A successful youth program has healthy, strong youth and adult leadership. How do leaders handle conflict and tension? Are the leaders feeling competent and supported in their ministry and excited about new things to learn? Are protections in place to keep youth safer and to respond quickly if something damaging happens in the youth program?
Some elements of covenantal & safe leadership
- Youth and adult leaders guide the community in creating a strong covenant and they all model and support youth in living the covenant including speaking up when someone’s actions are uncomfortable.
- Youth are mentored into leadership and given chances to study leadership together
- The congregation and youth program have a complete Safe Congregations Policy, train adult advisors, and regularly orient youth and parents with particular attention to the Fourteen Best Practices for Safety in Youth Ministry
- Youth and Adults understand the practice and theology of Youth-Adult Partnership
- Adults know how to be authentic, present, and safe
- Adults, especially, understand the dynamics of triangulation and anxiety (video) and help guide youth, parents, and congregation members to communicate directly
- Leaders create a space where youth can learn to listen to their gut feelings and speak up for their own boundaries
More resources:
- Workshop for youth “Living in Covenant”
- Workshop to deepen theological understanding of covenant
- CER Advisor training page
- Central East Regional Goldmine Youth Leadership School
- CER youth leadership program page
- Bringing the Web to Life Curriculum for youth groups
- National UUA youth leadership opportunities
