Spreading SALT Coast to Coast!

By Annie Gonzalez Milliken

Spiritual Activism Leadership Training Comes to Massachusetts

The Spiritual Activist Leadership Training program (SALT) was pioneered by the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of California, now the UU Justice Ministry of California. They began in 2011 and have had two separate cohorts of young adults complete the program. These young adults spent a year participating in regular "Justice Plunges" and spiritual reflection that supported them in deepening their understanding of justice issues in California, developing their faith-based leadership and organizing skills, strengthening their spiritual lives, and connecting with justice makers across the state for mutual mentoring. You can read about the first cohort to graduate from the SALT program in this post from 2012.

We are excited to announce that this program is hitting a new coast! Young adults now have the opportunity to focus on social justice issues in Massachusetts. UU Mass Action, in partnership with the UU College of Social Justice is on a mission with their new SALT program. Their goal is to empower young adults to cultivate peace and justice through faith-based relationship building, action, and reflection, grounded in Unitarian Universalist values.

This six month long program is designed for young adults who are in their 20’s and early 30’s. The first program will begin in January of 2015; registration opens September 1st 2014. Participants will engage in experiential learning to expand their skills as activists in a way that is spiritually grounded in the Unitarian Universalist faith. These young adults will develop social change projects within their own communities while receiving ongoing training and mentorship through a mix of weekend intensive trainings, regular Internet and phone contact, readings and spiritual practices, and real-world social change experience. During the program participants will first examine what they bring to the table, discussing issues of personal identity and spiritual practice. These young adults will then explore the connection between their identities, resources and values and the need for change in their own communities. Lastly there will be time to discern how to work with others for realistic and lasting social change in particular areas. Does this program appeal to you? Is someone you know interested? For more information or to request registration information, email LWagner@UUMassaction.org. Do you wish to support this important work? You can contribute to the Spiritual Activist Leadership Trainng fundraising campaign on Faithify and help make this the best possible program for young adults. So if you believe in the power of young adults using faith-based Unitarian Universalist activism can change our world for the better, spread the word about this new SALT program, donate online or think about how you can nurture similar opportunities in your own state or community!
SALT 1

SALT 1
SALT 2

SALT 2