Conference Planning and Community Building
In addition to the document reprinted below, we also recommend "ConTemplate" (PDF, 109 pages), more recently developed by the Pacific Northwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).
Preface
The strengths of a community are derived from the principles upon which it is founded. Such principles are essential to guide behavior and thus to create a feeling of trust and community at Unitarian Universalist (UU) youth events. The following set of behavior principles shall serve as a basis for rules and regulations, so that the organizers of each event may tailor rules specifically for each event in accordance with these principles. All principles are guided by the ultimate goal of creating a strong, loving, religious community.
Respect
As part of the interdependent web of all existence, we as a community must have respect for the entire web. A strong, healthy community requires that we take care of ourselves. This includes having consideration and respect for the physical and emotional well-being of ourselves, each other, the community, and our hosts. In addition, we must have respect for the well-being of the place of gathering and the earth and its resources.
Shared Youth-Adult Leadership
Principles and rules are based on the democratic process, in which everyone is given a voice and opportunity to be heard. The goal of shared leadership is that youth be empowered to govern themselves with adult support and advice. Youth empowerment and youth-adult cooperation are essential for the successful continuation of our organization.
Adults
Adults are an integral part of a conference community. Because youth need good role models, adults should make themselves available as friends and "touch stones" so that youth feel physically and emotionally safe.
Inclusiveness
For participants to grow and mature in self-worth, inclusiveness is essential. Conferences are no place for abusive or demeaning behavior. To attain this goal of inclusiveness, we recommend:
- Acceptance and celebration of the rich diversity of lifestyles, backgrounds, and spirituality.
- Education about the damaging effects of prejudice and bigotry.
- Accessibility of facilities and activities for those with special needs.
- A commitment to resolve conflicts through discussion and mediation while avoiding verbal, emotional, and physical violence.
- Language and actions consistent with the goal of an inclusive community. Sexual harassment and other verbal and emotional abuse damages the community.
Sexuality
Sexuality is something to be valued and developed in persons of all ages. However, we recognize the variance among youth regarding readiness for and comfort with sexual relationships; therefore, members of the community are empowered to decline sexual intimacy of any kind. We also recognize that sexual behavior at conferences and other events can create awkwardness and detract from our goal of an inclusive community. Finally, recognizing that sexual behavior can be potentially life-threatening, education about safer sex should be provided.
Guidelines For The Establishment Of Behavior Roles
The preservation of safety and community is the goal of rules. The youth planning each event should establish rules well in advance of the-event, in accordance with these principles, in consultation with adult advisors, and with consideration of the responsibility they have to respect the concerns of youth participants and their legal guardian(s) and/or parent(s). The following guidelines provide a basis for the creation of behavior rules for any UU youth event:
- Ground rules and curfews should be based on knowledge of the area, rules of the host facility, and the age group participating.
- Rules in effect at any event should apply equally to all participants regardless of age.
- Rules should be developed in consideration of the needs of the youngest group attending.
- Sleeping arrangements should be provided to meet the needs of participants within the site conference (i.e., individual's needs for privacy and comfort, desires to share sleeping space with fronds regardless of gender, and needs for quiet and peace).
- Participants should be sent a behavior code with their registration packets and be required to sign and return one form stating that they understand the rules and agree to abide by them.
- Rationales should always be provided with the rules.
- Conference rules should be read aloud to the entire group at the beginning of the conference or event, with an opportunity for clarification by all parties.
- Participants under legal age should be required to provide a medical release form signed by a legal guardian and/or parent.
- All rules and guidelines should be made with consideration of state, provincial, and federal laws.
- Adults and older youth should be required to read, sign, and accept the "Code of Ethics for Adults and Older Youth."
Guidelines For The Enforcement Of Rules
It is the responsibility of the entire community to enforce behavior rules to maintain itself and the safety of its members. Members of the community should be given the power either to confront any behavior that makes them feel uncomfortable or to approach a youth leader or adult advisor with their concern. Alleged violations of the rules should be addressed by a committee composed of both youth and adults with youth in a majority. This committee should be introduced (if not elected) at the opening of the event, should have discretion in dealing with inappropriate behavior, and should maintain confidentiality when appropriate. Each individual section of this document was approved by Youth Council 1991 as printed above. This document now stands as an official document of Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) to be read and used as a guide to behavioral values in the establishment of rules at conferences and other UU youth events. All who read this document should keep in mind the hard work, value-battling, and the love for YRUU and our liberal religion that the people remembered as they created it.
For more information contact youth @ uua.org.
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Last updated on Wednesday, October 26, 2011.
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