Youth of Unity

The Youth of Unity (YOU) is an international youth group for teens ages 14-18 (grades 9-12). The purpose of YOU is to encourage and assist in the spiritual growth of all young people who are seeking to express the indwelling Christ in accordance with the principles of practical Christianity as taught and interpreted by Unity World Headquarters at Unity Village and Unity Worldwide Ministries. YOU provides youth the opportunity to explore Unity's principles and other truth teachings and to demonstrate these in their daily lives.

 

A YOU group typically meets on a weekly basis, usually Sunday morning. Youth discuss and learn a variety of spiritual teachings, attend social gatherings, and become involved in their church and community. Officers, or a leadership team, are often elected to help plan for the local group.

What is a regional representative?

 

Regional representatives, "regis," are teens elected each year at their region's official rally. They plan and lead at least two rallies a year as well as attend and offer their support to other events held during the year. Regis work closely with their regional consultants.

 

YOU Sponsors come in all shapes, styles, backgrounds and personalities. The one constant is a sincere spiritual commitment to living and practicing Truth principles and a loving desire to serve our youth by engaging them in the learning process. The YOU Code of Ethics outlines the expectations for those serving in the role of YOU Sponsor.

The success of any teen group begins with its leadership team. Benefits of working on a team include:

• Having a range of ideas, personalities and teaching styles

• Greater personal attention for students

• Sharing of responsibilities

• Mutual support

• Sounding boards

• Sacred Safety

Members of the team serve in a variety of spiritual roles that assist in empowering teens to discover their inner Divine self. Leaders wear an assortment of hats, depending on the center's programs, which can include facilitator, teacher, guide, role model, coordinator, communicator, administrator, youth advocate, liaison, mentor, coach and travel chaperone. Each leader serves as an accepting, non-judgmental, caring adult who listens and supports without trying to solve the teen's problems.

 

 

• Having an understanding of teens is an important aspect of guiding them into leadership.

• YOU is a program that is youth led and adult guided. It is designed to encourage and support the youth in being responsible for their own classroom experiences. The chart Five Stages of Mentoring Leaders provides simple steps to mentoring teens into leadership.

• Other documents on teen leadership development include:

o Ladder of Participation

o Listening & Communication Skills

o Sponsor's Roles in Developing Leader

• It is also important to assist the teens in developing the skills needed to successfully facilitate different aspects of the classroom experience.

o Speaking in Public & Creating a Talk

o Leading a Prayer or Meditation

o Writing a Sunday Lesson