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Compiled and edited by Adam Leite in collaboration
with Rebecca Scott originally compiled in March 1990
Updated by David Taylor in collaboration with Kathy Daneman updated
in October 1996
Youth Council has repeatedly called for the creation of a handbook
of YRUU Policies and Procedures. This compilation documents every
impacting decision ever made by the YRUU Youth Council or Steering
Committee. This manual is structured to accompany the YRUU by-laws,
going into detail on each specific item. The following document
is also the complete set of YRUU rules as described in Article IX
of the YRUU by-laws
Table of Contents
Article I
Name
No rules established.
Article II
Purposes
Section 1. Principles
Rule 1 The YRUU Principle on Social Action shall be to serve as
educators about social
issues, to support individual participation in social actions
and to act with consciousness of YRUU's purposes. (YC, 1985)
Section 2. Promotion of Purposes
Rule 2.1 Youth Council Representatives shall encourage the
frequent and creative use of the YRUU statement of Purpose as a
reading at YRUU functions in their districts. (YC, 1985)
2.2 The Youth Office shall promote religion in YRUU, particularly
by promoting already existing religious curricula for use by District
and local member groups. (YC, 1988)
Section 3. Long Range Planning
Rule 3 Long and short range planning groups are to be held every
year alternating between a workshop or working group at Youth Council
and a workshop at Con Con (YC,
1992)
Article III
Membership
Section 1. Membership
Rule 1 Churches and districts are requested to respect the desires
of youth when making decisions regarding age divisions and age limitations.
(YC, 1987)
Section 2. Relationship of Members to the UUA
No rules established.
Section 3. Role of Adults in YRUU
No rules established.
Article IV
Annual Conference
Section 1. Annual Conference
Rule 1 Name
The annual conference of YRUU shall be known as Con Con Continental
Conference).
Rule 1.1 Age-Specific Programming
Con Con should be age-inclusive, with age-specific programming for
the three age groups within YRUU. The responsibility for developing
the age-specific programming for Con Con is that of the Steering
Committee. (YC, 1986)
Rule 1.2 Adult Advisors
Adults with legitimate roles as youth workers are encouraged to
attend Con Con as valued participants and learners. Some adults
should be invited to attend and to provide resources and guidance.
Their responsibilities shall be developed by the Con Con Planning
Committee. (YC, 1987)
1.23 The minimum youth to adult ratio at Con Con shall be 15:1
(SC, Winter 1985)
1.22 Adults who are applying for Con Con must sign a "Code of
Ethics," which will be based on the Code of Ethics for Persons
Working with Children and Youth in UUA Sponsored Programs (General
Assembly, 1986), in order to inform them of leadership demands
and guidelines of the advisory position. If an adult does not
live up to this contract, he or she will be asked to leave the
conference and may be asked not to attend future continental YRUU
events. (SC, Winter, 1986) *** see Appendix I
1.23 The adult registration will include two parts: a personal
statement paragraph and a youth reference. (SC, Winter 1993)
1.24 The Youth Office shall advertise Con Con through the adult
UUA network (REACH packet, UU World, CU2C2, etc.) as much as possible
in order to recruit adult participants. (SC, Winter, 1986, YC
1987)
Rule 1.3 Con Con Site Selection
Con Con will rotate between five regions: Southwest, Central, Southeast,
Northwest, and Northeast, in that order, with the following states
and provinces in each region:
Southwest: TX, NM, CO, UT, AZ, CA, NV, HI.
Central: ND, SD, MN, IA, NE, KS, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, KY, WV,
OH, OK, AR.
Southeast: LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, TN, SC, NC, VA.
Northwest: AK, YK, BC, WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, AB, SK, MN, W. ONT,
NWT.
Northeast: E. ONT, NY, PA, MD, DE, NJ, CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, ME,
PQ, NF, PEI. (YC, 1987) *** see Appendix II
1.31 A site shall be reserved for Con Con two years in advance.
(YC, 1986)
1.32 The total number of Con Con registrations (both denied as
well as accepted) received in prior years, will be taken into
account when selecting a Con Con site. Every resource available
will be used in order to find a site which would accommodate the
total number of projected applicants. (YC, 1995)
1.33 It is the responsibility of Youth Council members to investigate
possible sites within their districts for future Con Cons and
to bring suggestions for future sites to the Youth Council meeting.
(YC, 1984)
1.34 At the new Steering Committee's first meeting at Youth Council,
the responsibility for finding possible Con Con sites in the appropriate
region for the Con Con three years from then is delegated, with
the results to be presented at the fall Steering Committee meeting
for discussion and a decision. (YC, 1987)
Rule 1.4 Con Con Planning Structure
The Steering Committee will review the previous year's Con Con at
their fall meeting and make such changes and refinement to Con Con's
structure as may be deemed necessary to improve and maintain Con
Con. (YC, 1994) *** see appendix III for the Con Con planning structure
that was recommended by the 1987 Youth Council
Rule 1.5 Con Con Policies
The Steering Committee decides the Con Con policy and the Con Con
staff can send the policy back to the Steering Committee for final
approval. (SC, Winter 1993)
1.51 The Steering Committee will not have their registration
paid for by virtue of the fact that they are on the Steering Committee,
but must have a position receiving a scholarship in order to have
their registration paid. (SC, Winter 1986)
1.52 The incoming YRUU Programs Specialist needs to be familiar
with Con Con and hence should have his or her way paid to Con
Con, but also should be used as Con Con staff, if possible. (SC,
Winter 1987)
1.53 YRUU can not be held responsible for damage to personal
property incurred at Con Con. (SC, Winter 1987)
1.54 If a bad cheek is written for Con Con registration and not
cleared, the person will be refused registration to the following
Con Con. (SC, Fall 1986, Winter 1987)
1.55 Participants must pay in full before camp. (SC, Spring 1988)
1.56 Policy concerning participants sent home from Con Con and
whether they can return to future conferences must be addressed
on an individual basis as situations arise. (SC, Spring 1988)
1.57 Extra money in the Con Con budget should go for scholarships
for the next year. If possible, advisors should have a lower registration
cost to show the appreciation of them taking a week of vacation
to participate in Con Con. (SC, Fall 1991)
Rule 1.6 Con Con Behavioral Guidelines
The "Youth Behavioral Guidelines" (UUA Board of Trustees, 1982)
shall be in effect at Con Con. *** see Appendix IV
1.61 The following additional rules shall be in effect at Con
Con:
-No drugs, alcohol, or firearms.
-No coed housing for participants under age 18.
-Participants over 25 must remain in the role of advisors at
all times.
-Adult advisors must have a reference and purpose for attending
the conference.
-No pets.
-No leaving the conference site.
-No walk-ins.
-All participants must sign a medical release and camp rules.
(SC, Winter 1985)
1.62 Con Con staff, adults, YCR's, and Steering Committee will
review and sign the Code of Ethics. (SC, Winter 1993) *** see
Appendix I
Rule 1.7 Con-Con Staff Selection
If Steering Committee members wish to run for Con Con staff they
must submit applications. (SC, Fall 1995)
1.71 A person can apply, and be chosen for both YRUU Programs
Specialist and Con Con staff. (SC, Winter 1995)
Section 2. General Meeting
Rule 2 During the planning of the Annual Conference, the Steering
Committee shall pay particular attention to the importance of conferees'
participation in the General Meeting in terms of scheduling and
publicity. (YC, 1985)
Article V
Youth Council
Section 1. Membership
Rule 1a District Representatives
The District Representative Job Description is that created at Youth
Council 1985, as modified by subsequent Youth Council and Steering
Committee decisions. *** see Appendix V for District YCR Job Description
1a.01 YCR's who are members of the Steering Committee will,
whenever possible, have their districts "pay their way" to Youth
Council. (SC, Spring 1987)
1a.02 YCR's will be requested to include in their district reports
information about the status of junior high programming in their
districts (SC, spring 1986)
1a.03 YCR's will suggest possible Con Con sites in their districts
to the Steering Committee (YC 1984)
1a.04 YCR's will publicize in their districts the Religion and
Youth Award, which is awarded by the UUA to advisors who have
done outstanding work with youth (YC, 1985)
1a.05 YCR's will distribute a copy of their district YAC by-laws
to their district office or board, the Youth Office and their
replacement YCR. (SC, Spring 1996)
1a.06 YCR's will encourage the implementation of the Social Action
Network of Districts and the creation of SAC positions on the
district level. (YC, 1991)
1a.07 Out going YCR's will spend a period of orientation with
his/her successor (YC, 1995)
1a.08 YCR's shall help in implementing the Youth Advisors Network
by:
1. Finding a Youth Advisor Networker and fulfill the duties if
one cannot be found.
