Youth Caucus & Other Programming: GA Youth Caucus FAQ

What is the Youth Caucus at General Assembly?

Youth Caucus refers to programming at General Assembly (GA) designed specifically for youth. Youth Caucus includes workshops, meetings to discuss and take part in GA business, networking and other social opportunities, and worship. Youth Caucus also takes part in the wider GA programming, including plenary sessions, public witness and worship. All youth are welcomed to participate in Youth Caucus. All youth are also welcome and encouraged to explore the full range of GA programming, as many workshops outside of Youth Caucus may also be of interest.

The purpose of Youth Caucus is to serve:

• Youth who want to get involved in Unitarian Universalism (UUism), who want to grow as Unitarian Universalists (UUs) through a variety of workshop and worship opportunities, and want to network with the wider UU community.
   
• Youth, including youth delegates, who are interested in and/or committed to participating in plenary sessions and the business of GA. There will be support and programming for how to participate in the business, as well.

Adult support and supervision at GA is also different from youth conferences. Read more about supervision at GA in the Policies and Supervision section of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

What is the Youth Caucus programming like?

Youth at General Assembly are encouraged to explore all that GA has to offer. There are also programs designed specifically by youth, for youth, to be found in the Youth Caucus. The Youth Caucus programming is not a "youth track" and does not have offerings in every available spot.

Youth Caucus programming in 2013 has been finalized!  See the program descriptions below and check out the schedule (PDF) to see how they fit into the larger GA landscape.  

Youth Caucus and Sponsor Orientation
Attendance is required for all youth attending GA and their sponsors, even if they do not intend on participating in Caucus programming.  Come learn about what to expect at GA, meet the Youth Caucus staff, and learn about the exciting opportunities available this week.

Youth Caucus Mixer
Come help kick off Youth Caucus right!  This will be the place for fun, games, and talking to other youth.  We encourage all youth to come, relax, and start connecting with other youth.  This is a great way to start off GA!

Youth Creating Connections, Strengthening Faith
Small group conversations will focus on sharing experiences and new ideas for youth ministry, leadership, justice work and more.  Come to start lasting relationships across the GA community.  Bring your success stories, roadblocks, hope and questions as we deepen our faith.  All ages welcome!

FUN TIMES: Business Matters
Join the Youth Caucus as we discuss the business of General Assembly.  Possible topics of discussion include the Statement of Conscience and Actions of Immediate Witness.  This is also a time to learn about what plenary is and how youth can be involved.

Youth Worship: When Our Promise Finds Fulfillment
Gathering in beloved community rekindles our commitment to our faith and our promises.  Join the Youth Caucus for our entirely youth-led worship.  All are welcome to be present for music and inspiration as we lift our hearts and begin our week at GA!

FUN TIMES: Get Connected
Join the Youth Caucus as we meet some of the important people in the UUA.  This session will focus on youth connection to the Association at large and will give youth a chance to establish relationships with our guests.

Note: Our guests this year include Eboo Patel, founder of the Interfaith Youth Core and the candidates for UUA Moderator.

FUN TIMES: Business Matters II
Join the Youth Caucus as we finalize our discussions about the business of General Assembly.  Possible topics of discussion include the Statement of Conscience and Actions of Immediate Witness.

Expecto Patronum: Youth, Pop Culture and Social Change
Harry Potter and the Hunger Games are engrossing and exciting stories.  However, pop culture phenomena like these just don’t entertain; they examine justice themes relevant to our faith.  Groups like the Harry Potter Alliance use shared interests to organize and take action.  Join us and explore new perspectives and opportunities.

Youth and Young Adult Worship: Circle of Faith
Join us for a closing worship celebrating our renewed commitments. Let us come together as individuals and in community to bring our lights back into the world. We invite you to arrive at 7:45 for gathering music and meditation. The call to worship will be given promptly at 8.

What else is there for youth at General Assembly?

Youth are always welcome and encouraged to attend programming throughout General Assembly, not just Youth Caucus. Check the program schedule for workshops that interest you! Youth Caucus staff will be putting together a suggested workshops list that will be distributed to all registrants in early June.

Public witness and service opportunities, worships, and spiritual practices are intended for all GA attendees and youth are especially welcomed and encouraged to attend. You can learn more about these opportunities on the GA website as details become available.

Some highlights include:

• Synergy Bridging Worship: Honoring those making the transition from youth to young adulthood, this multigenerational worship service invites all ages to participate.  
• Dance: open to all, the dance of Friday evening follows the Synergy service and usually draws a large group of youth and young adults.  
• This year's Ware Lecture will be given by Eboo Patel, founder of the Interfaith Youth Core.