Attending Youth Council 1985:

Youth Office Staff: Laila Ibrahim (outgoing YPS), Caprice Young(ongoing YPS), David Levine (incoming YPS), Ellen Brandenburg(interim YPD).

Youth Council Reps: Kathie Byrd, BCD; Tony Donatelli, CMD; Casey Steineau, CMwD; Sean Korb, CVD; Josh Young, FLD; Effie McLaughlin, JPD; Anne Sontheimer, MassBay; July Siebecker, MetroNY; Ellen Lamphier, MiD; Leila Mahojerin, MSD; Allan Norton, MdD; Lisa Rippon, NH/VT; Richard Lindahl, NED; Jennifer James, OMD; Debbie Silverman, OVD; Regan Conley, PCD; Ann Buckmaster, PNWD; Candace Corrigan, PSWD; Ashley Nelson, PSD; Johanne Babb, StLD; Tammi Pierce, SWD; Leia Durland, mDD; Bethany Bryson, TJD; Scott Keeler, WCD; Nathan Ackroyd, Jr. High At-Large; Paula Gardiner, Sr. High At-Large; Cheryl Colheur, Post-High At-Large; Ann Fisher, Adult; Rev. Ronald Gehrmann, Adult; Rev. Bruce Kennedy; Peggy McComb, Adult; Judi Spendelow, Adult; Jaco B. ten Hove, Adult; Arlene Wouters, Adult; Denise Thomson, SC; Liz Allen, SC; Don Male, BOT; Ben Ford, REAC & Moderator.

LOCATION: Hamline University, St. Paul, MN

DATE: August 4-9, 1985

Resolution on a Code of Ethics - YC 1985

Whereas the 1985 General Assembly passed a resolution charging the UUA Board of Trustees to develop a Code of Ethics for Adults Working with Youth, and

Whereas it is appropriate that YRUU inform the Board of Trustees of its thoughts regarding the development of such a code of ethics,

Therefore Be It Resolved that the 1985 Youth Council adopt for its recommendation to the UUA Board of Trustees the following statement as a possible code of ethics:

Adults who are working in the role of advisor with YRUU are in a position of stewardship in relationship to members of YRUU. Advisors will play a key role in fostering spiritual development of the individual and the community. The advisor will conduct himself/herself in a manner that will enhance and not endanger the YRUU experience of youth participants. The advisor's relationship with youth shall be one of mutual respect.

Therefore, advisors will refrain from engaging in sexual behavior with YRUU participants. Advisors will not invade the personal space of youth. They will nurture the physical and mental well-being of YRUU members and be especially respectful of those who are less mature physically and/or emotionally.

Advisors will conform to YRUU guidelines regarding substance use, i.e., No carrying of, use of, or influence of during YRUU activities. Advisors will follow any other rules that may be in effect at YRUU functions.

Adults should be informed of the Code of Ethics and agree to it before assuming the role of advisor. Any advisor who is unable to follow this code of ethics will be accountable for his/her actions, including the possibility of being asked to resign.

Resolution on a Principle for Social Action - YC 1985

Whereas a goal of YRUU is to develop individual social consciousness, to encourage its members to be peaceful citizens of the world, and

Whereas another goal of YRUU is to foster tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of diversity, and

Whereas YRUU strives to encourage individuals to form diverse opinions about social issues,

Therefore Be It Resolved that the Youth Council adopt the following principle:

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.

