We’ve included their bios below and encourage you to get in touch with them and say hello.

Julian Michels

Hey UUs! I’m Julian Michels, and a denizen of the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant liberal religious community. As a youth, I traveled the gamut of spiritual experiences, from Jewish mysticism to born-again Christianity, but I always found myself back, UUing it up again, before very long. Now, I’m a graduate student researching the psychology of stories. My special interest is in system analysis and design: a fascination that I’ve honed as a community policy-maker for UUs and other organizations here in the Northwest.

When I’m not cultivating my mad scientist persona, I like to write poetry, improvisationally jam stories, practice martial arts, and meditate on the beauty of systemic creativity. My favorite author is Ursula K. LeGuin.

Dan Schlorff

Greetings! It’s a privilege to join the CUUYAN Steering Committee for 2009-2010. I came to UU when I realized my previous denomination would not embrace me if they knew my sexuality or personal theology. I now identify as ex-ex-gay and evangelically humanistic in my Christianity. My goal in CUUYAN and in my lifespan work as Director of Religious Education in New Haven, CT is to make a place for everyone to worship and grow and reach out to others.

I hold degrees from Olivet Nazarene University and Meadville-Lombard Theological School, and I am continuing professional studies in New Haven, CT. My dogs, Chicken (9 yrs) and Stewie, (3.5 yrs) love me very much. To feed my spirit, I sing bass in two ensembles: the Yale Camerata and Yale Pro Musica, and I am a member of the Church of the Larger Fellowship.

We also have an opening for the C*UUYAN Observer to the UUA’s Board of Trustees. This position is critical for keeping the C*UUYAN community informed and engaged with the conversations and issues which impact our movement. The person appointed would be responsible for attending three Board meetings (as well as relevant committee meetings) which take place on weekends in Boston, and providing reports not only to the steering committee but also to the broader C*UUYAN body. The job description for the C*UUYAN observer to the board can be found here.

Interested in either of these positions? For more information email us at cuuyan-sc@yahoogroups.com.

Click here to fill out an application.

Here’s the online address:
https://webmeeting.dimdim.com:443/portal/JoinForm.action?confKey=cwulff

The phone number for the call is:
702-473-3463
Access Code is 298533

Meeting is 3:00-5:00pm EST (adjust for your local time)

We’ll go over how to make the whole webmeeting thing work and some of the procedural questions right at the beginning of the meeting.

Thanks to those who have confirmed their attendance and to all of you for your support of C*UUYAN. We look forward to talking with you tomorrow.

Cheers,
Christopher

At that time, to join the meeting, go to http://bit.ly/cuuyanmeeting09

Participants do not have to register for the virtual meeting, but should contact us if they’re interested so we can send any advance materials. If someone’s interested in running for Steering Committee, they should likewise be in touch.

You can reach us at cuuyan-sc@yahoogroups.com

Agenda:

1. Report of the Steering Committee
2. Report from Task Forces
3. Steering Committee Elections
4. Worship

Interested in SC?

We have 4 open positions: the facilitator and three at-large positions.

Please join us if you are passionate about YA ministry and the larger YA community!

SC positions are a one-year term

• This is a transition time, flexibility is a must.

SC work will likely include:

• Ensuring that summer conferences are coordinated
• Closer work with Anna Olsen and the Board of Trustees about Sponsored Organization status
• New staff in the YAMO
• Working together in right relationship with the Task Forces, Board of Trustees Observer, GA Young Adult Committee, Projects Committee

Thank you to everyone who expressed an interest in the conference and your care for our community. Thanks especially to everyone who volunteered to help with the conference as staff or in other ways.

A couple of folks have suggested an informal gathering at one of SLC’s campsites during the time that ConCurrent would have taken place. This would be neither a C*UUYAN-sponsored event nor an alternative to ConCurrent. But it could still be a lot of fun. If you’re interested in planning a campout, email Liz Weber and she’ll connect people with each other.

If you have any questions or want to talk, feel free to email the Steering Committee at cuuyan-sc@yahoogroups.com or call Liz at 617.512.6307.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=rYzMdsvK8jBROwZfqYVZtZw&output=html&gid=0&single=true

Who: You!  (young adults ages 18-35)
When: Friday afternoon, June 19 through Tuesday evening, June 23, 2009
Where: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Why: For spirituality, for depth, for community, for C*UUYAN
How: Register by Monday, May 25 at http://connectuu.com/events.php?action=view&event_id=1202
How much: $200-375 (see below).  Payment due upon arrival.

The Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network (C*UUYAN) Steering Committee is happy to announce the network’s annual conference, coming up just before the UU General Assembly in Salt Lake City, Utah!  Join us at ConCurrent for five days of community, worship, workshops, and guiding our organization.  This conference will provide the spiritual depth and the leadership and C*UUYAN business opportunities that you have come to expect from Opus and ConCentric.

