Religious Education Leadership Training
The Renaissance Program
The Renaissance Program is a major component of the UUA's Religious Education Credentialing program. Each 15-hour module provides standardized basic training in a specific area useful to Religious Educators in local congregations. The following modules may be used in any order:
- Administration of RE Programs
- Curriculum Planning in the Local Congregation
- Developing a Philosophy of Religious Education
- Ministry with Youth
- Training Teachers
- Unitarian Universalist History
- Unitarian Universalist Identity
- Worship for All Ages
- Multicultural Religious Education
Participation
For the purposes of Renaissance recognition, attendance at a week-long UUA leadership school is counted as one module. Modules can accommodate between 12 and 20 participants. Preference is given to Religious Educators if the workshop is oversubscribed.
Sponsorship
Local congregations sponsor the Religious Educator by underwriting their registration and allowing time to attend. Renaissance modules are offered by District RE Committees, or by regional summer camps or conferences. If you are interested in sponsoring a Renaissance module, requests should come through your District RE Committee or through the planning committee of a regional conference. Click here to fill out a request form. The UUA will provide leadership lists and program materials, while the district or conference committee is responsible for registrations, publicity, and local arrangements for hosting the workshop. Many of the modules require that reading materials be mailed to participants in advance of the workshop; this mailing is also the responsibility of the local sponsor.
Cost
The cost of sponsoring a Renaissance module is shared by the participants, their congregations, the District RE Committee or conference, and the Renaissance Program. The registration fee is determined by the local planning committee, based on its estimates of the conference costs. The conference budget must include:
- Honoraria for the leaders
- Meals and accommodations
- A travel equilization fee a
Recognition
When a participant has completed five modules, or a minimum of 75 hours of Renaissance training, the Renaissance Program will send a Letter of Recognition, in appreciation of the time that has been given in the service of quality religious education for our children, youth and adults. A participant may include these five modules and any additional modules toward completion of any level in The Religious Education Credentialing Program.
Scholarships
It is strongly recommended that congregations give financial sponsorship to a Religious Educator who is attending on their behalf. A limited amount of scholarship help is available from the UUA through the Beatley and Earle endowment funds, whose interest is annually available in modest amounts for RE grants to individuals. Please contact us for more information on these funds. Some District RE Committees have funds available for Renaissance scholarships. Summer conferences may offer financial assistance.
Schedule
Click here to see a schedule of all coming Renaissance
modules around the continent.
If you would like more information on Renaissance module content, please contact Judith Frediani of the UUA's Lifespan Faith Development staff group. For all others Renaissance program questions, including questions about hosting a Renaissance module, please contact Beth Williams of the Office of Religious Education Credentialing in the UUA's Ministry and Professional Leadership staff group.
