News from Unitarian Universalist Association Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Unitarian Universalist Association Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries March 2011 Young Adult Newsletter

Leap Forward

Letter from the Editor

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE SAY

Dear Friends,

This month the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) practice of picketing public events with intentionally offensive and hateful anti-gay messages. The case dealt with a WBC picket at Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder's funeral. The Supreme Court justices voted 8-1 affirming the protected nature of the WBC pickets, stating, "Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and - as it did here - inflict great pain. On the facts before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker. As a Nation we have chosen a different course - to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate. That choice requires that we shield Westboro [Baptist Church] from tort liability for its picketing in this case." This ruling protects the WBC by extension when it pickets other public events like Unitarian Universalist sponsored screenings of the Laramie Project. We abhor the message and tactics of the WBC and note the Supreme Court strongly upholds the right to speak freely on issues of public concern, particularly when such speech reflects a minority point of view. We do not celebrate the WBC's legal victory, but can seize the opportunity it represents to declare our message of love and tolerance.

The Westboro Baptist Church has continuously spread its message of hate and intolerance for more than 20 years yet it has few followers. Your editor stopped a Google search for "Westboro Baptist Church" after finding the first 300 results were for organizations and stories against the WBC and its actions. Google ranks page-order by popularity and this exercise demonstrates just how unpopular the WBC and its tactics are.

We counter the WBC's hateful message of intolerance when we participate at events like the Annual White Privilege Conference, when we create truly inclusive, diverse and multi-generational congregations, with our determination that the 'Justice' General Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona in 2012 be a vibrant public rejection of anti-immigrant legislation like SB1070, in our commitment to Help Make It Better Now for LGBTQ youth and young adults, and when we support marriage equality. And - unlike the WBC - we win hearts and allies with our actions of public witness, the events we organize and attend like Leadership Development Conferences, and by courageously affirming our principles and values.

Ours is a message that spreads because it is one of love. With your continued energy and proudly spoken free speech we will win the day!

Happy reading!
UUA Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Rev. Dr. Monica Cummings

Pastoral Message

FEAR NOT CHANGE!

Dear Family,

It seems a lifetime ago since I wrote my February newsletter column. In the past 30 days people in North Africa wanting freedom, political choice and economic opportunities have peacefully revolted and forced oppressive political leaders out of power. As I write this column, I am watching Al Jazeera English and the unfolding rebellion in Libya. And in my home state of Wisconsin, public employees and their allies have been protesting against legislation that would weaken union membership and their power.

The change that is happening in this country and other parts of the world is scary and can tap into the deepest part of our fears. I was once told that the only thing in life I can count on is change. I find that on some days I embrace change with open hands and heart. While on other days, I fear change and resist it with the all the energy I have. How do you deal with change? What goes through your mind when you realize change is in your life? How much do you fear change?

I think the following poem by Sara Moores Campbell will be helpful during the changing and fearful times we live in.

Love Casts Out Fear
            In fear we isolate ourselves.
            In love, we connect with others.

            In fear, we become immobilized.
            In love, we are empowered to act.

            In fear, we judge others.
            In love, we seek justice.

            In fear, we distrust.
            In love, we trust.

            In fear, we seek punishment.
            In love, we seek mercy and forgiveness.

            In fear, we see death.
            In love, we see life.

            In fear, we retreat.
            In love, we reach out.

Let us reach out in love and support one another through change and fear.

As always, I would love to hear from you. You can message me on Facebook at Monica Cummings, email me or leave a comment for me on the YaYA of Color blog, "UU Living Mosaic."

Living My Faith,

Rev. Monica

Visit the Unitarian Universalist Mosaic Project Facebook group page!

Young Adult Leadership

Young Adults are the future of Unitarian Universalism and our movement to promote the causes we support. The growth of our faith and movement depend upon your leadership - here are some places to improve your skills:

> Southland Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association:

Florida District, Mid-South District, The Southwestern Conference, and the Thomas Jefferson District. Two intensive leadership experiences for congregational leaders throughout the south - the Dwight Brown Leadership Experience (DBLE) and the Southland UU Ledearship Experience (SUULE) are week-long programs, coordinated and run each summer by the staff of the four districts.
> Northeast Regional Group (NRG) of the UUA:

Joseph Priestley, Metro New York, Ohio Meadville, and St. Lawrence District.