UU young adult ministry in North America is going through a critical time of transformation.  ConCurrent will serve as a vital opportunity to engage with this process as a community.

We will also be graced by the presence of some surprise guests—keep an eye out for more info.

Registration: Register now at ConnectUU.com.  You must register by Monday, May 25 to be guaranteed space.  We are offering a sliding scale registration fee.  The Fair Share cost for ConCurrent is $375.  Because we want this event to be accessible to all, we are striving to provide options for those who may have difficulty coming up with the full $375.  If you are unable to afford this amount, we will offer a subsidy to bring the cost down as far down as $200.  In addition, further scholarships are also available.  Please contact us at CUUYAN-SC@yahoogroups.com for more information.  Payment will be expected upon arrival at ConCurrent.  Thank you for paying the full amount that you can afford!

Business: We will conduct C*UUYAN business during plenary sessions throughout ConCurrent.  If you have an idea for how to improve C*UUYAN, you are welcome to submit it as a resolution for plenary.  Please contact Steering Committee at CUUYAN-SC@yahoogroups.com for more information.

Staff: We are seeking staff support for chairing the conference, worship, workshops (spiritual and leadership as well as anti-oppression/anti-racism), chaplains, and business moderators.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.  Staff will be reimbursed for their travel and will have their conference registration fee waived.  There are ample opportunities for helping out in other capacities as well: with worship, running a workshop, or any other way you might think of!  Contact Steering Committee to apply at CUUYAN-SC@yahoogroups.com.

FAQs:

1. What’s C*UUYAN?  What’s Steering Committee?
   C*UUYAN is the Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network.  Our annual conference is open to anyone age 18-35 (inclusive) who’s interested in building community and exploring spirituality in a UU setting.  Steering Committee is C*UUYAN’s guiding body.  We are Liz Weber, Tom Bozeman, Andrew Mertz, Linnea Huston, and Chris Wulff.  Feel free to be in touch!  CUUYAN-SC@yahoogroups.com
2. Is ConCurrent connected to General Assembly (GA)?
   No.  This is a separate conference with no connection to GA.  We chose to schedule it abutting GA in the hopes that the energy from our own conference will burst forth into GA and that travel costs would be reduced for anyone wanting to attend both events.
3. Is this the same as last year’s Pre-GA Meeting?
   Not at all.  As a resurgence of C*UUYAN’s annual conferences, ConCurrent will have elements from both Opus and ConCentric of years past.  Expect a summer conference experience.  Feel free to email us for a peek at the schedule.
4. Is this one conference or two?
   It’s one conference, or two-in-one.
5. I want to go to ConCurrent, but I also want to go to ministry or religious professional days.  Can I do both?
   Yes.  If you need to leave ConCurrent early in order to attend another meeting, there is the option to do so.
6. Can I register after Monday, May 25?
   The University will not hold the rooms for us after Monday, May 25.  If the deadline passes and you would like to register late, you are welcome to try but should know that accommodations cannot be guaranteed.

From last year’s statement: The annual young adult continental spiritual retreat should seek to be financially independent, sustainable for volunteer leaders’ energies, and accessible, utilizing a series of consistent sites around the US and/or Canada. The Conference Task Force will be responsible for reaching out to ally organizations to decide whom best to be in relationship with to institutionalize a consistent and sustainable annual retreat.

This position is for a minimum one year term, which may be extended depending on the task force findings and recommendations.

Task Force Member Responsibilities include:

• being present on bi-monthly conference calls
• research of UU camp and conference sites around the continent
• communication with the C*UUYAN body and C*UUYAN leadership
• communication with CYF
• communication with the YACM office

Skills Required

• possess the ability to work independently
• task oriented
• excellent communication skills
• good commitment and follow through
• good organizational skills
• experience with young adult conference planning (or comparable conferences)
• have an interest in exploring the vision for future continental conferences
• must work well with others

Apply to join the task force by completing the application below.

Deadline: March 22, 2009 at midnight Eastern

If you have any questions contact Robin Darling, Matt McHale or Charlotte Quandt

We are excited to announce Christopher Wulff as our new At-Large member.  Christopher joins us from Toronto, bringing a wealth of experience within C*UUYAN leadership, other UU arenas, and the non-profit sector.  We bid him welcome!

Present: Linnea Huston (LH), Liz Weber (LW, Facilitator), Tom Bozeman (TB)

Agenda:
•    GA YAC
•    At-Large Job Description
•    Application form

Minutes

Check-in
GA YAC
TB:  Scott McNeil will be GA YAC Chaplain.  He’ll be working on the worship as well.
LW:  We will discuss funding allocation further during our meeting this month

C*UUYAN Steering Committee (SC) At-Large Member
Job Description for 2008-2009

We are seeking a new At-Large member for Steering Committee.  Could that be you?

