Our Whole Lives (OWL) Teacher Trainings in the New England Region

Our Whole Lives (OWL) Facilitator Trainings equip adults to lead OWL programs in their community. The New England Regional staff sponsors trainings throughout the year co-led by friendly, expert trainers who love teaching people how to lead OWL programs. You will learn, practice, and be evaluated during a weekend training that runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.

Please note, OWL Facilitators are required to be 25 years of age or older to teach in Unitarian Universalist congregational settings. 

OWL Facilitator Trainings for 2018-2019

Registration is open for the following trainings:​​

• August 17-19, 2018, Grade Levels 7-9 and 10-12
• September 7-9, 2018, Grade Levels 7-9 and 10-12
• November 2-4, 2018, Elementary Grade Levels K-1 and 4-6
• January 25-27, 2019, Grade Levels 7-9 and 10-12
• February 1-3, 2019, Grade Levels 7-9 and 10-12
• April 19-21, 2019, Grade Levels 7-9 and 10-12
• OWL Facilitator Trainings are also held in other regions across the U.S. year round

Curriculum Books

Participants in the OWL Facilitator Training should bring their own copies of three books for the age and grade level(s) they will be teaching:

• Our Whole Lives curriculum (K-1st Grade and/or 4th-6th Grade) (7th to 9th Grade and/or 10th to 12th Grade) (Young Adult and/or Adult Level) 
• the corresponding companion book Sexuality and Our Faith (K-1st Grade and/or 4th-6th Grade) (7th to 9th Grade and/or 10th to 12th Grade) (Young Adult and/or Adult Level) 
• Advocacy Manual for Sexuality Education, Health, and Justice (used for all levels)

If you do not already have a copy of the curriculum books, check with your religious education professional before ordering copies from the inSpirit: UU Book and Gift Shop. Note, if you have a team of people coming from the same congregation, you are welcome to share copies of the curriculum. It is not necessary for each person on your team to have their own copy. Contact the regional office, newengland [at] uua [dot] org to borrow books for the training.

Training Fee

Our fee of $400 includes instruction, printed folder materials, meals and two overnights. The fee is the same whether participants stay on site overnight or not. Participants are responsible for bringing their own curriculum books. Please note the cancelation policy below for information about refunds.

Training Schedule

All registrants are required to be present for the complete training. We have found that coming late and leaving early is disruptive to the group building process and can hinder work that is to be done in small groups. We therefore advise participants to stay overnight if they can, though this is not required. A basic outline for the training schedule is as follows:

Friday: 

• 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - check in 
• 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. - dinner
• 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - training

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. - training with breaks and meals

Sunday: 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - training with breaks and meals

Training Site

Our OWL trainings are held at the Walker Center for Ecumenical Exchange at 171 Grove Street, Auburndale, MA 02466. See directions for getting there by T (subway), by bus, by car, and from the airport.

Most guest rooms accommodate two people. A few accommodate three. Bedding and towels are provided. Guests are asked to bring their own soap and shampoo. If you would like a single room, please make a request and let us know if you have a special need associated with that. Though we cannot guarantee availability, we do everything we can to accommodate people with special requirements for a single room.

Cancelation Policy

• Cancelation prior to the registration deadline will be subject to a $25 handling fee. Registration deadlines are one month prior to the training date.

• Cancelations made after the registration deadline but a week or more before the training will be subject to a $150 fee, unless a replacement is arranged.

• Refunds for cancelations made within the week prior to the training will be given only under emergency circumstances and at the discretion of the regional staff. There is no penalty for finding someone to replace you if you cannot come.

Questions?

Read the OWL frequently asked questions or contact newengland [at] uua [dot] org, (617) 948-6415.