International Service/Learning Opportunities for UU Seminarians
Opportunities Available through the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
- Anne Margaret Barr Childrens Village (Kharang, India):
The Anne Margaret Barr Children’s Village (AMBCV) in Kharang, India was established in February 2009 as a home for as many as 24 orphaned children. It is operated by the Unitarian Union of North East India, under the leadership of Reverend Nangroi Suting and with day-to-day care and oversight of the children by three “Mothers.” Children at the orphanage have ranged in age from 3 to 15. Unitarian Universalist (UU) Seminarians are invited to apply for a 2-3 week placement as a volunteer assistant at the AMBCV.
- New Life School/Orphanage (Kitofaali, Uganda):
The last decade has seen a surge in the number of orphans and as many as one third of the under 18 population may be orphaned by the year 2010, according to UNICEF estimates. The children affected by HIV/AIDS therefore, are emotionally vulnerable, financially desperate, face a greater risk of being abused, and are exposed to stigmatization and neglect. On the death of their parents many of them had no choice but to assume greater responsibilities of looking after each other. They are often forced into dangerous situations such as prostitution, drugs and living on the streets—this exposes them to even more risks, including the HIV virus, thus driving them into a cycle of infection and misery. They lose everything that once offered them comfort, security and hope for the future.
This is why volunteers are desperately needed to help the Orphans of Kitofaali, Uganda.
The Orphanage was founded in 2004 by Rev. Mark Kiyimba who is also the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Uganda. UU seminarians are invited to apply for a 2-4 week (or longer) placement as a volunteer assistant at the New Life Orphanage and New Life School.
- Tsubaki Grand Shrine Scholarship (Suzuka, Japan):
The Tsubaki Grand Shrine Scholarship is available to UU seminarians (in candidate status) attending non-UU theological Schools who have an interest in international and interfaith engagement. Scholarship recipients will be provided with expenses for travel to the Tsubaki Grand Shrine (TGS) in Suzuka, Japan, as well as room and board at the Shrine for two to three weeks. The timing of visits is flexible, but tends to be in the Summer or Fall.
- UU Holdeen India Program internship and service/learning opportunities
Service/Learning trips will be held in December 2012 and March 2013(scholarships available). Please check back in June 2012 for more information. Internships opportunities will also be available beginning in the Spring of 2013.
- "We Are One" Service/Learning trips to the US/Mexico border
In preparation for 'Justice General Assembly (GA)' in Phoenix, AZ (June 20-24, 2012) the Unitarian Universalist Association's (UUA's) Faith Without Borders program (FWB), and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) have jointly organized three opportunities for service/learning trips to the U.S./Mexico border with our partner organization: BorderLinks. All Unitarian Universalists (over 16 years of age) are invited!
- Trip 1: January 24-27, 2012 (complete)
- Trip 2: April 20-23, 2012 (complete)
- Trip 3: May 25-28, 2012 (last minute applications considered)
Additional Service/Learning trips with Borderlinks are planned for October 2012 and May 2013. Contact the UUA International Office for more information.
- London-area internships (UK): (temporarily unavailable)
The London district of Unitarian Churches (UK) is seeking qualified UU seminarians interested in providing short-term supervised ministerial services to London-area congregations. UU seminarians in Candidacy with the UUA are invited to apply for this opportunity. Preference will be given to applicants who have successfully completed other ministerial field education and CPE units.
The term of service is between 3 and 12 months. The London District will provide the seminarian with housing in East London—or alternative accommodation nearer to the congregation—as well as a small stipend to be agreed. Supervision will be provided by local Unitarian ministers who are in Fellowship with the UUA. All other expenses are the responsibility of the seminarian.
UUA/UUSC Joint Opportunities
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- The UUA and the UU Service Committee (UUSC) have joined together to provide service/learning trips. The first Service/Learning trip for Seminarians to Haiti was held in May 2011. Additional trips are scheduled.
Other Opportunities
Check with your theological school or seminary about opportunities which they provide.
For more information contact international@uua.org.
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Last updated on Thursday, May 10, 2012.
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