High School Youth
YRUU is our high school youth group. Youth and adult advisors work together to build community, develop youth leadership, explore their identity, and engage in spiritual development and social action. We want to create a safe space for all including LGBTQIA+ youth.
Advisors lead the youth to take greater leadership in their own learning and to select and discuss topics relevant to Unitarian Universalism and the greater world. Additionally, topics relevant to healthy adolescent development, values-based decision-making, and relationships are also addressed. Together, these programs give our youth the opportunity to deepen their religious and moral understandings and bring their beliefs and values to bear on the world.
Because YRUU has many specific events and functions, the advisors often use GroupMe, in addition to emails, to inform and communicate with youth.
Schedule
YRUU meets on Sundays alternating between noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
September 10: 4-6 p.m.
September 17: noon-2 p.m.
September 24:4-6 p.m.
October 1:noon-2 p.m.
October 8:4-6 p.m.
October 15: TBA
October 22: TBA
October 29: noon-2 p.m.
November 5:4-6 p.m.
November 12: noon-2 p.m.
November 19: 4-6 p.m.
November 26: no meeting
December 3: noon-2 p.m.
December 10: 4-6 p.m.
December 17: noon-2 p.m.
December 24: no meeting
December 31: no meeting
**9th graders can choose to participate in either YRUU or Crossing Paths on Sunday afternoons.
Activities
Social Outings
Several times a year the YRUU group enjoys social outings such as kayaking, painting, late nights, roller skating, movies, or hiking, as well as other activities that the teens suggest. Advisors organize and attend the outings with the group. These activities are a great opportunity for the teens to get to know each other in a social setting.
Service Projects
YRUU has the opportunity to assist in the community as a group. Past projects have included a coat drive, Randolph Street Garden, and Books to Prisoners. Often a fun activity like games or a potluck along with helping the church and the community is planned.
District-Wide Youth Conferences
The youth may attend a “CON”, a regional district youth conference where they work on social justice projects, attend classes, worship, and generally have fun with other teens and advisors from area congregations.
Overnights
The YRUU group may get together for overnight lock-ins or a retreat. This is a great way for the teens to bond as a group.
Registration
If you are a youth who is a rising 9th grader-12th grader, please complete this form and provide the contact information you’d like for us to use for you.
If you have questions or would like to speak with a REE professional staff member, email religious-exploration@uucuc.org.