Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth Underway

Task Force on Ministry to and with Youth

Have you ever wondered, “What is Unitarian Universalist youth ministry like in congregations throughout the Association? How are our congregations fostering the spiritual growth of our youth?”

To respond to these questions, the Unitarian Universalist Association is embarking on a two-year process to revision, strengthen, and deepen our commitment to youth ministry across the Association. The Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth is designed to be a grassroots process – beginning with individuals and congregations and progressing to the larger institutions and organizations that provide services and support to the grassroots.

These conversations will focus on what they can do to minister with youth, and what the Association can do to support their youth ministry. This broad and transformative process seeks to foster an Association-wide commitment to the growth of Unitarian Universalism through youth ministry. "Nothing is more important to the future of Unitarian Universalism than our ministry with youth," says UUA President Rev. William Sinkford. "I hope all of our young people and all of our congregations will engage in this consultation process."

The first step in this process is a survey of youth. During January and February, youth ages 12-20 have an opportunity to voice their experiences with UU youth ministry, by completing a survey. The survey asks youth about their experience in Unitarian Universalism and our youth programs. Youth with all types of involvement in Unitarian Universalism should complete this survey, including:

• YRUU Youth (Local, District, Continental)
• Youth involved in their local congregation but not in YRUU
• Youth who are no longer involved in their congregation or have left the denomination

The responses to the survey will inform an Association-wide intergenerational dialogue about Unitarian Universalist ministry with youth. Every congregation should have received a copy of the survey in the January UUA congregational mailing. The deadline for receipt of the surveys is February 28, 2006.  If there are youth who missed the opportunity to take the survey, they will have another opportunity for participation in this dialogue in their congregational conversation.

In April and May 2006 congregations throughout the U.S. and Canada will hold Youth Ministry Congregational Conversations. These conversations will build from the survey findings, and will be an opportunity for youth and adults to explore how to provide a vital ministry that fosters the spiritual growth of youth. If your congregation would like to receive a Process Guide on how to organize and facilitate a conversation, contact Beth Dana at 617-948-4352 or bdana@uua.org .

Find more information about the Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth, and take part in this exciting process to improve the life of our congregations and the vitality of our ministry.

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100