Immersion experiences for UU youth can be transformative and deeply spiritual. Youth who participate in UUA-sponsored programs report that they make lasting friendships, deepen their faith, and leave such experiences feeling empowered and inspired.
Youth safety policies are key to providing the containers that allow youth to have these transformative and even life-saving experiences. Safety policies allow diverse youth to be included, respected, and given the space in which to grow and thrive. The policies and sample procedures presented here represent wisdom that has been gathered and carefully curated. We have been informed by our UU values at every stage of building these policies and guidelines. Rooted in covenant, and given wings by shared experience, we are grateful to be able to provide clear guidance for all UUA-endorsed youth events.
These guidelines are not intended for adoption for individual congregational youth programs, but we hope they will inspire congregations in their own safety work. They are required for UUA events.