Steering Committee is the guiding body for C*UUYAN, the Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network.  We are responsible for envisioning and working toward the bigger picture of C*UUYAN’s direction as well as ensuring that the practical work for our next annual meeting is accomplished.  We also oversee the Project Committee, the Young Adult Observer to the UUA’s Board of Trustees, and C*UUYAN’s budget and accounts.  We are in relationship with the two Task Forces created at C*UUYAN’s last business meeting (to examine our conferences and potential directions for our community), the UUA’s Young Adult Ministries Office, and other organizations and communities.

Role:  SC consists of a Facilitator, a Liaison to the General Assembly Young Adult Caucus, and three At-Large members.  At-Large members of SC serve as generalist members of the committee.  All members of the committee contribute equally to decision-making.  All members of the committee can and do take on responsibilities for specific aspects of SC work as they feel called and able.

Logistics:  Our work is done primarily through conference calls and email.  Calls are twice monthly and last no more than an hour.  Email is generally light but will vary depending on the depth and urgency of the work.  We also have two in-person meetings per year.  This year, our first will be Dec. 19-21; the other will be in the spring.  All SC members are expected to attend our annual business meeting this summer.

Duration:  This term will run through the summer.  If you would like to continue serving after that, you can run for an additional 2-year term at the C*UUYAN business meeting this summer.

Eligibility:  Candidates must be the age 18 to 35 for the duration of the term.

Compensation:  All positions within C*UUYAN are volunteer positions.  However, reimbursement will be provided for expenses related to in-person meetings and our annual business meeting.

Timeline for applying:  Ideally, we would love for our new member to join us at our next in-person meeting, Dec. 19-21, but will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.  Applications are available at www.uuyan.org or by emailing us at cuuyan-sc@yahoogroups.com.

C*UUYAN Mission Statement:
“Our community honors profound mystery and celebrates life with inspirational worship and revolutionary ministry.  The Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network (ages 18-35) is a radically inclusive, spiritually alive, and justice centered young adult and campus ministry movement.  We work to claim our history and identity, cultivate visionary leadership, and eliminate oppression.  By striving to be vibrant, sustainable, and accountable, we transform Unitarian Universalism and the world.”

C*UUYAN SC At-Large Member Application Form
Name:
Address:
City:
State/Province
Phone:
Email:
Birthdate:

Gender(s) you claim
Identities you claim

1. Describe your vision for the position.
2. What strengths, skills, and experiences (both personal and professional) do you bring to this position?
3. Reflect on a successful or unsuccessful project in which you have been involved and have learned from, in leadership or not.
4. Describe your current and past involvement in the Unitarian Universalist movement.
5. What is your experience with Anti-Oppression & Anti-Racism?  (Including participation or leadership in social justice work such as violence prevention, education reform, etc.)
6. What does being a volunteer for C*UUYAN mean to you? How are you connected to the Mission and Purpose of C*UUYAN?
7. Our work is done primarily through conference calls and email.  Calls are twice monthly and last no more than an hour.  Email is generally light but will vary depending on the depth and urgency of the work.  We also have two in-person meetings per year, fall and spring.  All SC members are expected to attend our annual business meeting this summer.  Is this a time commitment which you can make?
8. Please include any other information you would us to know about you. (hobbies, habits, special talents, interesting experiences, difficult situations, education, etc, etc…)
9. Please provide two references including contact information

Check out

Present: Andrew Mertz, Linnea Huston, Liz Weber (Facilitator), Tom Bozeman

Agenda:
•    Task Forces update
•    Nancy on Listserve
•    Open At-Large position
•    UUA Presidential candidates info

Decisions:
•    To ask Nancy to remain on the list and actively reading it/staying up to date, with the understanding that it can take some time and that we will continue to contact office folks directly when direct questions arise.
•    At-Large position: To both advertise broadly and encourage qualified folks we may know to apply.
•    At-Large application:  To state that we would love to have someone appointed and able to attend the Dec 20 weekend meeting without including a strict deadline.
•    At-Large position should be advertised on YA News, CYF, FUUSE, and through district staff.
•    To compile info on and questions for UUA Pres candidates; to send questions to candidates; to write a voters’ guide; to endorse a candidate if we feel called to do so.

Continuing discussions for email:
See “Decisions” above.