2. Encouraging district YRUU to include a Youth Advisor Network
position in its structure. (YC, 1992)
Rule 1b Youth At-Large Positions
1b.11 The C*SAC will be filled by a district SAC (YC, 1993)
1b.2 Transitional Age Range Representative
The age range left underrepresented by an at-large age specific
representative will be represented by a YCR with specific concerns
of that group. (YC, 1992)
1c. Adult At-Large Positions
The responsibilities of the representative of the UUA ministry
are:
1. Serve as the Youth Council chaplain.
2. Serve as liaison to all ministers of the UUA.
3. Act as an advocate of "ministry with youth." This person
will preferably be an ordained UUA minister.
The responsibilities of the Advisor Coordinator are:
1. Encourage and support advisor training for local district
and continental youth programs.
2. Act as a consultant for youth advisors.
3. Encourage networking between UU youth advisors.
The responsibilities of the Religious Education coordinator are:
1.Serve as an information source to Youth Council regarding
UU Religious Education.
2.Express concerns of Youth Council through RE publications.
3. Maintain close contact with the Youth Program. (YC, 1992)
1d Steering Committee
The Steering Committee will discuss with the moderator before
Youth Council the responsibilities and expectations of the Steering
Committee in plenary. (SC, Spring 1992)
Rule 1.2 Attendance
Only Youth Council members and others whose presence is called for
(e.g., theme speakers, invited guests of the planners, gopher) may
attend Youth Council. (SC, Spring 1987)
Section 2. Terms of Office
No rules established.
Section 3. Site and Quorum
No rules established.
Section 4 Youth Council Responsibilities
Rule 4 The goals of Youth Council include: positive action, the
formation of a spiritual community and a solid network of committed
YCRs, leadership and district effectiveness training, support of
newly formed groups, assessment of continental YRUU's direction
and needs, the definition of year long roles, and a greater understanding
of Unitarian Universalism. (SC, Winter 1986)
Rule 4.1 Polices and Procedures
The Youth Office will keep a confidential record of the top three
vote getters for Steering Committee from the previous Youth Council
and if a vacancy occurs on Steering Committee for whatever reason,
the person who is second on the list will be invited to participate
on Steering Committee. (SC, Spring 1992)
4.11 The Youth Council pre-packet shall include a list of available
adults involved in social action, district SACs, UUSC contacts,
and UU-UNO contacts. (YC, 1995)
4.12 Each Youth Council will have a workshop or working group
focused on Social Action.(YC, 1995)
Section 5. Moderator
Rule 5 The moderator will be given an honorarium of $100 and have
his or her travel, room, and board expenses paid. (SC, Winter 1986)
Section 6. Delegation of Responsibilities
No rules established.
Article VI
Steering Committee
Section 1. Membership
Rule 1a.1 District Representative
The adult member of the Steering Committee is an integral part of
the working group and plays in advisory rather than directive role.
(SC, Fall 1983)
1a.11 YCR's may run for any age-range that they feel they best
represent. (SC, Spring 1992)
1a.2 Adult At-Large
The adult at-large shall serve as the continental Youth Advisor
Networker who shall serve as a conduit for information and as a
continental advocate for YRUU advisors. Their duties shall include:
1. Assisting YCR's in locating a Youth Advisors Networker.
2. Ensuring that there are youth/advisors workshops at Con Con
and GA.
3. Keep the Steering Committee informed of advisor issues.
4. Communicate regularly with the district Youth Advisor Networkers.
(YC, 1992)
1b UUA Board of Trustees Representative
The Representative of the UUA Board of Trustees will send all Steering
Committee members copies of his or her reports to the Board. (SC,
Spring 1986)
1c The Position on Appraisal
The Position on Appraisal responsibilities will include:
1. Following specific annual directives of study and action
as mandated by the Steering Committee in consultation with Youth
Council.
2. Maintaining, in conjunction with the Youth Office and the C*SAC,
a social action network between districts.
3. Networking with other groups that share similar social justice
concerns. (YC, 1991)
1c.1 The Position on Appraisal shall be picked by the Youth
Office in consultation with the Steering Committee. (YC, 1991)
1d Youth Office Staff
The UUA Youth Office Staff should not be peripheral to the Committee.
Except for their non-voting status, they are regular members who
are in an ideal position to serve as a resource and function in
a less special interest and more advisory role. (SC, Fall 1983)
Their role should be more information giving than outcome-affecting.
(SC, Fall 1985)
1d.1 The Youth Office Staff are the organizers of the Steering
Committee Meetings. (SC, Winter 1988)
1d.2 The Youth Office should brief the moderators at the beginning
of each Steering Committee meeting in order to review and clarify
the agenda and provide background information and awareness of
the issues involved. (SC, Winter 1986, Winter 1988)
Section 2. Terms of Office
No rules established.
Section 3. Meetings
No rules established.
Section 4. Functions and Responsibilities
Rule 4 The functions and responsibilities of the Steering Committee
lie in two areas:
1) It is the executive body of YRUU acting on behalf of the
Youth Council.
2) It is a working committee with a variety of leadership and
administrative responsibilities including, but not limited to,
those listed in the Bylaws. (SC, Fall 1983)
4a 1 Planning Annual Conference
See Article IV, Annual Conference.
4a 2 Planning Youth Council
It is recommended that the Steering Committee follow the Youth Council
Planning Guidelines approved by Youth Council 1987 (with the noted
changes and additions approved by subsequent Steering Committees
or Youth Councils). These guidelines can be deviated from in any
given year at the discretion of the Steering Committee, and the
Steering Committee has the ability to amend the permanent written
version of these guidelines. (YC, 1987) *** see Appendix VI
4a.21 Setting the Youth Council Agenda
The Youth Council Agenda will be compiled by the Steering Committee
at their spring meeting, using items submitted by any UU's or UU
organization using one of the three following processes:
1) Submit the proposal to the district youth organization, which
has the power to place items on the agenda by submitting them
to the Steering Committee.
2) Submit the item directly to the Steering Committee, after securing
the endorsement of: ten UU youth; three UU adults; the district
Youth Council Representative; and either the District President,
the District RE Chair, or the District Executive.
3) Seek the endorsement of another district's youth organization.
All items submitted using the above process will necessarily be
placed on the agenda. In addition both, the Steering Committee
and the Youth Office have the power to place on the agenda any
item it sees fit which have not been submitted. Any Youth Council
member or other UU may suggest items to the Steering Committee
for them to place on the agenda, but the Steering Committee has
no obligation to include such items. The Steering Committee may
advise such a person to go through one of the three formal processes.
Every agenda item will have a sponsor,
who will be responsible for explaining the item when it is introduced
to the plenary, answering questions regarding the item, and accepting
or rejecting friendly amendments. If the item was submitted using
one of the three formal processes, the sponsor will be the YCR
of the relevant district. If the item was placed on the agenda
at the discretion of the Steering Committee, they will be the
sponsor.
Agenda items which occur every year,
such as approving the agenda and reviewing last year's decisions,
will be sponsored by the Steering Committee.
During the Youth Council, items can be
placed on the emergent agenda by a 2/3 vote of the Council. Proposed
items for the emergent agenda should be submitted to the moderator.
