GA Youth Community Guides

We, the office of Lifespan Faith Engagement, are seeking 4 youth (14-18 years old) and 2 adults (25+ years old) to serve as Guides for the UU youth community at General Assembly in Baltimore, MD, June 18th through 22nd, 2025. This is a great opportunity to deepen your connection with UU youth and to further develop your relationship building, group facilitation, and collaboration skills.

GA Youth Community Guide Application Form

If you are 18-24, see Emerging Adult Community Guide Information!

What Does a GA Guide do?

Youth Guides co-create programming, worship, and activities in the youth space that are grounded in Unitarian Universalism and the needs of youth attendees. Adult Guides use ​​shared leadership with healthy boundaries and a commitment to safety to support the youth Guides. The Lifespan Faith Engagement team will help Guides be prepared to “Meet the Moment” (this year’s GA theme) as they support youth in building community and being involved in the democratic process.

All Guides are asked to attend planning meetings and an orientation, and communicate regularly with other Guides and UUA staff in advance of GA. At GA, Guides will lead an orientation for youth and sponsors, have times when they are responsible for supporting programming, have time to enjoy GA as a participant, and have downtime.

Is there Compensation?

In appreciation for their time and contributions Guides will receive:

  • Complimentary registration
  • Travel booked through the UUA or reimbursement for travel arrangements made on their own
  • Choice of individual or shared lodging, covered by the UUA
  • Food allowance to cover breakfasts and snacks with lunch and dinner provided
  • Youth Guides receive an honorarium of $500.
  • Adult Guides receive compensation of $1000.

What skills will I need?

It is helpful but not required (because they will learn through the orientation process) for youth applicants to have some familiarity in the following areas. Adult Guides should demonstrate competency in these areas:

  • Interpersonal & Relationship-Building Skills – Ability to connect with and engage youth, build community, and foster belonging.
  • Cultural Competency & Advocacy – Awareness of racial justice work, the needs of UU youth of color/trans youth/other marginalized groups, and a commitment to inclusion and equity.
  • Group Facilitation Skills – Experience leading group activities, discussions, and community-building exercises.
  • Creativity & Adaptability – Familiarity with spontaneous programming, emergent leadership, and responding to the needs of youth in real time.
  • Pastoral & Emotional Care Awareness – Ability to support peers in a caring and compassionate way, knowing when to connect youth to chaplains and support teams.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork – Willingness to work with youth, supportive adults, and various GA teams (chaplains, worship teams, DRUUMM, etc.).
  • Safety Awareness – Basic understanding of youth safety guidelines and the ability to help create a safe and welcoming space.
  • Engagement in UU Governance & Social Justice – Interest in UU democratic processes, the GA business agenda, and empowering youth delegates to participate in decision-making.

What are the Requirements for Youth Guides?

GA Youth Community Guides should:

  • Be rising 9th-12th graders or have just graduated from 12th grade
  • Be able to communicate via agreed messaging platforms, email and Google Drive
  • Be able to meet via Zoom (video conferencing can be done by phone) several times during the months prior to GA
  • Arrive in Baltimore on Tuesday June 17th and plan to stay through Sunday morning, June 22nd
  • Guides 18 and under will need a designated adult Sponsor
  • Demonstrate a commitment to relationship building, cultural competency, collaboration, and UUism.

What are the Requirements for Adult Guides?

Adult Guides should:

  • Be 25 or older
  • Be able to communicate via agreed messaging platforms, email and Google Drive
  • Be able to meet via Zoom (video conferencing can be done by phone) several times during the months prior to GA
  • Arrive in Baltimore on Tuesday June 17th and plan to stay through Sunday morning, June 22nd
  • Agree to and pass a background check
  • Demonstrate a commitment to relationship building, cultural competency, collaboration, and UUism.
  • Have professional or volunteer experience working with youth that includes an understanding of shared leadership, healthy boundaries and safety.

How do I apply?

Please share some information about yourself with us by filling out this form, which will ask you for contact information and an introductory video or letter.

GA Youth Community Guide Application Form

Applications will be reviewed starting February 24th. Someone from the Office of Lifespan Faith Engagement will reach out to you within a week of your submission.