Action items:
ALL: let good candidates know about the open At-Large position
Andrew:  Follow up with Nancy about facilitators for TFs.
Andrew: send UUA Pres Candidate notes to SC.
Andrew: draft letter of questions and concerns to SC/Liz.
Andrew: send minutes to Liz
Liz: respond to Nancy’s email about YahooGroup
Liz:  Use At-Large job description to draft wording for new position; send to SC for feedback.
Liz: send Candidate notes to SC
Liz: contact Erik about YA news for open position, and UUYAN.org is up and running.

Minutes
Check-in
Task Force Update
Liz-  Sent emails to each TF to check in; haven’t heard back yet but wasn’t necessarily expecting to.
Tom-  Any news from the large one since GA?
Liz- No.
Andrew-  At LREDA Conference, talked to Nancy and asked if office knows any professional facilitators that can help out the TFs.  Not followed up about that.
Action Item: Andrew will follow up with Nancy.

Nancy on Listserve
Liz- We have had staff on the lists before, and Nancy would like to know if we still want her on it, and if we want her to weigh in on it.
Liz- we are doing popcorn style conference call discussion
Liz- Nancy has been on the list as long as she has worked on it.
Linnea- doesn’t see reason, or harm.
Liz- would like to keep her on list.
Andrew- feels we should keep an office member on the list, and be clear if we expect them to read it or not, and how we will be connecting with them.
Tom- feels we should keep status quo.
Liz- sounds like we are Ok with keeping an office person on list.
All agreed
Liz- feels Nancy should be reading everything on list if she gets it.
Andrew- feels she should read it all, but know she has 2 weeks or so to get to it.  And time sensitive stuff will be direct email.
Liz- feels Facilitator is often the main contact and should continue that.
Consensus to ask Nancy to remain on the list and actively reading it/staying up to date, with the understanding that it can take some time and that we will continue to contact office folks directly when direct questions arise.

At-Large Position/Sadie’s departure:
Liz- Any comments about Sadie’s stepping down, or can we move on to next steps for replacement?
Liz- Next steps:  Does anyone feel we should be a 4 person committee?
All agreed we should be at 5.
Brainstorm: Potential advertise on YA News, CYF, FUUSE (but has less traffic), district staff could be helpful. Any runners up for positions earlier that we could contact?  Former committee members like Mary- who wouldn’t, Raegan who is done, Tomoko- project person, Anthony-?, 2 folks who ran against Andrew for his position.
Linnea- perhaps we should advertise first
Andrew- maybe Jan 1st as an application deadline
Liz- since we appoint, we should have folks fill out volunteer application sheet.  We should advertise broadly, but also encourage specific people, just be careful we are encouraging folks to apply but not offering them the position or recruiting per se.
Consensus to both advertise broadly and encourage qualified folks we may know to apply.
Jan 15th as a good date for applications in.
Action item- Liz will contact Erik about YA news for open position, and UUYAN.org is up and running.
Action item- Andrew will follow up with Nancy about facilitator for TF.
Action item- all, let good candidates know about the position
Liz- let folks know about position, deadline jan 15th, but let us know ASAP just in case we might select you before the Dec meeting.
Andrew- or, say the position is open, and get in touch with us shortly, but not give a deadline, just in case a good candidate shows up before December meeting.
Andrew- say dec 7th is when we start reviewing candidates.
Linnea- what’s driving this discussion is having someone in place for the December meeting.  So we could say our goal is to have someone in place by Dec 19th,
Liz- concern is when district staff can get the word out, it might be late, so stating the hope of having someone at the meeting but that we will continue to review appications until the position is filled sounds good.
Consensus to state that we would love to have someone appointed and able to attend the Dec 20 weekend meeting without including a strict deadline.

Liz- Can we continue for 5 mins past our end time?
Agreement: We are going until 7:05

UUA Presidential Candidates
Our 2 candidates:
Liz- it’s fine to endorse candidate, YRUU has done it before.  Not sure if CUUYAN has done it for presidential candidates, but we have taken positions on various issues through GA YAC.  It’s ok for us to do, especially b/c we are not employed by or getting money directly from the UUA at this point.
Andrew- thinks we should say a guide is just from the SC of CUUYAN (not generic CUUYAN).  We should also send a letter to each campaign to allow them to clear up areas we are concerned about, or answer direct questions.  And then go from there.
Liz- What’s our experience with each candidate?  I did the GA stuff and invited peter to YA caucus.
Linnea- limited experience
Tom- slightly more impressed with peter, but would rather put out voters’ guide.
Action item- Andrew and Liz will both send notes to SC.
Action item- Andrew, draft letter of questions and concerns to SC/Liz.
Liz- Once we get all this together, and review letter over email, we can send them.  And only if we feel called to do so, endorse a candidate.
All agreed
Action item- Liz will look at job description and draft wording for new position.

Call Logistics
Action item- Andrew will send minutes to Liz
Next meeting Sunday, Dec 7th 4pm.