Resolutions on UUA Committees, Departments, and Functions regarding Social Action - YC 1985

Whereas it is a principle of to serve as educators about social issues and to support individual participation in social actions,

Be It Resolved that the 1985 Youth Council requests

• The Youth Staff obtain reports from the UUSC and the UUA SSR about any relevant social issues and publish information from those reports as well as information about the UU Peace Network in Synapse,
• The Youth Staff include in the REACH packet information and suggestions regarding Youth Sundays with a social action themes,
• The YCRs to encourage their local participants to take part in the volunteer Service Corps of the UUSC
• The YCRs to obtain information about the UU Peace Network, to distribute the information to individuals in their districts through individual mailings, and to urge them to become members of the Peace Network
• The YCRs to obtain information regarding the Nicaraguan Exchange and to distribute the information to individuals within their districts through newsletters and individual mailings.
• The YCRs distribute information regarding the UUUNO Conference on Disarmament and that they and their district youth organization facilitate the nomination of delegates to the conference from their district. ú the YCRs to encourage local youth groups within their districts to initiate one Youth Sunday a year addressing a relevant social issue.

Resolution on Reaching Out To Youth of Diverse Backgrounds - YC 1985

Whereas YRUU recognizes that the organization is unequally representative of diverse races, cultures, and classes, and

Whereas YRUU is committed to embracing all persons of diverse backgrounds,

Therefore Be It Resolved that the 1985 Youth Council charges its members to encourage local and district groups to reach out to and network with church groups and youth groups of other religions and of diverse races, cultures and classes, and

Be It Further Resolved that Synapse publish information from other youth organizations regarding social actions and other activities.

Resolution on Maintaining Our Sense of Vision - YC 1985

Whereas it is a strong concern of our Visions Commission that YRUU participants do not lose sight of the purposes of YRUU, and

Whereas when a sense of spirituality is lost, negativism, boredom, and eventual shattering or the YRUU community will take place,

Therefore Be It Resolved that the Youth Council charges YCRs to encourage within their own districts the frequent and creative use of the YRUU Statement of Purpose as a reading at YRUU functions.

Resolution on YRUU Theme Years - YC 1985

Whereas one of YRUU's purposes is to foster spiritual depth, and Whereas a major concern of the Visions Commission is to develop ways to keep spiritual consciousness alive and to maintain a sense of community across the continent and throughout the youth movement,

Therefore Be It Resolved that the 1985 Youth Council adopt the practice of establishing a theme for every year, beginning at Con Con, continuing through the year, and ending the last day of Youth Council. We suggest the year's theme will be the one used at or incorporated into Con-Con, having been chosen by the previous year's Steering Committee,

Be It Further Resolved that the Youth Council will encourage that the theme be utilized throughout the continent at YRUU functions, and

Be It Further Resolved that, with the aforementioned in mind, the 1985 Youth Council declare the year 1985-86 the "Year of Namaste".

Resolution on Synapse Participation - YC 1985

Be It Resolved that the Youth Office should conduct a writing contest for the purpose of increasing participation in the publication Synapse.

Be It Further Resolved that prizes be awarded in the categories of poetry, short stories, essays, editorials, articles, and any other categories which the staff cares to include.

Be It Further Resolved that a visual artwork contest be conducted in conjunction with the above-mentioned contest.

Resolution on Outreach Teams (Emergency Field Agents - EFAs) - YC 1985

Whereas there is a directive from Youth Council 1984 to both nurture and strengthen existing youth groups and encourage growth through the extension of each district, and

Whereas personal contact and communication are the most effective means to accomplish this, and

Whereas a need often arises for emergency mediation and aid,

Therefore Be It Resolved that an outreach team be established in each district where possible. The duties of these teams shall be:

1. Keep in contact with all locals by questionnaire, letter, and phone calls.
2. Receive and compile local information and give the district youth governing body and the YCR this information.
3. Visit locals where necessary.
4. Act as a resource clearing house for locals.
5. Solicit and aid societies in forming new YRUU groups.

We also suggest that the Team be a part of the Youth Governing body.

A suggested structure for the Outreach Team is for it to consist of one Junior High aged member, one Sr. High aged member, one Post High aged Member, one Adult, and the YCR.

This team will be formed by the Youth Governing Body.

Whereas this team may only be available on short notice, and

Whereas this team may be geographically incapable of a personal visit in times when urgent mediation or personal contact is needed,

We Further Suggest that a network of Emergency Field Agents (EFA's) be available to make these visits. This network will be created by the Outreach team or the district youth governing body where Outreach Teams aren't feasible.

