Chapter 1: Getting Started
Jason HappelOrono, ME
January, 1992
Well, here you are! What is it all about? What comes first, who's going to do it, who should do it, when should it be done, who's going to come, and why are they going to come? Even the preliminary questions are fairly intimidating. If there is a consistent formula for a good conference, it has eluded us. What exists, however, is a substantial list of elements that combine to make the best conferences: spirit, energy, vision, guts, imagination, fun, and education.
What kinds of conferences are there? To name a few: conferences to build community and have fun, leadership development conferences, organizational or business conferences, social action conferences, and intergenerational conferences.
Who might plan a conference? A conference might be planned by a local youth group, two or more local groups in cooperation, the district's Youth-Adult Committee, two or more districts in cooperation, or a youth organization and an adult organization in cooperation.
How long can conferences last? They could last a weekend (Friday evening to Sunday noon), a long weekend (Thursday through Sunday, or Friday through Monday, for example), most of a week, or an entire week.
Where are conferences held? They can happen in a church building, a camp, a hostel, or rented meeting facilities.
What ages might conferences serve? Some possible age ranges include:
- twelve to twenty-two years old
- junior high/middle school (11-14)
- senior-high school (14-18)
- post-high school (18-22)
- junior- and senior-high school (12-18)
- senior- and post-high school (14-22)
Who your group is and what kind of conference you are aiming for will have a major effect on how you plan.
Once you have decided which combination of variables you want your conference to include, your goals will be much more clear and concrete. If you decide that the conference you envisioned doesn't fit the categories above, make a specific description of what it will be. Having clear goals will make the planning of your conference run smoothly.
What are the most common ways to plan a conference?
The First Steps: Develop your Planning Committee
The First Steps: Choose a Theme
The First Steps: Find a Site
The First Steps: Plan Meetings and a Timeline
For more information contact youth @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