Check out

26 October 2008

The UUA and the Groundwork Collective
25 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108

Dear colleagues in faith,

We are writing in support of the Groundwork Collective.

The Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network (C*UUYAN), the denomination-wide network of UUs ages 18-35, has worked with the Groundwork Collective for many years.   Groundwork has facilitated many anti-racism and anti-oppression programs for us—including the most recent Opus (our annual spiritual retreat) and ConCentric (our annual business meeting) conferences—with much success.  Over time, with successive Groundwork trainings, we have seen our individual and collective AO/AR analyses grow.  For example, with a view to further deepening our understanding of issues surrounding oppression and the ways in which it impacts our community, C*UUYAN has institutionalized its engagement in this work by adopting a policy of offering at least an hour of AR/AO programming per day at our events.  In addition to this regular programming, several Groundwork members have also served in leadership positions in C*UUYAN.  We look forward to continuing to work with Groundwork on engaging oppression issues in our communities, both through these kinds of more-formalized relationships (programming and leadership positions) and through less-formalized relationships (such as ongoing inter-organizational communication), cross-pollinating new ideas and information.

We advocate for the UUA’s continued support of Groundwork for several reasons:
1)    Trainings led by one’s peers can have a powerful impact.  At our conferences, we have seen this be a key for people to open up to anti-oppression work for the first time.  As a youth- and young adult-led, multigenerational collective, Groundwork is well-positioned to be that key.
2)    This work cannot truly be done in isolation—just as participants learn from each other in a workshop, facilitators also need a group of colleagues to return to between trainings and organizing work.  This allows processing and revision of content and presentation, deepening the work that Collective members carry out.  As a community-minded organization, Groundwork provides this vital home to its members.
3)    This work is spiritual work.  Our community benefits greatly from undertaking it through a Unitarian Universalist lens.  While other organizations could bring a secular or interfaith analysis to AO/AR work, Groundwork is unique in that its UU members call us to begin from our UU faith.

For all these reasons and more, we urge you to recognize how crucial this multigenerational, multiracial collective of Unitarian Universalist anti-oppression trainer/organizers is to our faith and our world.  We whole-heartedly support the Groundwork Collective, and trust that you will, too.

Yours in faith,
The C*UUYAN Steering Committee
Tom Bozeman
Linnea Huston
Andrew Mertz
Sadie Kahn-Greene
Liz Weber (Facilitator)

Present: Andrew Mertz, Linnea Huston, Liz Weber (Facilitator), Tom Bozeman

Agenda:
•    Conference call check-in
•    Fall meeting check-in
•    Letter of support for Groundwork
•    Linnea’s email
•    Summer conferences

Decisions:
•    To write a letter of support for Groundwork if it would be helpful

Continuing discussions for email:
•     Conference brainstorming and visioning for this summer

Action items:
•    Everyone:  Send Liz opinions about how to do conference calls
•    Everyone:  Respond to meeting wizard for next conference call date/time
•    AM:  After booking travel, send email with your arrival time in Bos for fall meeting
•    LH: After booking travel, send email with your arrival time in Bos for fall meeting
•    TB:  Help LW with letter wordsmithing (Sat eve)
•    LW:  Check in with Betty Jeanne about letter from C*UUYAN; draft letter and send to Tom by Sat noon; send to BJRW by Sunday morning
•    LW:  Meeting wizard for next call
•    LW:  Figure out fall mtg homestays/meeting spaces before next conference call
•    LW:  Check in with Robin/Conferences TF and Tomoko by next call

Minutes
Check-in
Conference calls
EW:  I’ve heard from a couple folks that conference calls are not working as well as they might.  I have asked for the conference call resource guide from the YAM Office, so that may help me as a facilitator.  I also am open to trying them differently.  i.e. having a general discussion that doesn’t necessarily follow an order.  We would need to do a full go-around for decisions, though, so that we can make sure everyone’s voice is heard.  Let’s try that for this call and see how it goes.  I’ll also make sure that we don’t go over time unless we’re deep into a discussion and everyone agrees to a time extension.  But I would hope that would be rare.
AM:  Willing to try it, but also like having an order.  Order works well with larger groups.  Since we’re smaller, I think it’s important that each voice be heard.
TB:  Interested in trying it to see what happens.
LH:  Interested in trying “popcorn” style.  I think the discussions sometimes take longer because of the go-around.  Not sure how well it would work before trying it, but interested in trying.  Should still ID ourselves, but I think we might be a small enough group that it might work and save time.
LW:  Let’s try it, will evaluate at end of call.