Last summer each participating district offered a different model of advanced leadership development. The UULTI Design

Team is evaluating the four 2010 expereinces to re-imagine UULTI 2011.

> MidWest Collaboration:

Central Midwest, Heartland, and Prairie Star Districts.

MidWest Leadership School held at Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin, July 17-23, 2011.

> Mountain Desert District:

JoUUrneying to Leadership, July 31- August 6, 2011 at the Russell Lockwood Leadership School.

The curriculum of RLLS evolves continuously to present congregational leaders with the resources and perspectives to help them guide 21st century congregations.

> Unitarian Universalist Association:

Multicultural Leadership Conference, August 5-9, 2011, Boston, MA.

Workshops include identity development, creating inclusive community, worship-leading with a focus on spiritual development, facilitation, and conflict transformation. "Beyond offering leadership skill development, this conference brings together young Unitarian Universalist People of Color," says Dr. Rev. Cummings, conference organizer. "Within the UUA, People of Color often find themselves isolated. They look around their congregations and may not see anyone else who looks like them. This gathering invites young UUs of Color to connect with each other in multicultural community while deepening their knowledge of UU history, continuing the rich tradition of meetings at 25 Beacon Street."

> Scholarships are available through the Katie Tyson Fund for Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Young Adult and Campus Ministry Grant Resources.

YA GA 50 custom 3

Young Adults @ GA

YOU CAN LEAD THE WAY

Young Adults Needed to Attend General Assembly June 22-26, 2011 in Charlotte, NC!

50 years ago Young Adults helped pave the way to consolidation. This year come make your voice heard and move us move into the next 50 years! General Assembly has much to offer young adults, from workshops on issues that matter to you and the future of our movement, to engaging worship services and opportunities for public witness. There's also the General Assembly Young Adult Caucus, which provides programming and networking space specifically for young adults. The Unitiarian Universalist Association provides numerous options for financial aid including the General Assembly Planning Committee Matching Grant, which is available to young adults and has a deadline of March 31st. Volunteers receive free registration in exchange for service at GA. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries also has scholarships available: application deadline April 20th.

A Message from the Young Adult Caucus Co-Moderators Victoria Mitchell and Laura Gilmore:

Greetings young adults! In the midst of what will surely be an exciting General Assembly, Young Adult Caucus provides programming and opportunities to connect with your fellow young adults. We would like to personally invite you to participate in the events we host and the community we build at GA.

You can look forward to young adult worship, sessions for the caucus to discuss GA business, and workshops on topics such as campus ministry, the future of the young adult movement, and what young adults look for in a congregation. The Young Adult Caucus room is a space for you to learn from each other, network, and make friends anytime during GA. As staff we are resources for you throughout the week. Whether this is your first, fourth, or tenth GA, we hope you'll join us!

Hope to see you at GA,

Victoria Mitchell and Laura Gilmore

Young Adult Caucus Co-Moderators

For updates like our new Facebook page!

SB1070 + Prop 8+ WI

Update 03: ET TU, WISCONSIN?!

(source for graphic: http://colorlines.com)

This column follows legislative issues in specific states with national impact that decrease social justice in our nation. This month's update adds news on the efforts by Wisconsin Governor Walker to abolish collective bargaining for public sector workers in Wisconsin, an established right since 1959.

SB1070

What: Legislation passed by the Arizona Legislature and signed by Govenor Jan Brewer mandating an attempt to determine the immigration status of a person during any legitimate contact made by an official or agency of the state or a county, city, town or political subdivision if reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the U.S.

Why it matters: This legislation attacks the first and second Unitarian Universalist Principles of the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and justice, equity and compassion in human relations. It promotes racism and discourages individuals from seeking access to police protection, medical care and education resources.
Where we are: Still waiting on 9th Circuit Federal Appeals Court opinion. It is widely expected the case will ultimately be heard by the United States Supreme Court. Governor Jan Brewer has become the subject of a recall movement.

+: Standing on the Side of Love stood against SB1070 when the case was heard by the 9th Circuit.

