Each district in the UUA has a number of standing committees, each with a focus on some aspect of district programming or business needs. A district committee for Young Adult (ages18-35) Ministry (YAM) provides a focal point for the exchange of information between congregations and connects that district with the other districts and with the continental efforts at Young Adult Ministry like the Young Adult/Campus Ministry Director, the District and Conference Organizer and the Continental UU Young Adult Network (C*UUYAN).

What does Young Adult Ministry address?

The needs of Young Adults vary greatly. Some Young Adults will be drawn to opportunities for informal worship and spiritual friends circles. Some, struggling with transitions, will respond to discussion groups or adult RE; some will be looking for the opportunity for public witness and social action; some are looking for a new church home; some for the continuity of the UU heritage with which they were raised; some will be mostly interested in opportunities to meet socially with others their own age. Some will become active church members and lay leaders; some will be reachable only through district-level activities. Similarly, the ways in which our societies minister to Young Adults will vary greatly. Some congregations will create programming designed specifically for the needs of Young Adults, others will meet these ministry needs through an awareness of Young Adults within the congregation's general ministry.

What can a District Young Adult Committee do?

A District Young Adult Committee is an enduring structure that holds the district's commitment to Young Adult ministry. A district committee provides opportunities for involvement and connection when there are not many Young Adults in a particular area--by serving on the committee and through committee sponsored events and projects. It also provides for the sharing of information between Young Adult groups--how did your group get started? how long did it take you to reach critical mass? how did you get through leadership turnover or burnout? The district committee also helps provide continuity, connections, resources and training--all essential in a ministry which needs to be "owned" by Young Adults to be successful yet can be hampered by the major transitions and frequent moving which characterizes this age group.

Tips on starting a District Young Adult Ministry Committee

Each district committee needs to start in its own way, but there are some common things to remember. The most important is to get to know your district and its culture. They're all different. The District Office is a good place to start. Get to know the people who work there and find out how committees in your district work. What is the procedure for starting a committee? Get copies of the by-laws of other committees in the district. Where and how often do they meet? How are long distances handled? How are people appointed/elected?

The next step is finding a critical mass of people to make up the initial committee. If you are a Young Adult yourself, you'll still want to find Young Adults from other congregations and parts of the district. Ask people: ministers, beginning with your own, and the District Executive are knowledgeable. You may find that going to your district's annual meeting or to a camp or conference or leadership school will provide some of the connections you're looking for.

If you are not a Young Adult but are interested in helping launch the district committee, talk to the Young Adults you meet about the benefits and the fun of doing this kind of work.

Can you be more specific about what District Committees do?

Most District Young Adult Ministry Committees begin with a conference or retreat. It's a great way to get going. But there are many other things that might be appropriate. They might sponsor workshops or worship sessions at the district meeting. They might work with congregations trying to start a Young Adult Group. They might be a clearing house for graduating high school seniors and incoming students, alerting them of activities in the area and putting them in touch with congregations. They might try their hand at a newsletter, or run a column in the district newsletter. It won't take long to find just the right kind of project for your district's committee. And remember, the District and Conference Organizer and the Director of the Young Adult/Campus Ministry Office of the UUA are eager to work with your District Committee.

Pitfalls along the way

• Communication is essential. Keep the lines open between your committee and the district office and with the district board or their liaison.
• Be money smart. Choose your finance person carefully, and get those requests in on time! It's OK to ask for help when you need it, and before you get desperate.
• Watch out for burnout and for cliques. It's important to bring new people into the committee fairly regularly. But don't forget to pass on the little tricks and techniques you've learned, and the spirit of the committee.
• You don't have to do it all alone. Involve people who aren't on the committee in special projects. Draw on other resources within the district for leadership development and support in ticklish situations. And stay connected with other districts through the District and Conference Organizer, the YA/CM Director and C*UUYAN.

Keeping the fire burning

The District Young Adult Committee in your district can be an institution, with traditions of its own, which passes the vision and enthusiasm along and keeps the home fires burning. With ongoing efforts to recruit and train new people and avoid burnout, the fire need never die. But don't worry if the embers get a bit low sometimes. It happens. You can restoke the fire. Begin anew, but also draw on your tradition. Contact a former committee member and get them to tell you the old stories. Incorporate your own living tradition into the newly (re)constituted District Young Adult Ministry Committee.

Where can I go for help?

Your District Office
contact the UUA Department of Congregational, District and Extension Services (617-742-2100) if you need help finding your district office.