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Unitarian Universalist Association Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
May 2011 Young Adult Newsletter
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 Letter from the Editor
GA - And Beyond!
Dear Friends, Last month we gave you seven pretty principled reasons to attend General Assembly this year. This month we add another type of reason: EXCITEMENT! We are preparing an exciting and vital experience for youth and young adults in Charlotte celebrating the 50th anniversary of our association, reinforcing multi-generational diversity among delegates, and looking forward to Justice GA in June 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. YaYA is on the move and we need you - join us! (Spoiler alert - next month's good reason to attend GA is YOU WILL HAVE FUN!!) Do you know what this is? Rorschach test? Abstract image? Random collection of dots and squares? (Hint: click on the link to find out) 
Okay, how about this one? Wallpaper pattern? The number three? A tattoo? 
* These "Quick Read" images are symbolic of the future of YaYA and the UUA, representing new and innovative ways to connect - to the UUA, to resources, to each other and to the world beyond, while Gather the Spirit and Spirit in Practice are others. We are ever more committed to giving you the tools to live your faith and create the world as you - and we all - wish it to be, and to that end our June issue will feature much more information about programming at GA of special interest to youth and adults working with youth. We are committed to the future and you are it: your vision and ability to imagine the future you want to create and your energy to make it so inspires us. As we prepare for next month we keep hearing Buzz Lightyear's battle-cry, "To the universe... and beyond!" So stay tuned-in and active - we will match you every step of the way! (We want to) See you in Charlotte! Happy reading! UUA Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Visit the Unitarian Universalist Youth Ministry Facebook page!  |
 | | Rev. Dr. Monica Cummings |
Pastoral Message
The First Principle
Hi Family,
I go through periods of time when I stop watching or reading the news to protect my mental health. Part of last week was one of those times. It felt like my head was going to spin off with the constant coverage of the Royal Wedding, people questioning President Obama's place of birth and the upcoming trial of Casey Anthony. Just when I though it was safe to watch the news again, Osama bin Laden was killed. At first, I was amazed at the spontaneous celebrations and puzzled at the number of people who wanted OBL's death photos released. I dismissed the celebrations as people exhaling after almost 10 years of waiting for the next attack by OBL and his followers on U.S. soil. I equated people's curiosity to see the photos with our inability to look away at a car accident as we drive past. Then, as the days passed, I began to wonder if we as a nation were not becoming what we despise in others. For example, I recalled the name calling and demonization of those in other lands who cheered after 9/11 and other events when U.S. citizens or soldiers were killed.
Holding all the above in my heart and mind, I started thinking about our First UU Principle which calls us to "Affirm and Promote the Inherent Worth and Dignity of every person" and I will add
"dead or alive." So I ask you, what does the first UU Principle mean to you? How do you apply it to your life? Do you have conditions as to who qualifies? Does the First Principle apply to a person who is considered evil?
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
"This I Mourn: A Lamentation for Osama bin Laden" by Gregory Boyd.
One fewer soul on Spaceship Earth,
Our Father's Mother feels the dearth.
We are wholly imperfect:
perfectly incomplete.
This, I mourn with each passing hour,
A violent end to brutal power.
Yet, I know what I believe-
We are wholly imperfect:
perfectly incomplete.
Who is my neighbor?
Did he ask?
Love your neighbor.
Not my task
Smote my neighbor.
Who now basks?
This, I mourn with each passing hour,
A violent end to brutal power.
Yet, I know what I believe-
We are wholly imperfect:
perfectly incomplete.
Did he hunger?
Does he feast?
Sought he victory?
Through defeat?
This, I mourn with each passing hour,
A violent end to brutal power.
Yet, I know what I believe-
We are wholly imperfect:
perfectly incomplete.
Buddha says, "Forsake desire."
Would that I were as a spire,
Thrusting up toward Heaven above
Penetrating the God of love,
Sharp to pierce Holy Empire.
Where is my neighbor?
Who is your God?
Who is my neighbor?
Where is your God?
Bountiful blessings:
The prayers we sow.
Militant aggressing:
Onward we go.
This, I mourn with each passing hour,
A violent end to brutal power.
Yet, I know what I believe-
We are wholly imperfect:
perfectly incomplete.
To know peace,
To know relief,
To rest in peace,
Without grief;
Thus, to decease.
To know no more,
What you abhor;
Eternal sleep,
Sojourn complete:
Life is defeat.
This, I mourn with each passing hour,
A violent end to brutal power.
Yet, I know what I believe-
We are wholly imperfect:
perfectly incomplete;
Wantonly unpredictable,
We lamenting beasts.
Visit the Unitarian Universalist Mosaic Project Facebook group page!
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 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 Districts. Two intensive leadership experiences for congregational leaders throughout the south - the Dwight Brown Leadership Experience (DBLE) and the Southland UU Leadership 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 Districts.
Last summer each participating district offered a different model of advanced leadership development.
The UULTI Design Team is evaluating the four 2010 experiences to re-imagine UULTI 2011.