PROP 8

What it is: A voter approved ballot issue eliminating the right of same-sex couples to marry, making same-sex marriage illegal in California, creating a new amendment to the California Constitution which says, "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Before it passed, same-sex marriage was a constitutionally-protected right in California; a majority of the justices of the California Supreme Court affirmed this understanding of the constitution in May 2008.

Why it matters: Marriage equality affirms Unitarian Universalist Principles One, Two, and Three - the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
Where we are: There is currently a stay on allowing same-sex marriage in California pending outcome of the court challenge to Prop. 8 and California Attorney General Kamala Harris asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to lift the stay striking down Prop. 8 last year. In unusually emotional language for a state's "top cop," Harris's court filing reads, in part: "For 846 days Proposition 8 has denied equality under law to gay and lesbian couples. Each and every one of those days, same-sex couples have been denied their right to convene loved ones and friends to celebrate marriages sanctioned and protected by California law. Each one of those days, loved ones have been lost, moments have been missed, and justice has been denied. The preconditions for a stay are lacking on this record. The stay should be vacated." The California State Supreme Court voted unanimously to hear the case on an expedited schedule in September 2011. Some analysts think the bill could be repealed by voters before the court issues an opinion.

+: The KQED blog covering developments in the case.

WISCONSIN

What it is: The "Budget Repair Bill" ends the right to collective bargaining for public sector (state, county and municipal) workers with the exception of police and firefighters. Several other states are taking action to end or limit the rights of workers to collective bargaining.

Why it matters: The employee right of collective bargaining with an employer enhances the human dignity, liberty and autonomy of workers by giving them the opportunity to influence the establishment of workplace rules and thereby gain some control over a major aspect of their lives, namely their work... Collective bargaining is not simply an instrument for pursuing external ends...rather [it] is intrinsically valuable as an experience in self-government... Collective bargaining permits workers to achieve a form of workplace democracy and to ensure the rule of law in the workplace. Workers gain a voice to influence the establishment of rules that control a major aspect of their lives. · The right to bargain collectively with employers is recognized through international human rights conventions and is supported by Principles Five and Six of Unitarian Universalism: The right of conscience and the use of democratic process within our congregations and society at large; (and) the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. · Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights identifies the ability to organize trade unions as a fundamental human right. Item 2(a) of the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work defines the "freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining" as an essential right of workers.

Where we are: The Wisconsin legislature used questionable tactics to pass the part of the Budget Repair Bill ending collective bargaining. A legal challenge of the legislature's tactics and protests are planned.

+: Follow the story.

Campus Ministry

   APPLY YOURSELF!

Anchor Congregation Program. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is making a capital investment for Young Adult and Campus Ministry (YA/CM) programming and invited all Anchor Congregations, those who have stood out as leaders in YA/CM work, to submit project proposals. We received many amazing proposals to expand the scope of YA/CM programming in our congregations and selected some of the stongest proposals for financial support. Projects include YA OWL workshops hosted by First Unitarian Church in Portland, OR, for two of their CM groups, summer services led by YA seminarians at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, MA, and an in-depth service-learning project on immigration in Arizona from the CM group at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. Are the following questions are rattling your mind: What is the Anchor Congregation Program? How can I apply to be one? Ah, what timely questions these are! Applications for this program are due by April 1st of every year, but if this is the you are hearing about it, have an awesome idea for a project but cannot make the deadline please contact us to discuss an extension. Requests for extensions must be made by March 25th, and will be for no more than 15 days.

The Oxfam America CHANGE Initiative. Participate in Oxfam's national student leadership and organizing program. CHANGE offers college students, at US based campuses, entering their sophomore or junior year the opportunity to become effective agents for social change.

CHANGE Leaders: Connect with Oxfam staff and have access to expert skills based training, resources, materials and year-round support; engage in community service & advocacy efforts that address critical community needs; find their own leadership identity; develop confidence and the skills to effect positive, lasting social change; are part of an active and growing, global network of peers and alumni working on social justice issues. Students must agree to join or form an Oxfam Club and implement an Oxfam campaign on campus during the 2011-12 academic year, as well as communicate regularly with Oxfam staff about their work. Selected students participate in a week-long training in Boston, July 23-29, 2011, organized and paid for by Oxfam. Email or call with any questions and for more information about this great opportunity! 1-800-77-OXFAM ext. 9415 or

Apply now! Applications due April 1, 2011!

