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, individuals must be 21 years of age or older to attend facilitator trainings.

Are you looking for a current OWL program in your area? Please refer to our self-reported Congregational and Community OWL Offerings page.

Upcoming OWL Facilitator Trainings

In-person and online OWL Facilitator Trainings are available and open to anyone planning to use OWL in faith or secular settings.  Find more information on upcoming trainings here or email the UUA OWL office at owl@uua.org.

Please subscribe to the New England Region newsletter to be notified when registration opens for trainings we sponsor. OWL Facilitator Trainings are also held in other regions across the U.S. and Canada, year round.​

Curricula

Participants in the OWL Facilitator Training should bring their own copies of the curricula they will be using initially. Trainers will provide additional materials needed during the training:

• Our Whole Lives curriculum (K-1st Grade, 2nd ed. and/or 4th-6th Grade, 2nd ed.) (7th-9th Grade, 2nd ed. and/or 10th-12th Grade) (Young Adult, Adult, or Older Adult). OWL 10-12 2nd ed. will be available in early 2024.
• the corresponding companion book Sexuality and Our Faith for the level of OWL you will offer initially.
• Parent Guide to OWL for Grades K-1 and 4-6, 2nd ed.

If you do not already have a copy of the curricula, 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 curricula. It is not necessary for each person on your team to have their own copy. Contact the regional office, newengland@uua.org to borrow books for the training.

Training Logistics

All registrants are required to be present for the entire training, and attendance counts as part of the trainer assessment of your readiness to facilitate. We recommend that participants to stay overnight if they can, though this is not required.

In addition to the 22-24 hours of in-person training, you will have 3.5 hours of assignments to complete at least 4 days prior to the first day of training. This pre-work will consist of watching videos, doing a guided visualization, and sending brief reflections on them to your trainers. You'll also be expected to familiarize yourself with the curricula you have obtained. Your trainers will send the assignments to you 2 weeks prior to the training.

Trainings typically run from Friday afternoon to 9 pm., all day Saturday into the early evening, and Sunday until mid-afternoon. There are frequent short breaks and meal breaks. Participants are welcome to bring their own comfort items, such as special chairs, lumbar cushions, quiet fidget items, etc.

Children, guests, and pets are not allowed in OWL trainings, except for certified service animals.

Training Site

TBD

Training Fees

TBD

Cancelation Policy

• Cancellation prior to the registration deadline will be subject to a $25 handling fee. Registration deadlines are one month prior to the training date.
• Cancellations 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@uua.org, (617) 948-6415.