> MidWest Collaboration:
Central Midwest, Heartland, and Prairie Star Districts.
MidWest Leadership School, July 17-23, 2011 at Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin.
> 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
Rev. Dr. 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.
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 Campus Ministry
I heard it on the telephone...
Best Practices in Campus Ministry Webinar Series
The Best Practices in Campus Ministry webinar series kicked-off Thursday night May 12! Guest speaker Marion Hirsch shared tips about the successful campus ministry program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill she's been running for more than eight years. Colleagues called in from Maryland, Colorado, Washington and California! There are more sections of this seminar to come with topics ranging from radical inclusivity of our queer selves and siblings to long-distance campus ministry, and more. Webinar schedule and instructions for participating are announced on the CampusUUs facebook page and the YACM-Leaders listserv well in advance of the calls, so log-on, take note and call in! Hoo-rah to your presence on the next webinar!
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 general information about GA and learn about events geared towards folks involved in young adult and campus ministry. In addition to the wonderful presentations from campus ministry professionals in the general workshop programming, new events include a unified procession of Campus UUs during Opening Celebration, 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 be a part of all of these events.
Kayla Parker Campus Ministry Associate campusministry@uua.org Find and friend us on Facebook!
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SB1070 + Prop 8+ WI
UPDATE 05: Warming Rays
(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 Following the Ninth Circuit issued ruling on April 11 that puts the most controversial parts of the state's immigration enforcement law on hold, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn this ruling. Attorney General Tom Horne said going directly to the Supreme Court and skipping a possible second appeal to the 9th Circuit will save time in resolving the case, while Brewer said she is confident "Arizona will prevail in its fight to protect its citizens." The state must file the appeal by a July 11 deadline, the officials said. The Supreme Court has discretion on whether to hear the appeal on the lower court's order. PROP 8 U.S. Ninth District Judge James Ware has scheduled a hearing for June 13 on the Proposition 8 backers' plea to permanently block any public release of the videotape of the trial on the measure's constitutionality. The judge said he would hold off for now on the Proposition 8 challengers' conflicting plea to publicly release the entire video recording. Meanwhile, Judge Ware has been drawn into an even more recent controversy: a plea by the Proposition 8 backers that he throw out all of Judge Walker's ruling in the case and any orders he had issued, claiming that his own same-sex relationship made him not an impartial judge in the case. Judge Ware has scheduled a hearing on that issue for June 13. WISCONSIN The Wisconsin Supreme Court asked the state Attorney General and opponents of a law limiting public employee collective-bargaining rights for briefs on whether it can take over and dismiss a challenge to the measure. The law requires annual recertification votes for union representation of public employees and makes their payment of union dues voluntary. Democrats and organized labor oppose the measure, which was signed March 11 by the Governor of Wisconsin, as an attack on worker rights. The Supreme Court order compels opponents and supporters of the law to brief the court this month on whether it can take over the case and dispose of it. The Supreme Court said it will hear argument on the issues on June 6. |
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Events
Opportunities
Training
Gatherings
Dynamic Youth Ministry: On-line course offered by Starr King School for the Ministry, Fall 2011 This course is part of a broader movement to revitalize youth ministry within and beyond Unitarian Universalism This lively interactive course grounds students in theological, ethical and programmatic aspects of youth ministry and embodies a youth ministry that is a vibrant, robust and flexible part of every congregation. Previous participants include graduate students, ministers, youth advisers, non-profit staff, religious educators, parents and others. For more information and to register visit Dynamic Youth Ministry on Facebook:  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. Annual Multicultural Leadership School, August 5-9, 2011, Boston, MA
"Beyond offering leadership skill development, this conference brings together young Unitarian Universalist People of Color," said Rev. Dr. Cummings. "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. Download your application, read about the 2010 conference, and send us an email to yayaofcolor@uua.org if you or somebody you know would like to attend!  CONSTRUCT, 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 were 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 Summer 2011 Issue. Grab your copy of the "Gold Issue" to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Subscribe or read UU World online! HAPPY BIRTHDAY UUA! 
Video - "A Religion for Our Time, Episode 17: "Greater Good Project" shows how the
First Unitarian Church in Rochester, New York has developed an amazing holiday tradition. Congregants decide how much they will spend on the holidays and then give half of that amount to the church! The children then decide what local and international charities to support with the funds. Five years on this remarkable project provides a whole new meaning to the holidays for hundreds of UU families and for the people they help.
Video - "A Religion for Our Time, Episode 16: "Worship For All Ages!" shows how Reverend Erika Hewitt and her worship leaders increase attendance by creating the magic of story-based intergenerational worship at the Live Oak UU Congregation in Goleta, California. Based on the concepts illustrated in Hewitt's book, Story, Song & Worship (published by Skinner House), this is intergenerational worship that engages kids and adults alike. 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! |
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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?
Tweet with us at  YAYAUUA
E-mail us at youngadults@uua.org
Keep reading - let's evolve together! 
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