Fall meeting check in
LW:  Dec 19-21.  Fri as soon as we can meet, Sat all day, Sunday afternoon with an optional dinner.  Do folks have any conflicts?
AM:  No, and not yet booked flight.
TB:  Times work.
LH:  Good with those times, fine with Sunday dinner.  Amtrak, can book whenever.
LW:  Even Fri before Christmas?
LH:  Yeah, but will try to book more ahead of time.
LW:  AM and LH, please let us know when you’ve booked travel so we can know when and how long we’re meeting Fri night.
LH:  News on homestays and meeting places?
LW:  Will organize by next conference call.  Will be T accessible.

Letter of support for Groundwork
LW:  Email from Betty Jeanne Reuters-Ward: “A meeting has been set between representatives of Groundwork (the multigenerational, multiracial collective of UU anti-oppression trainer/organizers – whew!) and the UUA. This meeting will shape the future relationship of these two organizations.  Groundwork has been asked to gather positive testimonials about the quality, effectiveness, and impact of our work. I’m asking you to please take a few minutes this week to write a brief testimonial. Your note will help ensure this vital program’s future success.  We welcome testimonials either about Groundwork-led trainings, or the leadership of collective members overall.  By next Monday, October 27.”  Since Groundwork has done trainings for C*UUYAN, particularly during Opus and ConCentric, do we want to write a letter of support?
TB:  I would love a letter of support.  I got BJ’s message and would love to write a letter and think highly of Groundwork folks.  I wasn’t so in to their trainings at the last Opus/ConC, but would like to sign on to something someone else wrote.
AM:  Likewise, would love to sign on to something someone else wrote.
LH:  Ditto.  Would like to support them but don’t have a lot to say.  Last ConC I wasn’t able to participate b/c too much else going on…
LW:  What about a letter from C*UUYAN SC as an organization in support of the UUA’s support of Groundwork/AO-AR organization.
TB:  Support that, but couldn’t write it.
AM:  Do they want testimonials or support letters?
LW:  Testimonials
TB:  Or collective leadership and organizing skills.
LH:  I’m confused about whether it’s a testimonial about Groundwork in general or their specific work within it?
LW:  Isn’t about individuals, but about the Collective—their trainings, their organizing, the benefits from their existence.
TB:  “We welcome testimonials either about G-led trainings or the leadership of collective members overall.”
LW:  We can do personal testimonials individually, but not as a committee, since SC represents organization, not a person.  But if BJRW says it would be helpful, do we want to write a letter as an org saying we support GC, their work, that they’ve done stuff for us and we’ve seen our AR/AO analysis grow, collectively, and that we support the UUA’s support of GC?
TB:  Yes
AM:  Neutral, would be fine with it.
LH:  Yes, neutral as well, but yes.
LW:  Will contact BJRW and can head up a letter, which seems to make sense since I have the most institutional memory in our group.  Does anyone else want to work on it with me?
TB:  Will help edit/wordsmith
LW:  Letter due Sunday, if I send it Sat by noon, is that cool?
TB:  Yes, can work on it Sat eve

Linnea’s email
LW:  I have some historical clarifications that I will send over email.  But I mostly wanted to give us an opportunity to talk about this… anyone have thoughts to share?
AM:  I had a few thoughts but need to check that again b/c I’m not sure what they were.
TB:  Really appreciated the email b/c it was more digestible than the original email and helped me develop my own opinions.  For the questions: “Was it a mistake for YACM to take over conference work? Was it a mistake for them to provide funding (instead of us coming up with fundraising projects to get funding ourselves)?”  I would say yes, as far as my understanding of the dynamics, I think that the YACM Office getting involved was probably more problematic than helpful.  And I would be interested in any info about the database or publication b/c I don’t really have a full understanding of those.
AM:  My thoughts were about future.  I don’t want to put on an Opus 2.0, but if no one else will, we are responsible.  I agree with LW’s email and that we need to get the project committee or whomever to do it.  And a lot of the thoughts were familiar to me from my beginnings on SC a year ago.  Ideas about publications, databases, etc, giving us an ID.  My feeling is that we don’t need to find an ID, but we need to figure out what needs to be provided.  But not to find our definition or ID based on something that’s 10 years old.  I don’t want to create something out of nothing just for an ID, but more of the question who are we, why do we exist, what should we do?  I don’t really have an answer for that, though.
LW:  Agree that the question to ask is what the need is, rather than an abstract idea of who should we be.  Any other comments from the email other than conferences stuff, or ready to move on?
LH:  I think what would be lost without C*UUYAN is the “brand name,” an image, product, whatever in which YAs are able to see themselves, literally, within the denomination.  That was an interesting thought LW and I had at the recent YACM training that I wanted to share.

