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Unitarian Universalist Association Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
October 2010 Young Adult Newsletter
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 Letter from the Editor
Principles.
Dear Friends,
This issue of Young Adult News introduces a new initiative of the UUA, called "Common Read," an opportunity to discuss and explore a major issue of the day in congregation or virtually. It is inspired by the Unitarian Universalist Principles of "the inherent worth and dignity of every person" and "justice, equity and compassion in human relations."
The structure and goal of Common Read is also conceived upon the Unitarian Universalist Principles of the "right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large", and calls upon us to determine how our action on this issue advances our "goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all."
We hope you will be inspired to form or participate in Common Read groups and add your voice to the virtual discussion on the Facebook "Common Read - The Death of Josseline" group page.
Be sure to peruse the Events and Announcements sections which include information and links for conferences, grants and more!
Happy reading!
The Editorial Staff
UUA Youth and Young Adult Ministries
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Common Read
Diverse voices: unified action
Common Read is an opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to read and discuss the same book, creating space for reflection, conversation and discernment with the goal of responding and acting in light of what we discover together. It is an example of our multigenerational, multicultural and diverse lifestyle approach to problem solving that is a value of our covenant and an opportunity for outreach, community building and demonstrating that our values are shared by non UUs and others.
This Common Read is of Margaret Regan's "The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona Borderland," available in softcover from the UUA bookstore. (Volume discounts and Youth Project Grants are available to defray the cost of the book.) The Common Read project about the immigration crisis in Arizona aims to help UUs define our response and identify opportunities for public witness and action on this important and divisive subject.
Common Read is based upon inclusive dialog and faith, and the free online discussion guide is adaptable for use by congregations, individuals and the secular community. Join your congregation in participating, start a Common Read at your congregation, and sing up to participate on the Common Read Facebook group.
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SB1070 + Prop 8
Update /10
(source for graphic: http://colorlines.com)
SB1070
This summer, while the nation was in the throes of the debate around Arizona's harsh immigration law SB1070, the small town of Fremont, Nebraska decided to take immigration law into its own hands by passing a law banning landlords and employers from renting to and hiring people without adequate documentation. This reflects the anti-immigration dialogue in Nebraska which - despite being sparsely populated, enjoying relative economic stability, and not being positioned on the border - is a central issue of Republican Governor Dave Heineman's re-election campaign. He recently announced that writing a law closely modeled on Arizona's SB1070 would be the first item on his agenda were he to be re-elected Governor. Read more.
Prop 8
10/18/10 The American Foundation for Equal Rights filed its response brief to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals just before the midnight deadline, and released a statement for the Press:"The plaintiffs in the landmark Perry v. Schwarzenegger case that overturned Proposition 8 filed their brief with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals today, reiterating the clear unconstitutionality of the initiative that led to its being struck down by a federal district court after an exhaustive trial comprising overwhelming legal arguments, expert witnesses and first-hand testimony.Fourteen times the Supreme Court has stated that marriage is a fundamental right of all individuals. This case tests the proposition whether the gay and lesbian Americans among us should be counted as 'persons' under the 14th Amendment, or whether they constitute a permanent underclass ineligible for protection under that cornerstone of our Constitution," attorneys Theodore B. Olson and David Boies wrote in their filing."Our Constitution requires the government to treat every American equally under the law," said Chad Griffin, the Board President of the American Foundation for Equal Rights. "Only full federal marriage equality would fulfill the requirements of our Constitution. That is why we are pressing this case through the Supreme Court."
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Youth and Young Adults of Color
Afro-Cuban Connection
Cuba AyUUda of the First Unitarian Church in Portland, Oregon is sponsoring a fellowship for young adults of color, ages 18-24, whose ancestors were forcefully brought to the Americas by way of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and who have a demonstrated interest in Afro-Cuban culture. Recipients will engage in research, build positive relationships with Afro-Cubans and connect communities in Cuba and the U.S. Fellowship recipients will travel with a small group of First Unitarian affiliates led by experienced trip leaders. The trip will range from 9 - 15 days.The project focus is on providing opportunities for meaningful intercultural exchanges between youth in the US & Cuba.
