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Unitarian Universalist Association Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
June 2010 Young Adult Newsletter
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 Letter from the Editor
Defining Adulthood
Last week the New York Times ran an article titled, "Long Road to Adulthood Is Growing Even Longer." The article highlights statistics showing that young adults are waiting longer to marry, have children, and reach financial independence.
What I found lacking in the article was a discussion about the culturally situated nature of how we define adulthood. The United States is growing ever more diverse even while some strain to maintain the status quo. The article lists marriage, children, established careers, and financial independence among other markers of adulthood. The author admits that "Marriage and parenthood-once seen as prerequisites for adulthood-are now viewed more as lifestyle choices." Of course, not everyone is free to make those choices; most states prevent gay and lesbian couples from marrying.
The freedom to pursue financial independence and other dreams is a blessing I would not decry. However, an overemphasis on wealth as a marker of maturity is tenuous. As Unitarian Universalists we must also acknowledge and celebrate our interdependence, not just with the environment but with our families and communities as well.
I cannot deny that there is growing consensus in academia and pop culture that a new life stage in American life is taking hold: emerging adulthood. Nonetheless, I sometimes wonder if we young adults sacrifice some power by acquiescing too quickly to this notion. Might it be more empowering to redefine the milestones used to mark adulthood rather than suggest 20-somethings are somehow not fully capable of adult responsibilities, professionally, personally, or socially? There is, after all, also consensus that the days of 30 year career are over not just for young adults, but for many.
Food for thought.
In faith,
Erik B. Kesting
UUA Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director |
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Breaking News
An Opportunity to Lead
Arizona: Contemplating Our Response
Puente and NDLON invite the UUA to partner with them in protesting SB 1070
On May 29 President Morales led a large contingent of members of the UUA protesting Arizona's racist anti-immigration law, SB 1070 in Phoenix, Arizona. Unitiarian Universalists from Arizona and elsewhere in the United States marched with members of Arizona based immigrant rights groups Puente ("Bridge") and National Day Laborers Organizing Network (NDLON). President Morales observed that no other faith group presence was as big as the UUA, and the role played by UUs was remarked upon by the leadership of Puente and NDLON.
In a letter to President Morales, Salvador Reza, President of Puente, declaring that the UUA as a faith based organization has a leading role to play in overturning the law and creating greater tolerance in the community, asked the UUA to partner with Puente and NDLON to protest the legislation, and requested the UUA maintain 2012 GA in Phoenix as an act of public witness. DRUUMM (Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries), UU Allies for Racial Equity, and other UU groups have endorsed boycotting Arizona and moving the 2012 GA to an alternative location.
In Minneapolis next week delegates to GA 2010 will debate and vote upon a resolution to change the venue of GA 2012 and boycott the State of Arizona as an act of protest. President Morales has invited President Reza to address GA delegates in person and extend his invitation and call to action.
As young adults, your point of view and experience are valued and necessary to determine the best position on this issue. Please encourage your congregation to participate by following President Reza's address and taking part in the debate on this defining issue through the many online tools the UUA provides.
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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!)
A selection of Young Adult and Young Adult Caucus oriented programming:
Youth are encouraged to attend general activities as well as Young Adult Caucus programming. Here is a selection of events and workshops of interest we will be following and bringing to you:
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.
Who: AllYoung Adults
What: What Young Adults Look For in a Congregation
When: Friday, June 25, 1-2:15PM Where:Convention Center MCC 202 Engage others in dialogue about the hopes, wants, and needs of young adults. How can we make our faith more vibrant and relevant than ever to young adults?  Who: Delegates from Unitarian Universalist congregations everywhere 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. Complete Schedule
Wednesday, June 23 5:15PM Young Adult Caucus Orientation, room MCC - 202 9:45PM Young Adult Worship, room MCC - 202 Thursday, June 24 2:45PM Young Adults and Worship: Soulful Sundown and Beyond, room MC - 202 4:30PM Young Adult Caucus I, room MCC - 202 Friday, June 25 1:00PM What Young Adults Look For in a Congregation, room MC - 202 2:45PM Young Adults Caucus II, room MCC - 202 9:00PM Bridging Welcome Celebration, Hilton - Rochester Saturday, June 26 1:30PM Young Adults Caucus III, room MCC - 202 6:20PM Young Adults Caucus IV, room MCC - 202 9:15PM Youth and Young Adult Led Worship (co-sponsored with the Young Adult Caucus) Sunday, June 27 1:15PM Young Adults Caucus V, room MCC - 202
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Young Adult leadership@ GA
Who's who and what they will do
The Young Adult Caucus at GA has a busy schedule. Here is who will keep us running smoothly:
Young Adult Caucus Co-Deans
Who: Royal Forest & Victoria Mitchell
Chaplain and Worship Coordinator
Who: Michelle Collins
Thanks to each of them for their contribution to making GA Young Adult Caucus great!
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Events
Opportunities
Training
Gatherings
 Job Opportunities The UUA has posted four newly open positions on our website:
Director of Congregational Development (Off-site / Mass Bay and Clara Barton Districts)
Witness Ministries Director (Washington, D.C.)
Congregational Justice Administrator (Washington, D.C.)
LGBT Ministries Program Coordinator (Washington, D.C.)
 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.
Star Island Religious Education Conference, July 10-17, Isle of Shoals, NH.
"Ministry Across the Generations: A Unitarian Universalist Faith
Development Experience" Professional training and
exploration, personal reflection, small group ministry, and UU
multi-generational community in practice.
Shout, Juba & Jive! with David Pleasant, July 16-18, Highlands, NC.
A hands-on music and movement workshop for the entire family.
Con-Fusion, July 23-25, Davis, CA.
FUUN's summer conference. More details to come!
Choral Singing: The Art of Community, August 1-5, Highlands, NC.
"Choral Singing: The Art of Community" is led by Dr. Ken Nafziger.
Musical directors, choir members and congregants who enjoy singing are
encouraged to attend. Bring instruments (if you have them) to make joyful music with a warm, welcoming
community of people.
OPUS 2010, "Roots and Wings" August 4-8, 2010, Manteno, IL.
It's social action. It's spiritual renewal. It's in the summer. It's
Opus! This
year, we will explore and honor our roots--as a religious community,
a young adult network and as individuals and find ways to
spread our wings as a movement of
inspired and empowered citizens of the world.
LDC for Youth and Young Adults of Color, August 13-17, Boston, MA.
Annual Leadership Development Conference for Youth and Young Adults of Color.
Ohio Meadville District Summer Institute, July 11-17, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH.
A family-friendly camp with programming for youth, young adults, adults, and children.
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Announcements
Association-wide
International
Regional
Local
Take part in shaping the future of the Unitarian Universalist Association
The UUA relies upon energetic, committed, visionary Unitarian Universalists to serve on the committees, commissions, boards, task groups and panels that work in partnership with staff to carry out the mission of the Association. Application for Nomination to a Committee, Commission, Task Group, or Panel.
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. Learn more or register today!
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+)
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We are working on making your newsletter more fun to read and use, with more opportunities to get involved, connect with other UUs, and deepen your faith.
Let us know what you think! What's missing? What are you tired of seeing?
E-mail us at youngadults@uua.org
Keep reading - more changes are on the way!
Thanks!
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