Youth Observer to the UUA Board of Trustees

Voting now open for the 2013-2014 Youth Observer!

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 Unitarian Universalist (UU) youth who is appointed by UU youth in a national election.

Meet the candidates and see the "Youth Observer Voting Process" for more information about the election process. Read more about the position summary, selection process and timeline (PDF).

Serving UU Youth and Our Faith: Statement from the 2012-2013 Youth Observer

As a member and moderator of the Youth Ministry Advisory Committee (YMAC) to the UUA president for the last two years, I've gained a broad perspective on the issues facing youth ministry across the country. Through YMAC and my years at GA, I've also become familiar with the theory and practice of policy governance. My commitment to youth ministry extends outside the denomination as I've had a leadership role in my local Interfaith Youth Leadership Coalition. I'm also active in my home congregation's youth group and am a member of a ministerial internship committee. I'm excited at the prospect of representing my peers on the UUA Board of Trustees.

Katherine Allen
2012-2013 Youth Observer to the
Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees
Congregation: Unity Church-Unitarian, St. Paul, MN

What's It Like to Be the Youth Observer?: Statement from the 2010-2011 Youth Observer

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. 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.

1. The Youth Observer shall serve their term without vote.
    
2. Excluding matters of voting, The Youth Observer shall bear the same responsibilities and accountabilities as defined for trustees.
    
3. 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."