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YRUU Community in Times of Change

by Beth Dana

Dear Current and Former Young Religious Unitarian Universalists,

Since the Consultation on Ministry To and With Youth began, there has been no forum for current and former Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUUers), who have contributed to and received so much from this organization, to voice their thoughts publicly and collectively during this time of change.

I’m writing to you about an important project—offering you an opportunity for current and former YRUU youth to voice your thoughts on the Consultation on Ministry To and With Youth through Synapse, the magazine by and for Unitarian Universalist (UU) youth.

I have been researching our YRUU history and how UU youth felt about the changes that led to the creation of YRUU in the early 1980s. I plan on writing a piece about “Community in Times of Change” for Synapse. I would love for this to be accompanied by original pieces by other current and former YRUUers about the present day. This is where you come in!

I encourage you to:

Take this opportunity to submit a piece of writing—any format and length is welcome OR You can call (617) 948-4356 and express your thoughts verbally by leaving a voicemail. I would then transcribe it into writing for Synapse. (Note: The voicemail recording is the voice of Mr. T—don’t be alarmed, it IS the Youth Office.)
Remember that Synapse has been the voice of YRUU members for over twenty years.
Use Synapse to give YOU a place to voice your thoughts, anxieties, criticisms, and hopes for this time of change.
Use your voice as a part of the transformation of YRUU.

Here are some questions to think about:

How do you feel about the Consultation on Ministry To and With Youth?
How do you feel about YRUU and this time of change?
What effect does change have on your experience of the YRUU and UU community?
What changes are you most excited about?
What are you nervous or anxious about?
What have your recent experiences been in YRUU and as a youth in Unitarian Universalism—the highs and the lows?

With each submission, please include:

Anything about yourself, including your name.
Your district/region or state/province.
How old you are.

If you feel reluctant to contribute your thoughts in such a public way, you may remain anonymous, but please still share your thoughts. I want to create a space for every voice to be heard if you have something you would like to say.

Please send all submissions by February 1, 2007.

Contact me if you have any questions. As a member of the YRUU community (in various roles) for more than eight years, I care a lot about this organization and want to create space for every person to be heard, no matter your involvement or style of expression. I have been extremely lucky to work with and learn from many of you over the years.

In community,
Beth Dana
Youth Ministry Associate, Youth Office, Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)

Twenty-two year old former YRUU youth from Albany, NY and the St. Lawrence District.

For more information contact youth @ uua.org.

Last updated on Saturday, April 19, 2008.