General Assembly 2011 Young Adult Scholarship - application deadline April 20, 2011.
Don't let the opportunity to receive a grant to attend the 50th Anniversary General Assembly June 22-26 in Charlotte, North Carolina - download the application today!

Increased Campus Ministry Presence at GA 2011! GA '11, June 22-26 in Charlotte, NC will feature more campus ministry related events than ever before! Read about GA and learn how to obtain financial aid so you can be there too! In addition to the wonderful presentations from campus ministry professionals in the general workshop programming, new events include a breakfast reception hosted by the UUA and a discussion-oriented workshop hosted by the Young Adult Caucus on campus ministry open to all folk involved or interested in becoming involved in campus ministry. Professionals, students, volunteers and lay leaders are encouraged to attend.

Campus Ministry Groups to March at GA '11 Opening Celebration If you've got a banner, dig it up and shake out the dust! Don't have one? Now's the time to make one! Don't have one and don't want to make one? Get the UUA's YaYA office to do it for you! (We've got you covered!) Email Kayla and she'll bring a banner for you and your group to have and proudly represent! (Note: Campus ministry banners will not be hung in the convention center after the ceremony.) There will also be Campus Ministry ribbons available at the YaYA booth and campus ministry events for folks in a campus ministry group and those supporting them in the congregations with which they are affiliated.

Kayla Parker

Campus Ministry Associate

campusministry@uua.org Find and friend us on Facebook!

Events

Opportunities
Training
Gatherings

North American Interfaith Network 2011 NAIN Connect, July 24-26, 2011, Phoenix, AZ
The North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) offers a unique opportunity to include younger representatives (ages 16-35) in a valuable interfaith encounter during the 2011 NAIN Connect. This scholarship recognizes young adults across the continent who are actively engaged in important work at the high school, college, graduate, and professional level.

If you are passionate about interfaith work, we welcome your energy and enthusiasm! You do not need to be part of a NAIN member organization to apply. Recipients are selected by the NAIN Young Adult Committee, according to the directives of the NAIN Board of Directors. Scholarship recipients receive: Reduced registration fee ($100 for students, $150 for non-students); $500 stipend to help cover the cost of registration, housing, travel, and meals. the option of sharing a hotel room with another scholarship recipient. (We encourage scholarship recipients to take advantage of this opportunity, which enhances the Connect experience and saves resources.) Scholarship recipients are required to: Be actively engaged at NAIN Connect by attending the majority of the programming; speak on a panel designated to young adults on the theme of the "Golden Rule" during the Connect. (Scholarship recipients may relate the theme to their individual interfaith endeavors as needed. More information will be provided to selected scholarship recipients.); write a brief reflective article on their experiences for NAINews. Young Adult Scholarship Application deadline: April 15, 2011.

CONSTRUCT: Build community, stimulate creativity & nourish spirit! May 21-23, Stockton, IL

CONSTRUCT features workshops and worship on how to build positive interpersonal relationships, increase creative energy and elevate the conversations in our lives, and includes a social justice project to benefit the congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton by painting and planting at the church. (Make sure to bring clothes you don't mind getting dirty.) Saturday evening will feature a community Coffeehouse! No need to haul your Steinway- but bring your sheet music, violins (and other musical instruments), your juggling gear, your hula hoops and your best jokes to share. We are especially thrilled to have this event at Stockton UU Church, as they have recently called Rev. Erik Carlson as minister. This event is open to individuals ages 18-35 only. Bring your sleeping bags, pillows, the snacks you love and condiments you can't live without. Meals are provided, and we love to accommodate our vegetarian and vegan friends! Participants may sleep at the church or make other arrangements for overnight lodging. Registration fees are on a rolling scale from $35-80. Super broke? Apply for a scholarship by May 20 at: http://www.cmwd-uuyan.org Register on Connect UU!

Questions? Contact Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson, Youth & Youth Adult Coordinator, tel: (608)225-7463.

