We aim to galvanize the youth of our movement by deepening our UU spirituality and values. We aim to build a strong community at General Assembly (GA) where each person knows:

• We can bring our whole selves (all our identities) to GA Youth and be welcome.
• We can support each other and count on each other to get the most out of GA.

At General Assembly there are many volunteers and teams dedicated to self and community care. UUA Staff and the GA Guides are here to help you navigate and connect with the appropriate folks to access the support you need.

• The GA Chaplains (gachaplains@uua.org) provide pastoral care as well as strategies for self-care, mindfulness, and stress relief to support GA registrants during GA. GA Chaplains offer support via one-on-one and/or small group conversations. Registered attendees may also be referred to their congregational leaders and/or other community resources for additional assistance.
• The Safety and Systemic Justice teams (gasafetysystemicjustice@uua.org) assist attendees from currently and/or historically marginalized communities in creating structural change by providing access and advocacy to challenge and change oppressive structures and/or systems.
• The Covenant Team (gacovenant@uua.org) is here to support attendees navigate conflict, to mediate conversations between multiple parties, and to help guide attendees whose actions violate the GA covenant, all while using the framework of our shared faith, values, and covenant to create a deeper, more meaningful community.

Building Radically Inclusive Community

In order to build radically inclusive community we:

• Use Inclusive Language and offer alternatives when people use words that unintentionally exclude us or other members of our community.
• Lift up the voices of those of us who are people of color, LGBTQ people and people on the margins while being mindful of Cultural (Mis)appropriation.
• Are familiar with Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation definitions and help others understand.
• Continually work to ensure the Youth spaces are inclusive of those of us who are transgender and advocate for/with our transgender siblings (PDF) in the wider GA.
• Recognize systemic racism and microaggressions and engage in conversations about race (YouTube).
• Ensure that the Youth spaces are accessible and welcoming to those of us with disabilities and be conscious that not all disabilities are visible.
• Invite people to share correct pronouns, accept when people choose to pass (maybe they’re not sure what pronouns they want to use, maybe they’re not ready).

Creating Communities of Care

The foundation of a community of care is covenant, or a sacred promise we make to one another of how we want to be together. We will create a covenant together at GA. If our covenant is broken, or someone breaks a rule or law, we’ll engage in a restorative process called Energy Committee.

We also want to create space for feedback, and really listen. We welcome in “Brave Space (Prezi)” where we can be vulnerable, mess up, and try again. We celebrate the unique multigenerational environment of GA by welcoming kids, young adults and older adults into the Youth spaces. We support traditions and rituals that help youth show support and care for one another.

To Create a Culture of Care, Just Remember to Say “HAAI!”

Hospitality—Specific Signs of Welcoming

• “We’re so glad you’re here! Need a snack?” When you meet someone
• Introducing youth to one another and help each other through the awkward beginning stages of conversation
• Learning about each youth, what they’re passionate about and what makes them tick
• Having fun and playing games together
• Creating introvert space and time
• Keeping dietary restrictions in mind
• Having a first aid kit and care supplies available

Acceptance

• Addressing the identities in the room—not invisibilizing
• Treating people as a complex set of identities, not pigeonholing
• Allowing youth to be kids as well as prophetic leaders
• Asking for people’s pronouns and using correct pronouns

Accountability

• Co-creating a covenant and dedicate time to revisit it
• If leaders notice participants are coupling or cliquing up, inviting other participants to mention it to them
• Encouraging youth to call each other into covenant
• Youth are informed of the rules and consequences before they arrive and they are reviewed verbally on the first day

Inclusivity

• Wearing name tags so we can call you by your name
• Monitoring participants coupling or cliquing up
• Encouraging youth to hang out with each other, not with staff
• Lifting up the quieter voices

Important Notes About Self Care

• GA is a marathon not a sprint, pace yourself,
• Don’t feel like you have to do everything, but try some new things!
• Drink water, eat, take showers, brush your teeth,
• Check in with your sponsor, let them know if there’s anything they can do to help better your GA experience,
• Let GA Youth staff know if there’s anything they can do to help improve your experience at GA,
• Take time to sleep! Programming starts early and ends late and we want to be energized throughout!
• Talk to someone post-programming or whenever you feel you need to to debrief.