One or Two Year Terms: Four Candidates to Meet

Friends, it is that time of the year again! It's time to elect the next Youth Observers to the Unitarian Universalist AssociationBoard of Trustees. , Olivia and Caleb describe their role as the current Youth Observers in this statement:

 "This position helps us share that light with the adults of our faith and establish our collective voice as youth leaders, thus creating a strong multi-generational community."

For the first time ever we have contested elections and candidates for the two year position. Before getting to meet the candidates, here is the job description for the position:

The Youth Observers bring a youth voice to the Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees. The Youth Observers are charged with: Participating in the business of the association as full board members, and bearing the same responsibilities and accountability as defined for trustees, excluding matters of voting Attending four in person board meetings per year, including General Assembly, and participating in monthly board meetings via the internet, as well as working group assignments; Keeping abreast of board issues that affect Unitarian Universalist youth; Remaining active and in good standing with a congregation.

Click for Youth Observer Voting Process and ballots. Ballots must be received by April 4, 2016

Meet the Candidates: One-Year Term

Izzy Spriggs Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis Mid-America Region

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I am Izzy Spriggs, an incoming senior and active youth at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis. Having been to Midwest Youth Leadership school, I understand and have learned the qualities of a good leader. I am excited to create more opportunities for youth leaders within our national UU community, because the voice of youth is vital to the future of Unitarian Universalism. We can continue making our community even more accepting and open than before! As a youth observer, I will be your advocate and supporter to ensure we can implement positive change for our future of Unitarian Universalism.

Andrea Briscoe Main Line Unitarian Church Central East Region

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: Because of Unitarian Universalism, I have been able to learn to be my best self and I have learned to help others discover their best selves. The deep seated appreciation I have for our faith has manifested itself in my work as an active leader within my church, but more so beyond. The roles I have held, such as dean of the Youth Caucus at GA, have taught me the importance of transparency; thus I, as a youth observer, would be deeply committed to articulating the work of the board for the youth community. As a sophomore I served as youth observer to my church’s board of trustees during a time of great change. This experience made me fall in love with church governance and policy as well as gave me the experience to be able to navigate how to successfully be a youth on an all adult board. Youth are not only the future of our movement, but also very much the present. As youth observer, I would ensure that UU youth are heard by the leaders of our movement.

Meet the Candidates: Two-Year Term

Megan Schulz First Unitarian Universalist Church of Rochester, MN Mid-America Region

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I became a Unitarian Universalist in 8th grade when I attended RE with a close friend and was immediately accepted into the church. I can honestly say that the welcoming and inclusive community of Unitarian Universalism has changed me for the better. My transformation has empowered me to take on various leadership positions both within my congregation and the UUA. My position as president of my youth group and my involvement in Luminary Leaders has given me the skills I need to be an advocate for youth and give them a voice within our faith. Youth are vital to the future of Unitarian Universalism and create the direction in which we will learn and grow. I would love the opportunity to serve as Youth Observer to represent UU youth and encourage their own personal growth within our faith.

Bailey Saddlemire First Unitarian Church of Providence, RI New England Region

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: My name is Bailey Saddlemire and I am from the First Unitarian Church of Providence in Rhode Island. In my opinion, the youth have some of the most important voices in the Unitarian Universalist community, after all we will be running the UUA in only a few decades, we should be able to show what we believe! I have been working as a youth representative in my own congregation, bridging a large communication gap and working on social justice and youth projects for eleven months. I have the experience, organization, and determination to be a great Youth Observer, and if you agree please vote for me!