For more information

Common Read: "The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona Borderlands"
Participate in a Common Read project: encourage your congregation to read and discuss the same book in a given period of time, or take part in an on-line group. 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 or paperback from the UUA Bookstore. The book is available in hardcover at public libraries.

Announcements

Association-wide
International
Regional
Local

Unique Opportunity to Perfect the UUA Website!

IMPERFECT UUA.org Do you have difficulty finding what you're looking for when searching UUA.org? Well us too, so the UUA is in the process of re-shaping the website and your input as a tester is needed!

YOU ARE PERFECT(ING) Testers are given scenarios and then look for information on a sample website structure. It's really easy to test (there are no wrong answers!) and it only takes a few minutes, a computer and internet connection. If interested in being a tester, please go to www.uua.org/about for more information and to apply.

PERFECT UUA.org The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries wants young adults to help shape the way the new UUA.org works, feels, and looks. We are recruiting youth, young adults, parents, and lay leaders to test youth and young adult topics to make them easy to find, useful and vital. Non-UUs are welcome, too, so please share this information with your friends!

EVEN MORE PERFECT Please send us specific examples of what you have had trouble finding on the UUA website in the past to youngadults@uua.org and help us make a more perfect UUA.org! With your help we will create a UUA website that works for everyone!

Interfaith Leadership Training More than 40 youth/adult interfaith teams have applied for Interfaith Leader training and ten teams have been selected to attend the training in February, but the story does not end there! The UUA is training teams to lead additional trainings in districts and regions all over the country, so be on the look-out for future opportunities to gain skills leading interfaith service work. If youth in your congregation are eager to become interfaith leaders, consider offering workshops from A Chorus of Faiths that include guidance on planning an interfaith service project now!

Resources

Books
Videos
Website
Organizations

UU World Spring 2011 Issue. Grab your copy and check out the Tapestry of Faith insert - read about The Children and the Frogs, how a Unitarian Universalist invented the World Wide Web, the Tao of iPod, and more! Subscribe or read UU World online!

General Assembly 2011 Youth Scholarship - application deadline April 20, 2011.

Don't let the opportunity to receive a grant to attend the 50th Anniversary General Assembly June 22-26 in Charlotte, North Carolina - download the application today!

Video - "A Religion for Our Time, Episode 14: "Joining Voices": a behind-the-scenes look at the joint Association Sunday service planned by seven Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations in South Central Pennsylvania. Thanks to more than two hundred volunteers, the November 2010 joint service included an orchestra, an intergenerational dance troupe, a robust choir, and a sermon by Unitarian Universalist Association President Rev. Peter Morales. Worshipping together builds community among the congregations and gives participants a sense of the broader UU movement. "Many of our members have never been UU's anywhere else," explains Rev. Judy Welles, co-minister of the UUs of the Cumberland Valley congregation. "So to come into a much larger context...where they see, 'oh we're really part of something much bigger,' is very healthy."

Download Episode 14 (MP4) (right-click to save the file). Share Episode 14 (YouTube).

Video - "A Religion for Our Time, Episode 15: "An Auction with Heart!" spotlights the Outreach Auction at Central Unitarian Church (CUC) in Paramus, New Jersey. Inspired by a charity auction at the Unitarian Church of All Souls in New York City, members of CUC are in their tenth year of holding two annual auctions. While the spring auction raises money for the congregation, every dime from the Outreach Auction in the fall goes to local charities. "Don't listen to any naysayers, just do it," says Celia Mendelsohn, co-coordinator of the Outreach Auction. "You will raise funds, even if it's what you feel might be a modest amount, it's going to grow over the years. You will not lose money to pledging. You might even see your pledges increase, because it's a wonderful feeling to belong to a church that does this." Download Episode 15 (MP4) (right-click to save the file). Share Episode 15 (YouTube).

General Assembly 2011 Young Adult Scholarship - application deadline April 20, 2011.

Don't let the opportunity to receive a grant to attend the 50th Anniversary General Assembly June 22-26 in Charlotte, North Carolina - download the application today!

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!

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?

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YAYAUUA
E-mail us at youngadults@uua.org
Keep reading - let's evolve together!