(YC, 1987)
4a.211 In order to assist the Youth Council in its tasks, reports
from the YRUU Youth Staff, the Position on Appraisal, the UUA
Board Representative, and the YRUU Steering Committee presented
at Youth Council will report what has happened over the past year
and focus on identifying the issues that need Youth Council action
and on presenting these issues in a format which can be addressed
by Youth Council. (YC, 1986)
4a.212 Each year the selection of the Social Action Theme will
be an agenda item at Youth Council. During that time the social
action theme will be determined by the Youth Council. (YC, 1995)
4a.213 The 1995 Resolution for the Support of Incoming YCR's
is to be placed on the Youth Council agenda annually. (YC, 1995)
4a.214 An additional amount of time will be added to the Youth
Council agenda for the C*SAC report for feedback and suggestions
from the YCR's as requested by the C*SAC. (YC, 1995)
4b Implementing the Decisions of Youth Council
The Steering Committee shall be responsible for establishing priorities
among the several directives emanating from Youth Council, making
assignments to the YRUU Programs, and monitoring their progress
on same. (YC, 1986)
4b.1 To assist YCR's in being effective throughout each year,
each Steering Committee member shall be assigned 2 - 3 YCRs with
whom to maintain contact during the year. These assignments should
be made on a geographic basis as much as possible. Each Steering
Committee member representing a district shall be assigned to
be the communications link for that district. The Steering Committee
members shall keep contact with their assigned YCR's or districts
and shall call them after each Steering Committee meeting to give
an informal report of actions taken and decisions made. This "telephone
tree" mechanism can also be used during the year if there is a
need to consult other YCR's about a proposed Steering Committee
action. Communication with YCR's shall have first priority within
the YRUU telephone budget. (YC, 1986) During the phone chain,
the Steering Committee member will ask their assigned YCR about
the state of social action in their district. (YC, 1993)
4c Selection of Youth At-Large Youth Council Members
Applicants cannot be considered if their written application is
not available by the Steering Committee meeting at which selection
is to take place. (SC, Spring 1986)
4c.1 Birth dates will be requested of people applying for Youth
Council At-Large positions in order to clarify their eligibility
for the positions being applied for. (SC, Spring 1986)
4c.2 The recommended selections process for Youth Council Youth
At- Large representatives is as follows:
1) List relevant criteria for category being considered.
2) Review and discuss the applicants in the category being considered.
3a) Each committee member rate applicants 1, 2, or 3. 1 being
"best choice," 2 being "could live with," and 3 being "can't
live with."
3b) Each committee member ranks the applicant 1,2,3... 1 being
first choice, 2 being second choice, etc.
4) Youth Office input, if appropriate.
5) Collate and post responses.
6) Discuss responses.
7) Eliminate lowest applicants.
8) Return to 3b. (SC, Spring 1986)
4c.3 Steering Committee will decide at its Fall Meeting if Steering
Committee members can apply for Youth Council At-Large positions
(SC, Fall 1993)
4d Nomination of UUA Youth Office Staff
4d.1 Selection of the YRUU Programs Specialist
The recommended process by which Steering Committee shall select
a final nominee for the position of YRUU Programs Specialist is
as follows:
1) List relevant criteria/ qualities.
2) Review each applicant.
3) Each member rates applicants 1 (great) to 3 (unacceptable).
4) Youth Staff input as appropriate (needs of the Youth Office,
Office dynamics, etc.)
5) Collate and post responses to step #3.
6) Further discussion.
7) Eliminate applicants, if possible.
8) Repeat rating, if necessary.
9) If tied, vote.
10) Write letter of nomination to the UUA President. (SC, Fall
1986) .
4d.11 An application that does not have the recommended 3 letters
of recommendation will still be acceptable. (SC, Spring 1988)
4d.12 Late applications for YRUU Programs Specialist may be acceptable,
at the discretion of the Steering Committee. (SC, Fall 1988)
4d.13 The Steering Committee will respect and protect the confidentiality
of applicants for the position of YRUU Programs Specialist. Whose
application has been received in the Youth Office is not public
information. Steering Committee members shall not share information
they are party to because of their position on the committee.
(SC, Fall 1985) Deliberations are and will be kept confidential.
(SC, Spring 1986)
4d.14 If there are not enough applicants to fill the open positions,
the Youth Office will solicit applications from a list generated
by the Steering Committee and nominate the necessary number of
individuals to the UUA Board. (SC, Spring 1988).
4d 15 Each fall after the YPS selection the current Steering
Committee will decide a policy for their spring meeting regarding
Steering Committee Members running for YPS. Steering Committee
members will be prohibited from running for YPS at the fall meeting.
(SC, Spring 1992)
4d.16 The Youth Programs Director will call the YPS applicants
and report to the Steering Committee any concerns. The current
YRUU Programs Specialists will help contact the references of
the applicants. (SC, Winter 1994)
4d.2 Selection of the Youth Programs Director
The Youth Programs Director shall be selected by a search committee
consisting of 3 youth and 1 adult from the Steering Committee, the
current Youth Staff, the Director of the RE Department, and representatives
of the UUA Board and administration. (called "probable," SC, Fall
1983)
4e. Functions of the UUA Youth Adult Committee
No rules established.
4f. Choosing the Moderator for Youth Council
No rules established.
Rule 4.2 Policies and Procedures
The Steering Committee may adopt any procedural policies it deems
necessary for the conduct of its business, provided they are not
inconsistent with the Bylaws or with any Rule established by the
Youth Council.
4.21 The Steering Committee, at their fall meeting will set
a liaison system where each member of the Steering Committee will
choose UU groups, departments or affiliates to act as a liaison
with. (SC, Fall 1995)
4.22 Steering Committee pre-packets shall not be sent out to
people other than committee members. Sending a copy of the agenda
is appropriate if the Youth Office receives requests for pre-packets
from non-committee members. (SC, Fall 1988)
4.23 If a member of the Steering Committee does not attend the
meeting without notifying the Youth Office, the individual must
go through the proper channels to resolve the conflict. (SC, Fall
1988).
4.24 The role of Steering Committee moderator shall not be assigned
to any one person. Rather, it will be a rotating responsibility
involving facilitating the business portions of the meeting. This
responsibility is distinct from the role of spokesperson for the
Steering Committee outside of business meetings. (SC, Fall 1983)
4.25 The Steering Committee will annually evaluate the financial
feasibility of joining the Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights.
(YC, 1993)
4.26 Steering Committee members are role models at both Youth
Council and Con Con and this should be expressed to the new Steering
Committee, as well as should be understood by the old. (SC, Spring
1992)
Article VII
Staff of the UUA Youth Office
Section 1. Youth Programs Director
Rule 1. The Youth Programs Director is responsible to the Youth
Council and Steering Committee in regard to YRUU programming. ***
see Appendix VIII
Section 2. YRUU Programs Specialists and Youth Office Structure
Rule 2 YPS Focus
Initiatives by the Youth Office Staff on YRUU projects other than
those following from the directives of Youth Council shall be cleared
with the Steering Committee before significant time or funds are
committed. (YC, 1986)
2.1 YRUU Programs Specialists should concentrate on program
material rather than on field work. They should respond to invitations
to conferences, but not initiate field work. Local field workers
should be utilized first. (YC, 1984)
2.11 YRUU Programs Specialists shall travel only to districts
and conferences where their special skills are needed and where
they are carrying out Youth Council and Steering Committee priorities.
The Youth Programs Director will serve as the final reviewer for
whether or not travel meets the above guidelines. (SC, Fall 1985)
Rule 2.2 Youth Office Structure
The Youth Programs Director is the coordinator of the Youth Office
and will function in an advisory and work-coordinating capacity
for the Youth Programs Specialists. (recommended, SC, Spring 1989)
2.21 The following job description outlining the lines of authority
is to be upheld by the YRUU Youth Office:
1. PROGRAM: The Youth Office Staff (the two YRUU Programs
Specialists and the Youth Programs Director) are responsible
to YRUU. Specifically, YRUU program development and implementation
by the Youth Office Staff is directed by Youth Council. The
Steering Committee voices Youth Council's directives to the
Youth Office Staff in the interim between Youth Council meetings.
These include policies, procedures, publications, philosophy,
leadership training, and prioritizing of work to be done.
2. ADMINISTRATION: The YRUU Programs Specialists are responsible
to the Youth Programs Director, who works with them in a collegial
fashion. However, within the administration of the institution,
he/she is directly responsible to the RE Department Director.
Therefore, such things as finances, legalities, office hours,
conduct, and supplies, must fall under his/her comments and
guidance. (proposed by SC, Spring 1987) *** see Appendix VII
Rule 2.3 UUA Communication
The Youth Office Staff shall maintain close communication with the
curriculum development teams in order to facilitate easier transition
between age groups and a continuity of participation by young people
in our UU communities. (YC, 1986)
Rule 2.4 Responsibilities
The Youth Office Staff shall serve the members of YRUU by fulfilling
the responsibilities set for them by the Youth Council and Steering
Committee. The responsibilities of the Youth Office include the
following:
2.41 Synapse
The Youth Office is responsible for the publication of Synapse,
the continental YRUU journal, at least quarterly or every two
months if possible. (YC, 1989)
2.411 The Synapse mailing list will be purged of inactive
recipients at least every five years. (YC, 1989) These purged
names will be given to C*UUYAN. (SC, Fall 1994)
2.412 Synapse shall be sent to every congregation that is a
member of the UUA (including those outside of North America).