This resolution was not passed, but the Youth Council recommended that districts use such a structure if it is possible.

Resolution on YCR Apathy - YC 1985

Whereas apathy is a prevalent problem among YCRs, and

Whereas posters and signs of helpful reminders are an effective combatant of apathy,

We propose that an inspiring 11" x 17" poster, reminding YCRs of their duties, be created by the Youth Council and be distributed by the Youth Office to all YCRs.

This poster should contain the following in an informal, friendly, and positive manner:

1. Progress report reminders (including specific dates which will be in conjunction with SC dates).
2. Con Con sites search reminders.
3. Mailing update /submission reminders.
4. Successor preparation.
5. Brush your teeth twice a day and don't forget to call home.
6. The rest of the duties as outlined by YC.

Resolution on a YCR Certificate of Recognition - YC 1985

Whereas we need to combat apathy and recognize and show appreciation for YCR efforts,

We Propose to implement an annual certificate of Recognition for YCR in recognition of outstanding effort within their districts.

This Certificate of Recognition will be signed by the UUA President and the Youth Consultant.

The recipients of this award shall be decided by the Youth Office.

Resolution on a Resources List Packet - YC 1985

Whereas the mainstream avenues for locating resources are often difficult for youth (and adults!) to find and obtain, and

Whereas Josh Young, Florida District rep, has volunteered to compile a packet of resource lists,

Therefore Be It Resolved that this packet be distributed to YCRs and that this packet include the following lists:

1. YRUU Materials




• A. Catalogs
• B. Sources of available mailing lists
• C. Books
• D. Pamphlets and Handbooks
• E. Programs and Curricula
• F. Audio/Visual materials
• G. Names and Addresses of District newsletter editors
• H. Scholarships and Internships
2. Resources for camps and conference centers
3. Transportation resources
4. Associated groups such as UUSC, UUWF, and the UUUNO.
5. UUA Committees and contact people.

Be It Further Resolved that an ongoing series of articles about resources and how to find them will be published in Synapse.

Resolution on a PR insert - YC 1985

Whereas some locals are unaware of ways to go about doing PR, and

Whereas using PR is a direct and effective means to reaching the goals of achieving a positive image and opening lines of communication with your society,

We Propose that a PR insert be added to Synapse. This "How to do PR" supplement will contain such suggestions as:

1. Mail Slots in your society and district office.
   
2. Reserved Bulletin Board space for:


UU World Youth articles


• Synapse
  
• District news
  
• RE news
  
• Conference news
  
• Boston and District contacts
  
• Youth group calendar -- district, local, and continental




3. Community Service -- visibility with or without rest of congregation.
   
4. Convince society to have and keep YRUU pamphlets in the rack
   
5. Get church Board Liaison
   
6. Attend congregational meetings
   
7. Be involved in the denomination
   
8. Society YACs.
   
9. Get adults involved in programs
   
10. Have fun with adults
    
11. Write articles for the UU World, district and local newsletters.

Resolution on Synapse - YC 1985

Whereas the 1984 Youth Council presented specific proposals concerning Synapse that have not yet been accomplished, and

Whereas we have found them still to be important points, We Propose:

1. The year and date of publication be included on the cover of Synapse.
   
2. A form be included in each issue by which subscribers may indicate a change of address and sign up new subscribers, and to facilitate an accurate mailing list.
   
3. That YCR names and addresses be printed in small print in the staff box of each issue.

Resolution on Intergenerational activities - YC 1985

Whereas YRUU recognizes and appreciates the value of intergenerational activities, specifically,

• The breaking down of age stereotypes
• The building up of mutual trust, respect, and awareness,
• Leading to stimulating interpersonal growth and FUN among all age groups, and

Whereas there exists presently in our denomination a great need for and growing momentum around, the bridging of intergenerational issues, to highlight our commonality as UUs as well as the unique gifts specific to individual age groups,

Therefore Be It Resolved that the 1985 YRUU Youth Council direct a denominational focus on intergenerational activity by declaring fiscal 1986-87 to be the year of intergenerational celebration and begin the process through which the UUA may do the same, and together we will prepare a blitz of resources for intergenerational programming to be in place by General Assembly 1986.