This first in a series of fellowships reaches out to African American young adults. Young adults from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds will have opportunities to participate in future fellowships. To apply for the fellowship and for more information, please click here.
One of the objectives of the Cuba Fellowship is to increase access to intercultural exchanges for young people who would not normally have the financial means to participate in this type of a program. Applicants must have a demonstrated financial need in order to receive full funding.
The mission of Cuba AyUUda is to connect US travelers with Cubans and Cuban life resulting in transformation through friendship and service. |
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GA 2011
Program your event
Programmed events are official programs that are listed in the General Assembly (GA) printed program book and open to all GA registrants. Registration is required for attendance. Examples of programmed events include workshops, worship services, hearings, lectures, panel presentations and performances.
Propose a program for the 2011 General Assembly using the new unified process with the online 2011 General Assembly Program Proposal Form. All proposals must be received by November 1.
Proposals will be reviewed by both the GA Program Development Group (PDG) and the GA Planning Committee. The PDG is a diverse team of UUA staff and GA Planning Committee representatives committed to providing excellent General Assembly programs that are aligned with the vision and mission of the UUA and its member congregations. Program proposals will be reviewed with the goal of filling over 100 program slots. The GA Planning Committee seeks proposals for innovative programs and distinguished speakers that will appeal to many UUs attending GA. Contact meetingplanner@uua.org for more information.
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Events
Opportunities
Trainings
Gatherings
 Cuba Fellowship: African American Youth and Afro-Cuban Connection A fellowship for young adults aged 18-24 whose ancestors were forcefully brought to the Americas by way of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and who have demonstrated interest in Afro-Cuban culture. Recipients will engage in research, build positive relationships with Afro-Cubans and connect communities in Cuba and the U.S.
 Common Read "The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona Borderlands"
This month the UUA initiates the Common Read project. Participants are invited to read and discuss the same book in a given period of time. A Common Read builds community within congregations and among Unitarian Universalists by giving diverse people a shared experience, a shared language and a basis for deep and meaningful conversations. Purchase Margaret Regan's book in hardcover now from the UUA Bookstore or preorder the paperback, due in October. The book is available in hardcover at public libraries.
Dynamic 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, multigenerational 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.
Application for Nomination to a Committee, Commission, Task Group or Panel.
The UUA relies upon energetic, committed, visionary Unitarian Universalists of all ages 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. In even-numbered years, the UUA Nominating Committee receives nominations by mid-August and selects nominees for the slate of candidates to be presented for election at the following General Assembly. Apply and help change the UUA!
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 Resources
Books
Videos
Website
Organizations
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!
Video - "A Religion for Our Time, Episode 9: Deepening Faith through Service"
Episode 9 shows how the social justice program at the Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church of Pasadena, CA engages the congregation in a range of projects and facilitates participants' spiritual growth. As Associate Minister Rev. Hannah Petrie observes, "Some of our most
spiritual moments - where we're really connected with the divine - happen
when we're in service to others and service of a more just and peaceful
world."
Video - "A Religion for Our Time, Episode 8: Cluster on the Cutting Edge"
This episode profiles four enthusiastic Unitarian Universalist (UU)
congregations in upstate New York that are determined to grow by working
together. Their Capital Region Unitarian Universalists of New York cluster is producing remarkable results, including a brand new 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. |
Announcements
Association-wide
International
Regional
Local
Join a UUA Board Committee and represent the diversity of Unitarian Universalism.
The UUA relies upon energetic, committed, visionary UUs to serve the twenty-plus committees, panels and task forces that work with staff and the UUA Board to carry out the mission of the Association. We are eager to draw volunteers from the rich diversity of our movement: diversity of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and identity, age, geography, skills, and vocation.
Job Listing: Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director
Provide vision, leadership and services in support of the UUA's youth and young adult ministries. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of Unitarian Universalism and demonstrates exceptional organizational, advocacy, teambuilding and communication skills. Experience with youth and young adult ministries and a record of anti-racism/anti-oppression/multiculturalism experience is important. The candidate possesses strong leadership skills, the ability to build and lead a large team and manage a significant budget, and excellent writing and public speaking skills.
Board member search for the UU Ministry for Earth
The UU Ministry for Earth is an independent nonprofit 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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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! 
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