Summer conferences
LW:  Hoping that our conversation here and on email will start to pick up compared to what it’s been.  Will own that I haven’t been the most proactive on getting the ball rolling, either.
LH:  I would love to throw out that I think this has been a difficult issue to attempt to get into b/c it’s so wrapped up in the vision question of what we want to be and it’s kind of impossible to contemplate the idea of a conference without questioning all of the problems and whatnot that we’ve been aware of.
TB:  Agree and also wonder about AM and LW your experience on SC not expecting to have conferences in 2008, what that was like.
AM:  I thought the Conferences TF was really supposed to take on having another conference.  To me, it seems that the summary of the vision for C*UUYAN, beyond keeping a brand name, is to recognize that there are many other services addressing the needs we claim to address, except for having continental conferences.  So for me, I suspect that C*UUYAN will continue to exist only as a continental conference.  So I think it’s up to the CTF to figure out how it will be sustainable, and we can help plan conferences for this year, but it needs to be hand in hand to put new, sustainable measures in place.  Also, I think it’s important that before we (C*UUYAN) can change any of this (keep going, dissolve, whatever), we do need to have ConCentric to do that.  Whether it’s part of GA, separate, whatever, we are required to have a conference to make that happen.
LH:  I had two thoughts.  1.  I feel like if we were to make a conference happen, I feel like first something needs to be done to find out way back to C*UUYAN being something that everyone contributes to.  If we went forward and perpetuates this idea that C*UUYAN plans two conferences for people as opposed to everyone brings something to the table, that we need to address that issue before we plan anything.  2. I’m not sure how helpful this comment is, but I think it is important to go by the by-laws as much as we can, but as far as trying to have ConCentric and making quorum… that was always weird to begin with.  It always involved desperately seeking out people across the country who fit the demographics and buying their plane tickets and everything… just to meet quorum… I don’t know if that’s valuable, and I don’t know if this comment is even helpful, but…
LW:  I think the quorum discussion is more for later, first figure out the conferences, then figure out quorum and district rep position questions.  As far as the conundrum of fixing v. planning the conferences, I agree that this year we can’t fix them AND plan them at the same time.  I think there are maybe three levels: One on which we acknowledge that the best we can do while waiting for the CTF’s work will be a band-aid.  One at which we know that that will still be a  bit of an improvement.  And one at which we know that the changes that will be long-term will be implemented in 2010 or later.
TB:  I think it’s important to have conferences for the reasons LW spelled out in her email.  Even if it’s just a band-aid, I think it’s still worthwhile, but I would also like to strive to have it be more than just a band-aid this summer.
LW:  Is there anyone at this point who is really dead-set against the idea of us planning (or being responsible for them happening) this summer?
AM:  Not against it, not fond of the idea, but think it’s necessary.
LH:  I’m not interested in blocking it if that’s how the group is going, but there is a bit of a sense for me of I didn’t sign up for conference planning.  Maybe that sounds bad, but it’s a pretty big job, so I would have to really look at what I have going on because I don’t know that I can say, I’ll take on responsibility for that b/c it wasn’t what I had in mind when I volunteered.
LW:  I hear that.  Also know that this is definitely something PC can and would take on.  TT has contacted me about that.  I’m not asking any of us individually to plan it.
AM:  time check
LW:  Thanks.  3 more min?  Ok, at this point, I will check in with Robin and TT and report back.  I think it makes sense for our discussion to head towards our vision for the summer.  Sound good? (Group says yes.)  Great.

Schedule Next Call
Over meeting wizard.

Check out

26 October 2008

The UUA and the Groundwork Collective
25 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108

Dear colleagues in faith,

We are writing in support of the Groundwork Collective.

The Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network (C*UUYAN), the denomination-wide network of UUs ages 18-35, has worked with the Groundwork Collective for many years. Groundwork has facilitated many anti-racism and anti-oppression programs for us—including the most recent Opus (our annual spiritual retreat) and ConCentric (our annual business meeting) conferences—with much success. Over time, with successive Groundwork trainings, we have seen our individual and collective AO/AR analyses grow. For example, with a view to further deepening our understanding of issues surrounding oppression and the ways in which it impacts our community, C*UUYAN has institutionalized its engagement in this work by adopting a policy of offering at least an hour of AR/AO programming per day at our events. In addition to this regular programming, several Groundwork members have also served in leadership positions in C*UUYAN. We look forward to continuing to work with Groundwork on engaging oppression issues in our communities, both through these kinds of more-formalized relationships (programming and leadership positions) and through less-formalized relationships (such as ongoing inter-organizational communication), cross-pollinating new ideas and information.