Resolution on the Care and Feeding of Advisors - YC 1985

Whereas YRUU recognizes and celebrates the special role of advisors at all levels of our organization, and

Whereas advisors frequently feel isolated in their pivotal role between youth and church/fellowship structures, and

Whereas advisor burnout is acknowledged as a major problem for the continuity of local and district YRUU organizations,

Therefore Be It Resolved That

1. YCRs, through their personal local youth group contacts, district newsletters (both youth and adult), letters to churches, and any other lines of communication available to them, encourage the purchase of the Advisor's Handbook for every advisor involved in local and district YRUU organization,
   
2. YCRs, through district boards, encourage the development of advisor training programs and ongoing advisor support groups for local group advisors.
   
3. YCRs work to encourage clear role definition for advisors at all area and district conferences.
   
4. YCRs work to ensure that leadership training programs for youth and adults encourage youth, advisors, and church board or RE representatives to work together to develop advisor job descriptions, recognizing the varying advisor roles for different ages and stages for group development.
   
5. YCRs work to publicize the Advisor Code of Ethics among local and district structures, at such time as been finalized.
   
6. YCRs will publicize in their district, the youth and Religion award which is awarded by the UUA to advisors who have done outstanding work.

Resolution on Age-Specific Programming - YC 1985

Whereas Common Ground I affirmed the need for age-appropriate programming for junior, senior, and post-high age groups at the local, district, and continental level, and

Whereas the YRUU bylaws define the age range as 12 through 22, and

Whereas it is the responsibility of districts and local congregations to set policy and program guidelines regarding age groupings according to need, and

Whereas a lack of such programming has diminished participation and caused tensions among the age groups when needs have not been met,

Therefore Be It Resolved that the 1985 Youth Council

• Strongly recommends that Council members encourage the use and development of programs and activities within their districts which respond to the needs of all age groups, including both consideration of age specific conferences and programs for transition into and from junior high, senior high, and post high;
• Suggest that the UUA Youth Staff make available through REACH resource material on junior high programming, to respond to those needs;
• Directs Youth Council members to contact district youth organizations to encourage inclusive representation from each participating age group, to facilitate understanding of different age groups' needs;
• Directs Youth Council members to promote, at the local and district level, the inclusion of adults and youth of all ages in the decision making process regarding age specific needs.

Resolution on the Young Adult Ministries Task Force - YC 1985

Whereas the 1984 Youth Council recommended the creation of a Consultancy on Young Adult Ministries, and

Whereas the UUA Board of Trustees established the Task Force on Young Adult Ministries in partial fulfillment of this recommendation, and

Whereas the Young Adult Ministries Task Force is considering the needs of a group whose age range includes post-high YRUUs,

Therefore Be It Resolved that the Youth council members offer to assist the Task Force in whatever ways may be helpful, including specific written reports to the task force.

Resolution on Leadership - YC 1985

Whereas there is a continuous need for trained youth leadership beginning in junior high and continuing through post-high, and

Whereas the Leadership Development Conferences run by the Youth Staff have helped meet the initial needs of those districts in which they have been held, and

Whereas the Youth Staff are presently fully employed in a wide range of YRUU tasks,

Therefore Be It Resolved that the 1985 Youth Council

• Requests the Youth Staff to incorporate a model leadership training workshop in the 1986 Continental Youth Leadership Conference as a training session so that it then can be used at the district level by its trained delegates;
• Suggests the Youth Staff make available through REACH resource material on youth leadership development at all age levels, with special reference to junior high.

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