This page contains specific information for those who have been accepted to the Meaning Makers program for 2017-18. Here's everything you need to know about finding and covenanting with your Meaning Makers mentor. Please have your mentor selected or be in touch with Annie about any challenges you're facing by July 1st.

What does the mentorship component look like?
We expect you and your mentor to create your own agreements about your relationships, based on our sample covenant (PDF). We expect that you will meet, whether in person or virtually, once a month to talk over that months theme and check in on your spiritual life. This introduction letter contains the monthly themes, suggested questions and guidelines.

Why have an older mentor?
One of the best things about our Unitarian Universalist (UU) communities is the opportunity to build relationships across generations and be with folks of all ages. Meaning Makers is primarily focused on a peer group of emerging adults, but we still want to offer an intergenerational aspect. As you converse with your mentor we hope you will learn from their life experience, feel supported on your personal journey and contribute to their understanding of Unitarian Universalism by bringing your own experience.

What traits should I look for in a mentor?
We require that the mentor you select be an adult who has been actively participating in UU community for at least five years, who is of a different generation than you. Not sure what counts as a different generation? While it’s hard to talk about large groups of people without making false generalizations, this handout is useful in explaining one theory of what different generations look like.

You should also look for a mentor who you think you will get along well with, who is willing to commit to meeting regularly, and who has a perspective you value. Maybe you’d like to seek someone who lives nearby for ease of meeting. Maybe you prefer to seek someone who shares a specific interest of yours or some key identities.

How should I find a mentor?
If you already have someone in mind, just reach out to them and explain that you’re looking for a mentor to meet with monthly and talk about Unitarian Universalism and spiritual development. You can download this introduction letter (PDF) and send it to them to explain the program in more detail.

If you don’t have anyone in mind here are some approaches to try:

• Figure out what traits you’re seeking (examples: “I’d like someone who practices Buddhism” or “I’d prefer a man of color” or “I’m hoping for someone who works in education.”)

• Contact UUs you know personally and ask if they know anyone who fits those criteria who they would recommend

• If there are UU churches nearby, contact the minister and/or religious educator at the local congregation and see if they have anyone to recommend

• If you need help making connections with local UU staff, email Annie and she will offer some support

• Have an initial conversation to see if you and this person would make a good fit. You can both take time to think about it before committing to having this person as your mentor for the year.

What do I do once I have a mentor?
Make sure to send your mentor your the introduction letter (PDF) if you haven't already. You and your mentor should talk over the sample covenant and create your own and then submit it to Annie (agonzalez@uua.org). Make sure you've sent a name and email address for your mentor OR that you've been in touch with Annie about getting help finding one by July 1st 2017.