What/ When/ Where: GA Youth Caucus FAQ

What is General Assembly?

General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Its programming includes open business meetings in which delegates speak and vote, (this is called Plenary); Workshops that any registered attendee may attend; Worship services scattered throughout the days and nights; a large exhibit hall with displays from congregations, departments of the UUA, and other Unitarian Universalist (UU) or UU-related organizations; and tons of other great events, meetings and fun programs! Thousands of UU children, youth and adults gather at GA. It has a contingent of youth, but it is not a youth con.

When & Where is General Assembly?

General Assembly in 2013 will be held from June 19-23 in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information about GA, including information about the host city, visit General Assembly.

Who qualifies for Youth Registration?

Youth Registration is open to all those who were in grades 9-12, or the equivalent for home-schooled youth in the Fall 2012-Spring 2013 school year. Additionally, youth registration is required for all General Assembly (GA) attendees aged 15-17 regardless of school level. Eighteen year-olds are not required to register as Youth, but must do so in order to obtain the youth registration rate. Fourteen year-olds may register as youth if they will have completed 9th grade (or the equivalent for home schooled youth) before GA.

For those under 14 and those who are 14 and have not yet entered high school (or the equivalent for home-schooled youth), use the Children’s Registration.

For those 18+ and out of high-school, take note of the option to get information about Young Adult Caucus on the adult registration form.

What is Plenary?

Throughout General Assembly, there are Plenary sessions where representatives (delegates) from all UU congregations gather to do the business of the Unitarian Universalist Association. This includes changing the bylaws of the Association and doing social witness work as part of our faith. Youth Caucus plays an important and influential role in each session. Although only youth who are delegates may speak on the floor of Plenary, any youth may take part in the consensus-run Youth Caucus business meetings (FUN TIMES) leading up to plenary sessions.

Can Youth be Delegates to General Assembly?

Yes, definitely! Being a delegate gives youth a chance to participate in the democratic process and help shape the face of Unitarian Universalism for the next year. To become delegates, youth must go through regular delegate election/selection processes (these vary from congregation to congregation). By sending youth as delegates, congregations send a powerful message that youth are a vital and important part of Unitarian Universalism.