(YC 1989)
2.413 There will be two per issue limit on the personals an
individual can publish in Synapse. (YC, 1983)
2.414 The editorial policy of the Synapse will be determined
by the Youth Office (SC, Spring 1993)
2.415 In Synapse, photographers will be given credit for their
photos. All people in pictures appearing in Synapse will be
identified whenever possible. (SC, Fall 1994)
2.416 Each issue of Synapse will contain a section designated
to articles on spirituality, (YC, 1994) and a section devoted
to social action that will be filled by the C*SAC, SAC, SC,
or other interested parties. (YC, 1993)
2.42 Spider
The Youth Office will send a monthly newsletter to all Youth Council
Representatives as an information exchange. (SC, Fall 1986)
2.421 Spider will be circulated to SACs, YANs, YAC Chairs,
RE Chairs, and District Executives, as well as members of Youth
Council. (SC, Spring 1993)
2.43 Social Action Network of Districts.
The Youth Office will act in a coordinating capacity for the Social
Action Network of districts by encouraging and organizing activities
which SACs may carry out in their districts. The Youth Office
will:
1. Collect ideas and information to be shared.
2. Promote social action events.
3. Promote Social Action Day.
4. Maintain contact with other UU social action committees and
organizations.
5. Keep updated addresses and phone numbers of SACs. (YC, 1993)
2.44 Youth Advisors Network
In order to support the Youth Advisors Network the Youth Office
shall:
1. Distribute information from the continental Youth Advisors
Networker through appropriate channels.
2. Create and maintain a continental directory of YRUU youth
advisors.
3. Create and publish a newsletter for youth advisors.
4. Promote the continental training for youth advisors. (YC,
1992)
2.45 Miscellaneous
The Youth Office will make district mailing lists available to
districts to aid with the distribution of newsletters. (YC, 1983)
2.451 The Youth Office will use all advertising methods available
to publicize the positions of Youth Council At-Large Representatives
and YRUU Programs Specialists and recruit applicants, including
the UU World and district newsletters. (SC, Spring 1986)
2.452 The Youth Office will make the greatest effort possible
to promote the idea of spirituality and the tenets of UUism
in all Youth Office publications and all YRUU events. (YC, 1994)
Section 3. Recommendation of Appointment of Youth Office
Staff See Article VI, sect. 4, d
Article VIII
Affiliated Youth Groups
Section 1. District Youth Organizations
Rule 1.1 Social Action Network of Districts
Each District shall have a Social Action Contact (SAC). If one is
not found it shall be the responsibility of the district YCR. (YC,
1993)
1.11 The duties of the SAC are:
1. Encourage the flow of information on local, district, and
continental levels.
2. Keep the C*SAC informed about the results of social action
events in their districts.
3. Be an advocate for social action workshops at conferences.
4. Distribute information received from the C*SAC. (YC, 1992)
5. Write a district social action report to be mailed to and
presented by the C*SAC at Youth Council. (YC, 1995)
1.12 SACs are encouraged to serve one two year term. District
governing bodies are encouraged to include the SAC as members
of their respective groups. (YC, 1992)
1.2 The Youth Advisor Network
Each district shall have a Youth Advisor Networker whose duties
include:
1. Creating a contact list of district youth advisors and sending
a copy to the Youth Office.
2. Networking with district Youth Advisors for information and
support.
3. Advocate annual advisor training retreat within the district.
4. Distribute information received from the Continental Youth
Advisor Networker (YC, 1992)
Rule 1.3 Age-Specific Programming
District organizations are encouraged to develop age-specific programming.
(YC, 1986)
Section 2. Responsibilities of District Youth Organizations
Rule 2a Select leadership
It is recommended that district youth governing bodies annually
examine priorities, build mission statements, and set specific goals
to give clear group direction. (YC, 1984)
2b Annual Conference
No rules established.
2c Elect a YCR
No rules established.
2d Communication with other district bodies
It is recommended that a member of each district youth governing
body pursue a voting position on its district UUA Board and that
each district YRUU governing body have a voting position filled
by a member of its district UUA Board. (YC, 1986)
2d.1 All Youth Council Members should be placed on each district's
YRUU mailing list. (YC, 1984)
2e Local group organization and programming
Each district youth governing board should be responsible for providing
a field work/extension person to assist local groups. (YC, 1984)
2e.1 YCR's and district SACs shall offer support for networking
local youth groups for the purpose of social action. (YC, 1995)
2f Encourage local group formation
No rules established.
Section 3. Local Youth Groups
All local Youth Groups are encouraged to commit to working in conjunction
with neighboring Youth Groups for the purpose of social action.
(YC, 1995)
Article IX
Rules
No rules established.
Article X
Amendments
No rules established.
Appendix I
Code of Ethics
Article. IV Rule 1.22a
Code of Ethics for Adults and Older Youth
Adults and older youth who are in leadership roles are in a position
of stewardship and play a key role in fostering spiritual development
of both individuals and the community. It is, therefore, especially
important that those in leadership positions be well qualified to
provide the special nurture, care and support that will enable youth
to develop a positive sense of self and a spirit of independence
and responsibility. The relationship between young people and their
leaders must be one of mutual respect if the positive potential
is to be realized. There are no more important areas of growth than
those of self-worth and the development of a healthy identity as
a sexual being. Adults play a key role in assisting youth in these
areas of growth. Wisdom dictates that youth and adults suffer damaging
effects when leaders become sexually involved with young persons
in their care; therefore, leaders will refrain from engaging in
sexual, seductive or erotic behavior with youth. Neither shall they
sexually harass or engage in behavior with youth which constitutes
verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. Leaders shall be informed
of the code of ethics and agree to it before assuming their role.
In cases of violation of this code, appropriate action will be taken.
(UUA General Assembly 1986)
Rule 1.22b
Adapted Code of Ethics for Adults at Con Con Adults
are in a position of stewardship and play a key role in fostering
the spiritual development of both individuals and the community.
It is, therefore especially important that adults be qualified to
provide the special nurture, care, and support, that will enable
youth to develop a positive sense of self and responsibility. The
relation between young people and adults must be one of mutual respect
if the positive potential of their relationship is to be realized.
There are no more important areas of growth than those of self-worth
and the development of a healthy identity as a sexual being. Adults
play a key role in assisting youth in these areas of growth. Wisdom
dictates that youth and adults suffer damaging effects when leaders
become sexually involved with young persons in their care; therefore,
leaders will refrain from engaging in sexual, seductive or erotic
behavior with youth. Neither shall they sexually harass or engage
in behavior with youth which constitutes verbal, emotional, or physical
abuse. Leaders shall be informed of the code of ethics and agree
to it before assuming their role. In cases of violation of this
code, appropriate action will be taken. (SC, Winter 1995)
Rule 1.62
Adapted Code of Ethics for Youth In Leadership Positions
Youth in leadership positions are uniquely visible and influential
in any conference community. They should recognize that power imbalances
exist in their interactions with other conferees. Inappropriate
sexual behavior is never acceptable; additionally, youth leaders
should remain aware of the impact of their actions and behave accordingly.
Youth who abuse their roles as leaders, consciously or not, can
damage individuals and the community. Youth leaders are expected
to use their influence in a positive manner. (SC, Winter 1995)
Appendix III
Con Con Planning Structure
(SC, Winter 1994)
Core Staff:
The Dean is the coordinator of the conference, and is the most visible
of the staff to the conference community. The Dean remains in contact
with all staff members, acts as a liaison between the Youth Office,
the Con Con staff, and the site staff, supports and assists the
staff, and delegates non-staff responsibilities.
The Energy Coordinator facilitates meetings of the Spirit Committee,
which is responsible for paying attention to the overall mood of
the conference community, and the Energy Committee, which deals
with conference rule infractions. This person also coordinates wake-up,
energizes spirit circle each morning, and leads the rules discussion
at orientation.
The Special Events Coordinator plans and runs all-camp activities,
including events such as the Coffee House, the dance, the Super-Secret
All-Day All-Camp activity.
The Touch Group Coordinator works directly with the leaders of
the conference's touch groups. She or he facilitates daily meetings
of all touch group leaders to disseminate and gather information
and ideas for the facilitation of touch groups.
