Vol. IX Issue 4 Fall 2006 In this issue: LEADERSHIP Books on Leadership From the UUA Bookstore MONEY Planning Eases Stress From Natural Disasters TOOLBOX Videos Help Congregations Share Their Stories MEMBERSHIP Midweek Events Create Strong Connections NOURISHING THE SPIRIT Meaningful Worship Requires Attention, Focus QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Including Youth, Inspiring People to Attend General Assembly BRIEFLY NOTED A Different Approach to Joys and Concerns; Notes from UU University On Welcoming, Anxiety, And Congregational Health; And More! EMAIL LIST Find out when the new InterConnections is online InterConnections Archives

In this feature we seek out answers to questions of broad interest, drawing on experts in congregations, the UUA, and elsewhere. If you would like to submit a question, please write to InterConnections at 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02108, or email dskinner@uua.org.

Q We'd like our congregation to be more inclusive of youth. Where do we start?

A Everywhere, says Jason Lydon, congregational director at Community Church of Boston and a former YRUU (Young Religious UUs) program specialist. Here's what he suggests:

Get youth involved in social justice issues by learning about the issues youth are involved in or that are of particular interest to them. For ideas, visit the YRUU website: uua.org/yruu. Utilize UUA curricula or develop your own to keep youth engaged in religious education through high school. Involve them as teachers for younger children with support from other youth or adults. Include them on the RE Committee.

Involve youth in worship by asking them to participate in readings, chalice lightings, choir, and other musical aspects of worship. Encourage them to create at least an annual service. Be receptive to different ways of conducting worship. A midweek service might be more popular with them than Sunday morning.

Include youth in small group ministries to create authentic intergenerational community. Consider a newsletter column written by youth. Invite youth onto committees, but make allowances for their busy evening schedules. Do more than add a token youth here and there. Build intentional and authentic relationships. Encourage conversation among people of all ages at coffee hour. Serving alcohol at church events can alienate underage people. Address youth directly rather than going to their parents or guardians. Above all, learn the names of youth in your congregation and address them as individuals.

Q We're trying to inspire more people to attend General Assembly, but I don't always know what to say to them to encourage them to go. Any advice?

A Cilla Raughley, district executive of the Pacific Central District, compiled the following list of parts of General Assembly that were valuable for her. See how these resonate with the people you approach.

• The numerous conversations I get to have with individuals and small groups, deepening our relationship.
• The sheer delight in hearing Mary Oliver read her poetry at the Ware Lecture, and revealing her humorous side with such wit.
  
• The (too) many discoveries from the UUA bookstore that I would have never found online since I needed to "thumb through" books-never pack a full suitcase when going to GA.
• The pride I felt, along with the amazing sense of community, while watching our democratic process rise to such admirable heights in plenary sessions.
• The learnings about everything from fundraising to spiritual direction, from growth strategies to governance structures.
  
• The profound spiritual nourishment I received from several of the worship services I attended.

These reasons are why I try so hard to promote participation in General Assembly. This is something that is very good for us, as individuals, congregations, and a religious movement. If you were there, I hope this will help you talk with your congregation about why GA is such a valuable experience.

For stories, videos, and photos from the 2006 GA, visit uua.org/ga/ga06 and uuworld.org/news/ga.

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