Unitarian Universalist Association Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

August 2010   Young Adult News

 
Resource
Kesting Headshot Letter from the Editor



District support.






Dear Friends,

Did you know there are over 1,000 Unitarian Universalist congregations in the United States?
 
We have lay-led congregations of 25 members. We have congregations with over 1,000 members. We have urban congregations and rural ones, ones that meet in storefronts and ones that meet in centuries-old, historic buildings. Each of these congregations is a special community of love with its own history, leadership, strengths, and challenges. To effectively resource and support all our members, our Association of Congregations is organized into 19 districts. Their boundaries are admittedly awkward, historical artifacts, but they all have pride, charm, and leadership.
 
Districts often support youth steering committees or youth empowerment services teams. Many organize amazing youth conferences, camps, leadership and spirituality development opportunities and more. Districts are a place where you can find community and a place where you can lead. Districts are a place where you can find the tools and resources you need to make your congregation stand out as a beacon of outstanding youth ministry!

So what are you waiting for? Find out what's happening by checking your district's website or emailing your district staff and get connected in your district today!


In faith,
 
Erik B. Kesting
UUA Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director


REv. Monica HS Red Letter from Rev. Monica


Standing on the Side of Love in Arizona.






Hi Family,
 
I just spent the last week at Camp deBenneville Pines in the Pacific Southwest District where I was co-chaplain for senior high summer camp.  This past camp was particularly special for me. It was my fourth senior high summer camp, which meant that I was present to see one generation of senior high youth grow up and grow out, which was the theme of this year's camp. 
 
While at camp I spent time talking with members and a youth advisor of the UU Congregation of Phoenix.  During my conversation with the youth advisor I shared with him the shock and sadness I felt at GA while watching the film "Standing On the Side of Love in Arizona" and hearing members of our PSWD youth camp family tell the story of their mother's deportation. The youth advisor recalled his memories of the Sunday morning when a member of his youth group shared during check-in that her mother had been deported.  The youth advisor and I fell silent in our separate but shared experience of shock and sadness after hearing about these young people being separated from their mother. 
 
As I wrote in my May newsletter column, people on both sides of the immigration debate believe their position is backed by the law, American values, human rights and/or love.  I encourage you to watch the film "Standing on the Side of in Arizona" and let your conscience be your guide on how you can stand on the side of love and support a fellow UU youth. 
 
I will end with a reflection attributed to Pastor Martin Niemoller:

            In Germany, they first came for the Communists,
            and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
            Then they came for the Jews,
            and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
            Then they came for the trade unionists,
            and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
            Then they came for the Catholics,
            and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
            Then they came for me-
            and by that time there was no one left to speak up.
 
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.
 
Living My Faith,
Rev Monica

UUA Disrict Map
Re-source





Resource + Resource = Resourcefulness






According to Websters Dictionary, the word "resource" defines what we are doing this month and tools we can use to participate fully in the Unitarian Universalist youth community.  So check out the definition of "resource" (reprinted below), gather your energy, click on the link to your district and get involved!

Resource
Main Entry: re·source
Pronunciation: \ˈrē-ˌsors, -ˌzors, ri-ˈ\
Function: noun
Etymology: French ressource, from Old French ressourse relief, resource, from resourdre to relieve, literally, to rise again, from Latin resurgere - more at resurrection
Date: circa 1611
1 a : a source of supply or support : an available means -usually used in plural b : a natural source of wealth or revenue -often used in plural c : a natural feature or phenomenon that enhances the quality of human life d : computable wealth -usually used in plural e : a source of information or expertise
2 : something to which one has recourse in difficulty : expedient
3 : a possibility of relief or recovery
4 : a means of spending one's leisure time
5 : an ability to meet and handle a situation : resourcefulness
(from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary)


Resources

UUA District Map  (Click on the link to locate your district.)

Direct links to UUA District websites:
Ballou Channing
Central Midwest District 
Clara Barton 
Florida District 
Heartland District 
Joseph Priestley 
Massachusetts Bay District 
Metro New York 
Mid-South District  
Mountain Desert 
Northern New England 
Ohio-Meadville District 
Pacific Central District 
Pacific Northwest District
Pacific Southwest District 
Prairie Star District
Southwestern
St. Lawrence District  
Thomas Jefferson 


21 states
Updates
AZ SB1070

CA Prop 8



Where we stand.



(Status of state immigration laws; source)

People across the United States mobilized to protest Arizona SB1070 becoming law on July 29.  Here is a wrap-up of what happened.

7/28 
US District Judge Susan Bolton blocks some provisions of SB1070.  (Bolton ruling article)
7/28  AZ Governor Jan Brenner vows to amend law.  (Brenner response article)
7/29  SB1070 becomes state law in Arizona.  (Announcement article)
7/29  Sheriff Arpiao arrests protesters blocking entrance to the Maricopa County Jail. (Arpiao article)
7/29  President Peter Morales,
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray and 81 others arrested. (Who's arrested)

Photos of protests: 
Protest photos from around the nation.
Phoenix.
Tucson.
Boston.
Chicago.
Los Angeles.
New York.
San Francisco.



gym 2010
(States that allow same sex marriage; source)

California Prop 8 banning gay marriage overturned by ruling of the Ninth Circuit Federal court.  Here is a collection of articles about Prop. 8, the case against it, personalities involved, and what is likely to happen next.

On Aug 4 United States District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker struck down the California ballot-initiative banning gay marriage in the State of California as being unconstitutional.  If his ruling is upheld on appeal it will automatically allow gay marriage in states under the jurisdiction of the Ninth Circuit court.   