The Worship Coordinator leads the Worship Workshop, which is responsible
for planning and running nightly all-camp worship services.
The Workshop Coordinator works with the workshop leaders. He or
she coordinates the week-long workshops' location and registration,
and also coordinates and publicizes daily "one-shot" workshops led
by members of the conference community.
The Adult Coordinator looks out for the adults at Con Con, helping
to keep them healthy, happy, and well-adjusted through facilitating
daily adult meetings and representing adults' concerns at staff
meetings. This person should have a clear understanding of youth-led
programming, and a knowledge of the role of adults as advisors.
The Chaplain is a spiritual resource for the conference community.
This person does not need to be an ordained UU minister, but should
have an understanding of youth's spiritual needs. He or she works
with the Worship Coordinators to plan nightly worships for the community.
In the past, the Chaplain has lead small gatherings at early morning
worships, dream sharing, and reflective discussion times. The Chaplain
should be a good listener available to individuals who seek counseling,
and is asked to attend meetings of the Spirit Committee.
The Logistics Coordinator is preferably from the local area surrounding
the site of Con Con. This person is responsible for coordinating
transportation between the airport and the site, arranging any home
hospitality needed before Con Con, setting up a bank account in
the local area, and handling Con Con's finances (with the help of
the Youth Office). This person will be responsible for recruiting
and coordinating the Gopher.
Support Staff :
The Mug Book Editor is responsible for photographing each conference
participant, photographing conference events, and editing and laying
out the Mug Book, which is similar to a "yearbook" of the conference.
The Mug Book is distributed to conferees on the final day of Con
Con.
The Lifeguard is responsible for coordinating swimming times for
the conference community, and being present and watchful during
those times! This person must be certified in life guarding and
CPR.
The Gopher is a position for an adult or youth, 18 or older, from
the local area. The gopher makes daily runs to the nearest town
for supplies, medical needs, and snacks to sell. This person should
have a car, or should be able to use a rental car (one must be over
age 25 to rent cars).
The Nurse is responsible for creating, monitoring, and enforcing
health and safety standards during Con Con. She or he must be a
registered nurse, and must be willing to be available whenever needed
during the conference. Before Con Con, the nurse purchases and transports
needed supplies for the infirmary, which he or she will staff during
Con Con.
The Role of the YRUU Programs Specialists at Con Con:
They bear the responsibility for leadership at Con Con and should
be present at all on-site staff meetings during the conference (SC,
Winter 1987). They are also in charge of Con Con publicity and supplies.
They provide organizational and moral support to the staff.
Appendix IV
Youth Behavioral Guidelines
Article. IV
Rule 1.6a
Policies regarding sexual behavior at youth conferences:
That sexual intercourse and patently sexual behavior between participants
under the age of eighteen be prohibited at UUA sponsored or financed
events. Their recommendation is prompted by the following considerations:
The UUA recognizes its responsibility to the parents of youth conference
participants who are under the legal age of majority. We are also
concerned that our youth conferences be as inclusive as possible.
Although sexuality is something to be valued and developed in persons
of all ages, the variance in readiness for sexual relationships
among youth can make patently sexual activity at conferences awkward
and difficult for all. Indeed patently sexual activity by participants
of any age can detract from our goal of inclusiveness at conferences.
Policy regarding housing arrangements at conferences:
That separate hosing arrangements shall be provided for males and
females under the age of eighteen or for others upon request, at
all UUA sponsored or financed youth events. Adequate adult supervision
shall be provided when this is not feasible.
Policy regarding the responsibilities of conference planning committees:
That planning committees be responsible for making behavioral expectations
clear to participants well in advance of the youth conference; and
that the planning committees determine the consequence of failure
to abide by them.
Recommendation to districts:
That districts be encouraged to grapple with these issues and develop
their own appropriate guidelines. (UUA Board of Trustees, 1982)
Rule 1.6b
Adapted sexuality policy for Con Con
Sexuality is a healthy and important part of young people's lives.
Conferences are an opportunity for youth to express themselves in
healthy ways. Exclusive relationships can detract from the community.
All members of the community must respect each other's physical
boundaries. Inappropriate behavior (i.e. sexual intercourse or sexual
harassment) is not permitted. The energy committee reserves the
right to deem any behavior inappropriate. Parents / guardians are
invited to discuss this policy with youth. (SC, Winter 1995)
Appendix V
Youth Council Structure
District Youth Council Representative Job Description
Youth Council Representatives (YCRs) are the leaders within the
continental UU Youth movement and their districts. They strive to
foster leadership among their peers by sharing information, encouraging
participation in YRUU activities at all levels, and recommending
good candidates for volunteer and staff positions. It is the YCR's
responsibility to seek the resources, moral support, and direction
required to carry out his or her task. Pats on the back and thanks
for the work are always welcome from all sources. YCR's should report
regularly on the status of YRUU activities within their districts
and make a thorough report at Youth Council. Additionally, YCRs
are encouraged to present, through their Steering Committee contact
person, concerns for consideration at a meeting of the Steering
Committee or Youth Council. YCRs are to notify the Youth Office
promptly when a new YCR is chosen. ("Resolution on YCR Apathy",
YC 1986). Old YCRs should also orient new YCRs to the task ("Resolution
for Support of Incoming Youth Council Representatives, YC 1995).
In your district, lobby for and implement decisions and ideas that
have come out of the Youth Council meeting by
1. Understanding and being aware of the issues that have been raised
at Youth Council.
HOW? Ask questions, pay attention
during plenary. Discuss issues and questions with people outside
of plenary. Read over minutes of previous year's Youth Council.
Take notes. Get enough sleep!.
2. Publicizing the decisions that come out of Youth Council.
HOW? Write an article for your district
newsletter, and/or or start a district newsletter . Talk to people.
Hold workshops at conferences and Annual meetings.
3. Finding concrete ways to implement the ideas into action.
HOW? Use Youth Adult Committees, your district
Board of Trustees, Committees, the Youth Office, and other contacts
that you can find. Use your imagination! Call the Steering Committee
contact for ideas.
Stay connected to the Continental Youth Structure By. . .
1. Reading Spider, the Youth Council Newsletter.
2. Sending minutes of your YAC meetings, flyers, and newsletters
to the Youth Office.
3. Writing and soliciting articles, pictures, and graphics for
Synapse.
4. Putting all of the Youth Council members on your mailing list
for fliers and newsletters.
5. Sending names of all your district leaders (including you YAC,
local leaders, district YRUU newsletter editors, and district UUA
newsletter editors) to the Youth Office to be put on the YRUU mailing
list.
6. Publicizing upcoming Continental events like Con Con, Youth
Caucus at GA, and the UU-UNO Conference.
HOW? Write articles in your newsletter,
pass out flyers at conferences and at church, talk to District Board
members, ministers, and have other YRUUers pass out flyers at their
Youth groups.
7. Recruiting people to apply for each At-Large position on Youth
Council.
8. Sending in district reports to the Youth Office.
9. Distribute Spider to everyone possible!
Foster Leadership in Your District By. . .
1. Informing local groups on ways to get involved in the district
and on the continental level.
HOW? Distribute information to all the
locals through YAC members, newsletters, visits, and direct mail.
Encourage youth to attend district meetings. Get on the continental
mailing list. Hold workshops on YRUU and UUA structures. Have a
Youth Staff person come to your district.
2. Collecting names, addresses, phone numbers, and birth dates
of youth and send them to the SYNAPSE mailing list.
HOW? Leave out a sheet at conferences,
advertise SYNAPSE in your newsletter, and have a display at annual
meetings.
3. Establishing sponsorships of district Leadership Development
and Advisor Training conferences.
HOW? Approach district and local YACs for sponsorship. Call the
Youth Office for assistance.
4 Establishing communication with the district Board of Trustees.
HOW? Ask a board member to attend your
YAC meeting. Get a youth member on the board. Attend all meetings
that have any youth issues. Get youth to participate on district
committees, at district annual meetings and at UU camps and conferences.
5 Keeping records of your work and passing them along. Train your
successor to be a responsible Youth Council Representative.
HOW? Create a file! Explain your duties
to your district youth. Meet with your successor and explain Youth
Council as well as sharing your experiences.
Youth Council Social Action At-Large Representative
Job Description
Represent and promote social action issues and concerns in Continental
and District YRUU by . . .
1. Representing continental and district Social Action concerns
at Youth Council.
