youth Caucus programming and are on-call as needed.
Who they are:  Lydia Delphia & Caleb Raible-Clark (youth chaplains), Rachel Long (adult chaplain)

Sponsor Coordinators and Adult Advisors
What they do:  Serve as adult advisers to Youth Caucus staff and support sponsors and youth.
Who they are:  Karen Eng & Kathy Smith

Heartfelt thanks to each of them for their contribution to making GA Youth Caucus great!
 Events

Opportunities
Training
Gatherings



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Looking for something to do this summer?  We'll make space for you at our events!  
Don't worry that you missed the application deadline, but do call Jeremie at 617-948-4352 now!
 
The Youth Interfaith Leadership Camp is August 1 - 6.  It's a leadership summer camp for youth-adult teams at the beautiful Mountain Retreat and Learning Center in NC, in partnership with the Interfaith Youth Core. Registration, lodging, and meals are free, but you are responsible for travel costs (scholarships are available). Our January 2010 Youth Interfaith Leadership Camp was a great success and the August one will be even more fun at The Mountain!
 
Chrysalis Training of Trainers is July 10 - 14.  It is for youth and adults who want to become Chrysalis Trainers. Participants will be trained to co-lead Leadership Development and Spirituality Development Conferences for youth around the country. This Training of Trainers is an all-expenses-paid opportunity to grow in leadership and in spirit, and is held outside Atlanta, GA
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LDC for Youth and Young Adults of Color, August 13-17, Boston, MA.

Annual Leadership Development Conference for Youth and Young Adults of Color.


Askew Headshot2010 YOUTH Midwest Leadership School for Youth (14-18), July 18-24, Beloit, WI.
This intensive experience engages, challenges, and trains Unitarian Universalist youth in leadership skills development, worship, and religious values & heritage.

Askew HeadshotGoldMine 2010 Youth Leadership School, July 25-31, Bremerton, WA.
An intensive six-day school to develop personal creed, deepen knowledge of UU heritage and values, expand leadership skills, explore paths of worship, and learn to be a better communicator.

Askew HeadshotSoutheast GoldMine 2010, August 8-14, Oak Ridge, TN.
An intensive five-day program to develop personal creed, deepen knowledge of UU heritage and values, expand leadership skills, explore paths of worship, and learn to be a better communicator.

Askew HeadshotOhio Meadville District Summer Institute, July 11-17, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH.
A family-friendly camp with programming for youth, young adults, adults, and children.

 Announcements
Association-wide
International
Regional
Local



Askew HeadshotGeneral 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.  Learn more or register today!
 
UUA 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 adviser in a sponsoring congregation, district, or Unitarian Universalist organization.  We are accepting applications now, so apply immediately!  

Learn about how to apply, including sample project ideas: Youth Project Grants.

Skill-Building Camp - Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) JustWorks Camps
Through JustWorks Camps, participants work directly with people in local communities on direct-service projects, learning about human-rights issues firsthand.  Short-term (usually week-long) projects help participants examine and understand the root causes and damaging effects of injustice, with an eye to promoting intercultural understanding. Participants are taught advocacy skills for addressing issues of poverty, discrimination, and racism in their own communities. Usually ages 16+ (varies).

Travel - Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Civil Rights Journey
An inspiring intergenerational trip that takes you to sites of significance in the U.S. civil rights movement.  Participants travel by bus from Atlanta, Georgia, to the historic cities of Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama.  Participants will meet and hear directly from some of the courageous people who worked to desegregate schools, register new voters, and bring an end to racial discrimination in the United States.  Along the way, learn about the progressive, nonviolent organizing techniques used by civil rights activists and how they are still being used today.  (14+)

Resources
 
Books
Videos
Website
Organizations


Video - 
"A Religion for Our Time, Episode 4:  "The Theology of Star Wars!" is a compelling and fun way to engage a discussion of theology and Unitarian Universalist principles from a curriculum designed around the Star Wars movies. It's working like a charm at UUWF.  Check it out!

Grants -
Youth Project Grants
Grants ranging in value from $200-$2,000 to help support congregations and districts by creating opportunities for youth, including service and spirituality projects.

Video
- "Ogden Unitarian Universalists Reach Out to BGLT Youth"  The Ogden OUTreach Center drop-in program for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender youth and young adults has created a safe space for BGLT youth in this conservative Utah town.  Watch UU values in action during this six-minute video and see how ours is truly a religion for our time!


Book - When Youth Lead: A Guide to Intergenerational Social Justice Ministry
Based on a view of youth as equal participants in congregational life, this Tapestry of Faith toolkit book offers adults who work with youth guidance to construct and maintain a healthy, spiritually vital youth ministry.  For more information contact [email protected]
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