New York Times: Same-sex marriage legal in California as of August 18.
Photos from the day of the federal ruling on Prop 8.
CA Governor and AG request 9th Circuit not issue a stay order and immediately abolish Prop 8.
The Sacramento Bee: Comments on Prop 8 from California officials and other leaders.
Reaction and comment from UU World.



9th c c header
(Seal of the US Ninth Circuit; source)
 
 
The US Federal Ninth Circuit court is ruling on issues central to UU values and beliefs.

The United States Federal Ninth Circuit court has jurisdiction over 9 states comprising approximately 61.2 million citizens (source) or slightly more than 20% of the current estimated population of the United States of 310.3 million.  Its rulings can affect all the states in its jurisdiction, not just the state whose law is being challenged.  As such its rulings can have a significant impact on national and state politics.

Arizona Immigration Clash Headed for Controversial Appeals Court.
The Prop 8 Effect:  Could California Ruling Impact Other States.

Young Adult Leadership






Bethany Lowe: Your C*UUYAN Liaison to GA









The Young Adult Caucus at General Assembly in Minneapolis last June elected a new liaison for the Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network (C*UUYAN) to GA.  Bethany Lowe was chosen to fill the two-year position from a strong field of candidates.  Bethany, 21, from Lexington, MA, is completing her studies at the Global College of Long Island University.  Last year her studies took her to Taiwan, Thailand, India, and Turkey on a comparative religions program.

C*UUYAN also recently elected several new board members. Bethany is eager to play the role of liaison with Young Adult Caucus co-moderators to "make sure the Young Adult Caucus co-moderators are informed as the mission of C*UUYAN evolves and changes over the coming year."

Bethany excitedly talked about her role as liaison leading up to GA 2012 in Phoenix.  "The major reason I ran was to work with the Young Adult Caucus co-moderators and the leadership of C*UUYAN to facilitate a strong presence of young adults at GA in Phoenix promoting our UU values."


Congratulations, Bethany!
 Events

Opportunities
Trainings
Gatherings



Askew HeadshotDynamic Youth Ministry geared toward Unitarian Universalists.
This online course grounds students in theological, ethical and programmatic aspects of youth ministry, building youth ministry that is a vibrant, robust and flexible part of every congregation.
Learn about youth leadership and spiritual development, professional support for youth advisors, adolescent life issues, multi-generational community building, and various models of youth programming.  To register, reference course number "EDFT-8462" in an e-mail to mdowdell@ses.gtu.edu and bruetersward@gmail.com.
 Announcements

Association-wide
International
Regional
Local


Askew Headshot Field Test "A Place of Wholeness" High School Youth Program - Fall 2010
The UUA seeks congregations diverse in size, location, and culture to field test a new 12-session program, "A Place of Wholeness".  Framing a Unitarian Universalist identity as both inheritors of a strong faith tradition and co-creators of that faith's future, the program guides youth towards understanding their place in this interdependent religion of love, faith, hope, reason, freedom, and tolerance.  For information or to apply please contact Ministries and Faith Development by email at fieldtest@uua.org or call Alicia LeBlanc at 617-948-4371.

Askew Headshot  Board member search for the UU Ministry for Earth.
The UU Ministry for Earth is an independent non-profit organization that strives to provide UUs with organized ways to connect energy, ideas, and information about how their lives relate to the living Earth, environmental justice, and future generations.  We are looking for a young adult passionate about Earth justice to serve as a member of our board.  Email office@uuministryforearth.org for more information.
 
Askew Headshot  Recruiting web communications (content and monitoring) and other volunteers.
The UUMFE envisions a world in which all people make reverence, gratitude, and care for the living Earth central to their lives. Our purpose is to inspire, facilitate and support personal, congregational and denominational practices that honor and sustain the Earth and all beings.  If you are passionate about Earth justice, please join us!  Email office@uuministryforearth.org for more information.

Askew Headshot Become a C*UUYAN At-Large Committee Member.
The Steering Committee is looking for two at-large members to guide the big picture of C*UUYAN's direction and practical work for our next annual meeting. The term of these appointed positions runs until the summer meeting in 2010, when you can run for re-election. (At-Large Committee Member Job Description.)  For more information email us.

Askew Headshot  C*UUYAN Observer to the UUA's Board of Trustees.
Play a critical role keeping the C*UUYAN community informed and engaged with the conversations and issues which impact our movement. The C*UUYAN observer will attend three Board meetings (and relevant committee meetings) on weekends in Boston, and report to the steering committee and the broader C*UUYAN body. (C*UUYAN Observer to the Board Job Description)
Interested in either of these positions? For more information email us.

UUA Youth Project Grant Program (Requires adult advisor) - 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 are accepting applications now, so apply immediately!   Learn how to apply, including sample project ideas, at 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 for ages 16+ (varies).
Resources
 
Books
Videos
Website
Organizations


Askew Headshot Resource -
"Standing on the Side of Love Activist Toolkit" - download application for your FREE memory stick!  This toolkit gives you the tools to further the Standing on the Side of Love campaign in your community and it comes on a cool memory stick!

Askew Headshot Video -  "A Religion for Our Time, Episode 7:  "Multicultural Worship".  This video illustrates how worship at All Souls Church, Unitarian, in Washington, DC, is designed to serve a diverse community.  Honoring the multiculturalism of the congregation and the neighborhood is an intentional process at the heart of All Souls and it's a process that can be used in any Unitarian Universalist congregation.

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

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 socialjustice@uua.org
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Evolution

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 - let's evolve together!