HOW? Write an open letter asking for feedback
to all district SACs (Social Action Contacts) asking what's up with
Social Action in their districts. Write a report about continental
Social Action to offer at Youth Council. Write an article for inclusion
in The Spider or Synapse. Encourage communication between SACs.
2. Promoting awareness of Social Action issues throughout the year.
HOW? Ensure that Social Action articles
occur in every issue of Synapse. Contact your Steering Committee
representative and report on what's up with Social Action. Encourage
Social Action workshops at conferences, camps, and other events.
Promote Social Action Day (Dec. 3rd). Communicate with district
SACs to encourage Social Action within districts.
Take Initiative By . . .
1. Helping promote Social Action within district programming.
HOW? Encourage and write articles for district
newsletters. Maintain a calendar of events. Maintain a list of organizations
which promote Social Action opportunities.
2. Helping promote Social Action opportunities for individual YRUUers
and local youth groups. HOW? Establish
contact with the Department of Social Justice at the UUA, the UU
Service Committee, USC Canada, and other UU organizations, departments,
and committees with social justice purposes to find out about opportunities
for local youth groups. Communicate with non-UU organizations with
a social justice purposes to explore avenues of cooperation towards
common goals. Distribute information to youth and adults in your
(and other) districts. Write letters to the YCRs in other districts
to find out about the social action programming all over the continent.
3. Starting with your own district and using it as an example for
others to expand their social action programming.
4. Telling the Youth Office what's happening as you go along. Youth
Council General Assembly Business Manager At-Large Representative
Job Description
Promote Continental YRUU Programs at General Assembly by...
1. Acting as Youth Caucus Business Manager
HOW? This is a biggie, and changes from
year to year with each General Assembly. Be in contact with the
Youth Office, and they'll keep you up-to-date on what's up.
2. Promoting awareness of continental YRUU at General Assembly
HOW? Work with the Youth Office while at
GA to ensure that continental events such as Con-Con, Youth Council,
and UU-UNO are promoted. Talk to youth at GA and let them know what's
up.
Let Youth Council and continental YRUU know what was up with General
Assembly and Youth Caucus by...
1. Offering a brief written and oral report to Youth Council
2 Letting YRUUers all over know what happened at Youth Caucus
HOW? Ensure that an article about Youth
Caucus appears in Synapse. Write articles for district newsletters.
Talk to youth within your district about what Youth Caucus is like.
Youth Council Adult At-Large Job Description
Model Being A Good Advisor For Both Youth And Adults By. . .
1. Supporting youth delegates in all their endeavors, within the
district and at the continental level.
HOW? Advocate for youth concerns with District Presidents, Trustees,
Executives, and other key district personnel.
2. Voicing your own concerns and opinions as UU adults involved
with and supportive of youth. HOW?
Be yourself. Don't try to be who you think the youth want you to
be. Be honest about your concerns and opinions. Dare to be unpopular
with youth. Dare to be unpopular with other adults.
3. Helping to bridge the gap between youth and adult organizations
by suggesting strategies for better interaction and by personally
representing youth / YRUU interests as needed.
HOW? Give feedback to youth about how you
as an adult respond to various statements, interactions, and strategies.
Give them an adult perspective. Lift up a theology of "power with"
rather than "power over" when you work and talk with youth and other
adults. Talk with the District RE Committee and advocate for an
RE liaison position.
4 Developing and strengthening adult leadership within YRUU. Form
support activities for advisors within your district and at regional
or continental levels.
HOW? Contact the district YAC or RE Committee
and stress the need for advisor support. If they can't help, put
an ad in the district newsletter or call a meeting for all advisors
at your house or church. Encourage your district RE Chair to bring
the Ministry With Youth Renaissance Module to your district. Encourage
the district to have a youth / adult LDC or an Advisor Training
in the district.
5 Working within the district to develop and maintain a broad base
of adult support for active involvement in YRUU.
HOW? Write an article for the district
newsletter about how youth minister to you. Circulate materials
from REACH, The Spider, Synapse, The Youth Advisory, and other sources
that give good examples of involvement in YRUU.
6 Supporting the district YCRs and their work.
HOW? Divide up the districts among the
Adult At-Larges and check in on your assigned districts to offer
support or intervention if there are problems with adult support.
If you are in a neighboring district, offer to lead a workshop at
a conference or attend a YAC meeting as a member of the Youth Council.
7. Keeping the Youth Office updated on your work.
Guidelines for Planning Youth Council
The Steering Committee is responsible for the planning and execution
of Youth Council. However, because the needs of YRUU are constantly
changing and evolving, there is no one way to organize the week.
There are, however, several models from the past which have proved
successful. An effective Youth Council must always include the following
activities: plenary, workshops, worship, touch groups, orientation,
Steering Committee elections, closing and fun stuff. These elements
of an effective week can be arranged and organized as the Steering
Committee sees fit. Described below are some of the successful pieces
of past Youth Councils. Once Steering Committee has defined what
business will need to take place during the week, these various
structures may be employed as needed. This document was approved
by Youth Council 1987 for use by the Steering Committee. The Steering
Committee has the power to amend the document as necessary. Consequently,
this version has been refined and altered over the years.
Pre-packet
Before Youth Council, the Youth Office will send all Youth Council
participants a pre-packet which will include the necessary information
on business items and the logistics of attending Youth Council.
The packet may be divided into two separate mailings, an earlier
one for items requiring some action or response (e.g. medical release
form), and a later one containing primarily business information.
Possible items for action pre-packet:
-travel information (how to make your travel arrangements, map of
council site, directions, phone numbers)
-a request for volunteers for worship
-a medical release and rules consent form
-a request that they start thinking now about running for SC
-list of working group topics with a request for preference
-district surveys
-workshop information
-"Information for Parents" sheet
Possible items for business packet:
Practical Stuff
-cover letter
-address list of all participants
-schedule for the week
About YRUU & UUA
-alphabet soup
-UU principles and purposes
-UUA structure
-YRUU structure
-bylaws and rules
-district map
-the list of District Executives, Presidents and UUA Board Trustees
Business Stuff
-agenda
-reports from the Youth Office, Steering Committee, UUA Board of
Trustees Representative -description of how Youth Council works
(as has been agreed upon between Steering Committee and the moderator),
including: a description f business process and plenary sessions,
with accompanying flow charts and an explanation of consensus.
-working papers (if required)
Staff
Minute Taker
The minute taker should be chosen at the Spring Steering Committee
meeting, or the task of choosing should be delegated. If the Steering
Committee feels it is appropriate, the incoming YRUU Programs Specialist
will be asked to take minutes. If he or she refuses, a retiring
Steering Committee member will be the second choice. Whoever is
chosen as minute taker should be experienced and willing. Other
people in the meeting may be assigned to take back-up notes on a
rotating basis. Well before Youth Council, the minute taker should
be given the guidelines for the system of minute-taking to be used.
Conference Chaplain
The Steering Committee must select a Conference Chaplain to be available
in crisis situations and bring a positive spirit to worship. This
involves serving the counseling and ministering needs of the participants,
participating in the opening and closing ceremonies, and possibly
leading a worship. When the function of conference chaplain is introduced
to the group, it should be made clear that all adults are available
for support. This person should not be on the Steering Committee,
but must be selected from among the adults at-large who will be
attending Youth Council.
Gopher
The Gopher should be a youth who lives in the area where Youth Council
is being held, preferably a youth with access to a vehicle. The
gopher needs to be available throughout the week for odd jobs that
need to be done, such as getting supplies, doing Xeroxing, running
errands. If necessary, the Gopher's room and board will be paid.
Worship Coordinator
The Worship Coordinator will coordinate the worship services for
the week. He or she could be a member of the Steering Committee
or an experienced member of the Youth Council.
The Touch Group Coordinator
The Touch Group Coordinator provides an outline of activities and
supplies for the touch group leaders to use in their groups. He
or she is also responsible for assigning groups and leaders.
Moderator
The moderator is nominated by the Steering Committee. He or she
should be someone who is well versed in both parliamentary and consensus
process. It is preferable that he or she also be knowledgeable about
YRUU's current status as well as history. Ex-YRUU Programs Specialists
are a good example of this kind of person. He or she will have their
room, board, and travel paid by YRUU.
The Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is the information, procedural and inspirational
staff of Youth Council. They are responsible for the program.
