Youth Observer to the UUA Board of Trustees
NEW! Listen to the Question and Answer session with the 2012 Youth Observer Candidates (mp3).
Every year prior to General Assembly, the Youth Observer (YO) to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Board of Trustees is elected. The Youth Observer to the Board is an important, national leadership position held by a UU youth who is appointed by Unitarian Universalist (UU) youth in a national election.
Scroll down for more information about the position of Youth Observer to the UUA Board of Trustees. For the current roster of candidates for the 2012-2013 Youth Observer, see the "Candidates for 2012-2013 Youth Observer" page. For more information about the election process, see the "Youth Observer Voting Process" page.
Position summary, selection process and timeline (PDF).
Serving UU Youth and Our Faith: Statement from the 2011-2012 Youth Observer
Having served on the Florida District Board and the GA Youth Caucus Staff, I will bring to the youth observer position a strong background of policy governance and knowledge about youth issues within our association. My district board experience has given me an understanding of how governance boards function. Serving as the worship coordinator on Youth Caucus staff for the past couple years has given me an in depth understanding of the challenges our youth face within the denomination. I am actively involved in youth group activities and worship in my home congregation. I look forward to serving you and our faith.
Abhimanyu Janamanchi
2011-2012 Youth Observer to the
Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees
Congregation: Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, FL, Inc.
What's It Like to Be the Youth Observer?: Statement from the 2010-2011 Youth Observer
This year, I had the opportunity to serve Unitarian Universalism in a way I had never before imagined. As the Youth Observer to the UUA Board of Trustees, I had the full responsibilities of any other board member, except voting. This meant I served on committees and working groups, attended calls, and worked individually and in large and small teams. Throughout the year, I was often inspired by the board's efficacy, integrity, knowledge, rigor, and humor. I was also often confused, overly-busy (due to inconvenient timing), and drained. However, I have no regrets about my term as the YO. I have had my mind changed in dramatic ways, and have a much more deep and nuanced understanding of our religious movement. If you are an inspired youth with the confidence to speak to elders, the ability to juggle a heavy workload regardless of competing priorities, and a passion for Unitarian Universalism, I would urge you to run for Youth Observer.
In Ever-Sturdier Faith,
Caleb Raible-Clark
2010-2011 Youth Observer to the
Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees
What's the Youth Observer?: Job Description & Mission Statement
The Youth Observer is the primary liaison between GA Youth Caucus and the Board, but represents a larger youth voice on the Board. In collaboration with the Youth Trustee At-Large, the Youth Observer is charged with:
- Informing GA Youth Caucus and Youth Caucus staff of relevant Board issues at the Youth Observer's discretion;
- Staying informed about the planning and activities of GA Youth Caucus;
- Keeping abreast of national issues that are of interest to Unitarian Universalist youth in districts and congregations;
- Linking and nurturing relationships between youth leaders in districts and congregations across the nation;
- Seeking out qualified youth candidates as future Youth Observers and for other UUA volunteer positions.
- The Youth Observer shall serve their term without vote.
- Excluding matters of voting, The Youth Observer shall bear the same responsibilities and accountabilities as defined for trustees.
- With consent of the Board, the enumerated tasks of the Youth Observer may evolve as the structures of denominational youth leadership evolve.
The Mission Statement for the Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees is:
"Guided by the vision embodied in the Purposes and Principles of the UUA and in anti-racist imperatives approved by previous Boards, the mission of the Board of Trustees of the UUA includes by is not limited to: Creation of goals for the Association, in cooperation with the General Assembly, administration, and our constituents; Establishment of policies for the Association, guided by those goals; Empowerment of our member congregations through Board leadership in cooperation with the UUA administration, staff, and volunteers; Modeling of UU values in our lives and in our roles as Trustees; Stewardship in developing and managing the resources of the UUA."
For more information contact youth@uua.org.
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Last updated on Friday, April 20, 2012.
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