The UUA Youth Office
The Staff of the Youth Office are the logistical coordinators of
Youth Council. They are responsible for finding a site as well as
all site related issues. They act as the masters and mistresses
of ceremonies throughout the week. With direction from the Steering
Committee, they coordinate the schedule and the workshops (and workshop
leaders).
Program Items
Orientation
Orientation should cover the following: gathering and welcome, YRUU
and site-specific rules, the staff and their roles, logistical information,
get-to-know-you games, the schedule for the week, and a description
of the Steering Committee and the election process.
Plenary
Opening Plenary Ceremonies This should start out with a fair amount
of pomp. It can include such elements as:
-greetings from various bodies represented such SC, Youth Office,
UUA administration.
-a brief reading or meditative statement by somebody official
-a two-minute greeting from each rep. including introducing self,
bringing greetings from the district (or age group constituency),
brief description of the district (location, size, strength, type
of organization), unique fact about that district.
-reading (perhaps in unison) of the YRUU purposes
-some role for local ministers, the District Executive of the district
where Youth Council is being held, the YCR for that district.
-presentation of gavel and COW hat to the moderator
-the official opening of the plenary After the ceremonies are over,
the first plenary business session will commence.
Plenary Sessions
Youth Council conducts its business in "plenary sessions," which
are simply meetings of the entire council. In the plenary sessions,
the council makes decisions in the form of "resolutions," which
have a standard format. Proposed resolutions can come from a variety
of sources: they can be placed on the agenda beforehand, they can
be proposed by Youth Council members during a meeting, or they can
be submitted to the plenary session by a working group. Resolution
made by Youth Council can be of the following types:
* Statement of Belief: These can be positions taken on global
concerns, governmental policies, religious issues, denominational
affairs, or any other arena in which UU youth have a concern.
Such statements can be directed at governments, the UUA on a local
district or continental level, UU youth, society at large, or
any other appropriate body.
* by-law Changes: These must be proposed and passed at Youth
Council, approved by the UUA Board of Trustees, published in Synapse
more than 60 days before the next year's Youth Council, and finally
adopted by the next year's Youth Council.
* Projects for YRUU: These are special projects that Youth Council
wants to see accomplished and must assign people (such as SC members
or the Youth Office) to carry through on. A good example of this
is getting an item on the agenda of General Assembly, which involves
seeking endorsement from UU societies.
* Goals or Directions for YRUU: Youth Council can identify broad
goals which it believes YRUU should steer towards in the coming
years on the local, district and continental levels.
* Tasks for Youth Council Representatives: Youth Council can
assign work for its members to carry out in their districts during
the coming year.
* Recommendation to the Districts and Locals: These can be recommendations
that districts or locals adopt certain policies, suggestions of
priorities and areas of focus, program ideas, suggestions for
organizational structures. Any district or local is free to adopt
or ignore these recommendations as they deem appropriate.
* Directives to Steering Committee: Youth Council can assign
work to Steering Committee, so long as time constraints are respected
given the normal tasks Steering Committee carries each year (e.g.
Youth Staff selection, Con Con planning).
* Recommendations to the Youth Office: These can be alterations
to the products of the office, or changes in time or budget priorities.
Additional projects can be recommended, but careful consideration
should be given to staff opinions regarding resource limitations.
An agenda item in plenary is proposed, debated (and possibly amended)
and then accepted or rejected. The debating can be done either in
formal process or in the committee of the whole (consensus). All
resolutions, in order to be passed, must be put to a vote using
the formal process. A majority vote is required for resolutions
and amendments to proposed resolutions (except by-law amendments,
which require a 2/3 majority), and a 2/3 majority is required for
motions to close debate, extend debate.
In the formal process, people raise cards when they have something
to say. The type of card indicates the type of statement they wish
to make. The "pro" card is green and is used to speak or vote in
favor of the current proposal. The "con" card is red and is used
to speak or vote against the current proposal. Either pro or con
can be made to make a proposal. The other card is yellow and can
be used for a point of information or a point of personal privilege.
The yellow card takes first over the red and green cards.
Some agenda items will not be in the form of a proposal, but rather
in the form of a directive to consider some general topic or issue
or to choose between alternatives offered by the Steering Committee.
In these cases, the Council moves directly into the Committee of
the Whole to address the directive until a proposal is made, at
which time they may move into formal process if they wish.
Energy Monitors
The Youth Council may want to assign Energy Monitors whose job is
to keep tabs on how the group is feeling. The Energy Monitor may
change with each session or day or it may be one person for the
whole week. If the Energy Monitor feels that the group has bad,
low or diffused energy then it is their responsibility to call attention
to the fact so that an appropriate remedy may be suggested.
Minutes
Youth Council minutes must include a list of people present, the
reports and actions taken (including approved resolutions). It shall
be sent to all participants, within one month of the end of Youth
Council. The Youth Office will prepare a list of tasks and responsibilities
(of YCRs, the Steering Committee, and the Youth Office), extracted
from the minutes, to accompany the minutes.
Caucusing
If the planners feel that it is appropriate, they can allot time
for caucusing on various plenary agenda items. Each caucus will
be convened by the sponsor of the item, and caucuses will be held
sequentially so that everyone who is interested in a particular
item will be able to attend. The caucus will provide an opportunity
for debating the item outside the more cumbersome context of plenary,
and will allow participants to develop proposals or proposed amendments
to an existing proposal, which they can introduce in plenary. When
the item is introduced in plenary, those who have an interest in
debating the item will already be familiar with the pros and cons
of the issue, thus facilitating the plenary process.
Emergent Agenda
The emergent agenda arises out of the issues that are raised by
YCR's during the week. They must be presented to the moderator by
the pre-determined deadline to be considered by that year's plenary.
Closing Plenary Ceremonies
More pomp. The gavel and COW hat are handed on.
Working Groups
Topics
Some of the proposed agenda items may be selected by the Steering
Committee to be working group topics. Good candidates for working
groups topics are those issues which are complex, controversial,
historically recurrent, long-range in effect, or involving substantive
by-law changes. A working group topic will consist of a statement
of the issue to be addressed (The working paper will go into more
detail).
Brainstorm Sheets
Large sheets of paper can be posted in a central location at the
beginning of the week, labeled with the working group topics, names
of the working group leaders and working group members. People will
be encouraged to put their ideas up on the sheets, for use by the
working groups.
Composition of Working Groups
Leaders or co-leaders should be assigned to each working group by
the Steering Committee, using people such as: Steering Committee
members, the Youth Office, the moderator, other people with leadership
experience. In the pre-packet people will be asked to inform the
Youth Office of their working group preference. The Youth Office
will assign people to working groups before Youth Council.
Working Papers
Brief working papers will be written for all working group topics,
as well as for complicated plenary agenda items. The working papers
will be written by Steering Committee members or by others at the
request of the Steering Committee. The Youth Office will set the
date for working papers to be due. Two months in advance is a good
rule of thumb, leaving time for the papers to be edited by the Youth
Office and included in the pre-packet. Following is an annotated
outline of a generic working paper. If there s nothing to say in
a particular section, it can be left out.
I. Prewritten Introduction (The same for every paper.)
"Youth Council, or your working group as an agent of Youth Council,
is charged with developing solutions and/or plans of action on
this topic. In order to carry out that task, you will need information
about the topic, information on the history of the question, on
the existing rules and conventions that affect the question, on
the thinking that has already been done on the issue by Steering
Committee and others, and on the potential channels of action
that are open to you. Below is some of that information. If you
have further questions, just ask a Steering Committee or Youth
Office member."
II. Why This IS On The Agenda (Sections A and can be give in
either order.)
A. History of the Question (Both long-term history of the issue
and the recent events that lead to this being on the agenda).
B. Rationale For Need (Discussion of the philosophical grounding
behind the issue and also some of the concrete recognized problems).
III. Some of the Options and Information on Channels of Action
For working group topics, solicited expert opinions and any ideas
or suggestions from the Steering Committee should be included
in this section. Presenting several different opinions is good,
as it will keep the working group from feeling locked into the
one idea suggested. The SC should also add any information necessary
for following up on a likely channel of action. A good example
of this is how to get something onto the agenda. OR
III. Proposal (For plenary agenda items, the proposed resolution
will be given here.)
IV. Miscellaneous Relevant Material (Appendices of any sort.)
Working Group Process
The following process description will be distributed to the Working
Groups:
I. Brainstorm both problems and solutions, perhaps on separate
sheets. Refer to the "Why This Is On The Agenda" section and the
Appendices of the working paper while doing this. When you have
gotten your own ideas out refer to the "Options" section of the
working paper and to the large-group brainstorm sheet on your topic
(if any) and continue creating your brainstorm lists.
II. Decide what issues to deal with. Be aware of both your time
constraints and the interests of the group, and be realistic about
what you can accomplish. Don't feel that you have to solve every
possible aspect of your group's topic. Be aware that you can make
recommendations as to where and how important issues you didn't
cover ought to be carved. Also be aware that you can put forward
ideas without developing them, if you don't have time to develop
all of your ideas.
III. Start to work on creating recommendations to take back to
plenary. Go through your list of topics you've decided to address,
dealing with them one at a time. Think both in short term (this
coming year) and long term (the next two, five, ten years of YRUU).
Be clear about what kind of resolution you are trying to create,
referring to the list given in the pre-packet. Part of being clear
about the type of resolution is being clear about who should do
the work (if any) indicated in the resolution.
IV. Start pulling together a draft of your work. Don't feel that
it has to be long to indicate a lot of hard work- the plenary will
be happier with a brief and clear piece of work. Put your ideas
into resolution format, giving each separate idea its own resolution.
Pace yourselves so that you will have a rough draft finished before
the Rough Draft Circus.
V. Prune, polish, revise, amend.
Rough Draft Circus
One evening, about mid-week may be designated as the Rough Draft
Circus. Working groups should gauge their work to have a readable
and relatively coherent product by that evening, which will come
more than half-way through the time allotted for working groups.
Each group will work out for itself a system whereby its own table
is staffed on a rotating basis, so that everyone has a chance to
go around to the other tables. Each table will have Xerox copies
of its rough draft for people to discuss.
Working groups will spend the remainder of their working group time
polishing their product using the input from the circus.
Workshops
Leadership Development is an essential component of Youth Council.
One of the best ways for leadership training to take place is through
workshops designed and led by experienced Youth Council Reps., Steering
Committee members, the moderator and/or Youth Office staff. The
Steering Committee may decide to develop workshops on any topic
it deems necessary given the current needs of YRUU. The following
workshops are generally a part of the Youth Council program.
Communications Workshop
The communications workshop teaches people the guidelines of good
communication skills, and reminds them of the importance of being
caring and sensitive to each others needs, even in the heat of the
meeting. Suggestions for communication workshop:
1)Explain that effective communication has two goals: it makes
people feel good about themselves; and it facilitates process, whether
it is parliamentary procedure or COW, plenary or small groups.
2) Make the workshop participatory rather than a lecture. You might
want to have people break into small groups and practice on some
mock agenda items r mock discussion topics. You might want to present
skits, maybe a "what went wrong in this situation?" format with
the group making suggestion for how characters could have handled
it better. Visual aids, chants, anything you can think of....
3) Make people aware of what the group is trying to accomplish
right now. This includes sticking to one issue, being aware of when
a consensus is forming and not prolonging discussion, being concise,
and being aware of when you need to block consensus vs. when you
can let go f your disagreement. 4) Emphasize all the communication
basics such as: no killer statements, active listening, "and" instead
of "but" statements, I statements, etc.
5) The human side of business meetings: energy moderating; not
interrupting people (perhaps present alternatives to interrupting,
such as writing your idea down); being considerate of the quieter
and less confident members who nevertheless want to speak; and keep
a sense of humor.
6) The simple physical skills of speaking loudly and clearly to
a large group.
7) Negotiating skills, for example stating interests rather than
positions.
Plenary Training Workshop
The information on plenary process should be gone over in detail,
using lots of examples and leaving time for questions. The moderator
is a good person to have lead this workshop.
Suggestions for plenary training workshop:
-explaining the process of both consensus, parliamentary procedure
and whatever other processes have been agreed upon by the Steering
Committee and the Moderator
-Skits (well scripted!)
-small group mock plenary situations
-application of communication skills to business meetings
About the UUA
This will be an informational session on how 25 Beacon St., the
denomination, the Youth Office, and YRUU all function and interact.
Its purpose is to better inform YCR's as to what types of solutions
and channels of action are appropriate and feasible. The Steering
Committee may want to consider inviting a representative of the
UUA administration to give a talk about YRUU and Youth Council's
roles in the denomination.
Being a YCR
This workshop should be led by someone with experience as a YCR,
and should cover materials such as: communicating with your district,
communicating with the Youth Office (both soliciting stuff for the
office and keeping the office informed), district reports; making
yourself and YRUU known to your district (newsletters, district
meetings, RE committee, district presidents, district executives,
etc.) being a caretaker and trouble shooter for your district organization,
learning to delegate work to other people, outreach to other districts,
passing the torch to your replacements; at-large responsibilities;
gaining district funding for travel to Youth Council.
This Year's Decisions ("Taking the Vision Home")
A workshop to review the decisions made this year and discuss how
YCR's can implement them during the year. May include YCR's writing
"reminder postcards" to themselves, which the Youth Office will
mail back to the YCR's in a few months. It will also include a clear
statement of each YCR's tasks throughout the year.
Adult Orientation / Check-In / Rap
Time can be scheduled early on in the week for the adults to gather
and get to know each other, and begin forming a support network
amongst themselves. It is important for the adults to understand
their role at Youth Council. The Youth Programs Director is the
best person to be part of this process. This is an important part
of taking care of the adults' emotional needs, and better enables
them to be caring and supportive advisors to the youth.
Worship
Worship is one of the key ways community is built and nurtured
at Youth Council. A youth participant, preferably one who has been
to Youth Council before, will act as worship coordinator. People
who volunteer to lead or help lead worship will send their names
to this person. This person will be responsible for seeking people
to lead or participate in worship, and for planning any worship
services for which volunteers can't be found.
Touch Groups
Another important way that Youth Council community is built is
through touch groups. The groups should have a balance of trust,
fun, active and contemplative activities. They should be "sacred"
spaces for personal sharing.
Group Building Exercises
Brief games and exercises may be interspersed with the training
workshops. These will build trust and community, get people to know
each other better, and give people a break from all the information
that is being thrown at them.
Steering Committee Elections
YCR's will be fully informed in the pre-packet about Steering Committee,
the responsibilities of its members, and the election process. They
will be encouraged to consider running and to talk with their families
about the possibility. At the beginning of Youth Council, names
of all YCR's will be placed on a chalk board in their appropriate
age groupings, and those not wishing to run will be asked to remove
their names by noon on election day. If a person is on the borderline
between two of the age ranges or she may choose which position they
would like to run for. Candidates will be informed early in the
week that they may prepare a single written sheet of information
about themselves, and give it to a certain person by a certain time
in order to have it photocopied. This written material will be distributed
to YCR's at noon on election day. In the evening of election day,
there will be a time slot for candidates to give speeches, followed
by the elections. The election results will be announced before
the end of the evening.
Regional Lunch
Participants will be assigned to groups based on the location of
their districts, and will be given the opportunity over lunch to
discuss the problems, strengths, and special concerns of their region,
and to discuss possibilities of inter-district contact.
Buddying
Districts will be paired off so that their representatives can
provide support to each other, before and during Youth Council and
throughout the following year. YCR's will be encouraged to be in
contact with their partners either by letter or by phone, to exchange
ideas, problems, stories, and information. Districts in group A
will be paired with districts in group B, so that in coming reps
will be paired with more experienced reps.
Appendix VI
Youth Programs Director Job Description
Article VII - Rule 1
Exempt Position Description
Department: Religious Education
Reports to: The Director of Religious Education
Basic Purpose: To design and implement programs of religious growth
for UU young people and act as a field consultant to districts and
local societies regarding youth programs.
Principle Responsibilities:
1. Work in dual association with the RE Section and YRUU with major
responsibilities to both. Orients, trains and works with the YRUU
Programs Specialists. Functions in a supervisory capacity in certain
UUA procedures and policies.
2. Plans, designs and implements programs of religious growth for
UU young persons (ages 12-22); acts as a field consultant to districts
and local societies regarding youth programs; assists congregations
in the formation and promotion of new youth groups; plans, designs
and conducts workshops and leadership development seminars for and
with youth and adults; serves as consultant for the Curriculum Coordinators
in the development of curriculum for youth.
3. In association with the YRUU Programs Specialists, administers
the YRUU program; in consultation with the YRUU Steering Committee
and Youth Council, ascertains needs, identifies trends and issues,
develops budget priorities, and evaluates t | 