We advocate for the UUA’s continued support of Groundwork for several reasons:

1. Trainings led by one’s peers can have a powerful impact. At our conferences, we have seen this be a key for people to open up to anti-oppression work for the first time. As a youth- and young adult-led, multigenerational collective, Groundwork is well-positioned to be that key.
2. This work cannot truly be done in isolation—just as participants learn from each other in a workshop, facilitators also need a group of colleagues to return to between trainings and organizing work. This allows processing and revision of content and presentation, deepening the work that Collective members carry out. As a community-minded organization, Groundwork provides this vital home to its members.
3. This work is spiritual work. Our community benefits greatly from undertaking it through a Unitarian Universalist lens. While other organizations could bring a secular or interfaith analysis to AO/AR work, Groundwork is unique in that its UU members call us to begin from our UU faith.

For all these reasons and more, we urge you to recognize how crucial this multigenerational, multiracial collective of Unitarian Universalist anti-oppression trainer/organizers is to our faith and our world. We whole-heartedly support the Groundwork Collective, and trust that you will, too.

Yours in faith,
The C*UUYAN Steering Committee
Tom Bozeman
Linnea Huston
Andrew Mertz
Sadie Kahn-Greene
Liz Weber (Facilitator)

Present: Andrew Mertz, Linnea Huston, Liz Weber (Facilitator), Sadie Kahn-Greene, Tom Bozeman

Agenda:
•    GA YAC Funding
•    Sponsored organization check in
•    Summer conferences check in
•    YAMO Training check in
•    Fall meeting dates

Decisions:
•    Allocate an additional $500 for a total thus far of $1000 committed to the GA Young Adult Caucus
•    We will discuss C*UUYAN support of the YAC further at our Fall Meeting
•    TB will communicate our concerns for YAC’s sustainability to DM and RF
•    Fall meeting to be held either Dec 19-21 or Nov 22 weekend in Boston

Continuing discussions for email:
•    Summer conferences

Action items:
•    TB will tell DM and RF that SC has allocated $1000 to the GA YAC for 2009, and will continue their discussion about YAC and sustainable funding sources
•    LW will set Fall Meeting date and inform SC of which weekend by the evening of Sunday, Oct 12

Minutes

Check-in

GA YAC fund allocation
TB:  I talked to each of you individually about general YAC stuff.  I’m not getting a lot of direction from Royal and Danny b/c we haven’t really established how we’re working together and the relationship of YAC and C*UUYAN.  Those are important conversations that need to happen in person, so I’m excited about discussing that at Fall Meeting.  That seems like it will be late, though, and DM and RF would like to know what their funding is sooner, really ASAP.  Propose agreeing on a set amount that we can up later if we want to.  Propose $1000.  Partly because there are lots of really wonderful places that YAC could go with or without our help but I would like to move towards us having as mutually beneficial of a relationship as possible.  I think it would be a good way of throwing our support in.  And there could even be some kind of strings attached in terms of how we want the money spent, etc.  That involvement doesn’t have to be just giving money—I think it would be really good for us to have a good, strong presence at YAC this summer.
AM:  I like maybe $500 w/o strings attached and another 500 or 1000 with strings: this must be used for certain type of program or something that is in line with C*UUYAN’s mission and what we’re trying to accomplish.
LH:  Clarifying question:  Was there an amount they’ve asked for, or are those numbers TB came up with?
TB:  They have a list of things they would like to do and they asked for some amounts for that.  The other things they most want to do are: picnic for community building (guess $300?), bridging celebration ($500?), travel and expenses for three staff.  Their current funding might cover the staff.  There is more they want: guest speaker, subsidize YA food somehow (unsure how), evening entertainment activities (free or not?).
LH:  I’m feeling good about TB’s and AM’s suggestions.  $500 or 1000 to start.  I do like the idea of starting from one place and possibly adding more later.  I feel good about that.
SKG:  I like the proposal.  Just to clarify, the extra $1000 would go above and beyond travel, picnic, and bridging?
TB: If we give $1000 total, that would go toward bridging and picnic and maybe other stuff.
SKG:  So money they have now covers…
TB: T&E
SKG:  I support the $1000 for those recommendations.  I also like the idea of subsidizing food for YAs.  I’m not sure if that should come from our pot, if it addresses our vision, or if it should come from elsewhere, but I like the idea.
LW:  I like the idea of giving them maybe $1000 now so they have something to start with.  I know they did not get what they had hoped for from GAPC this year, and know that any extra funding we can contribute would be appreciated.  I think opening the discussion again during Fall Meeting is a good idea, especially b/c we may have a better idea then of our budget for the year.  I heard $1000 or $1500.  Let’s discuss that amount then discuss whether there should be any requirements for how we want that money used.
AM:  Either, prefer $1000, but either’s fine.
LH:  $1500 is good.
SKG:  $1500 or 1000.
TB:  $1500, would prefer 1000 because I feel like it gives us more room to add on later, after we talk about it more fully.
LW:  $1000 now is something that they can start to plan with, which we can up later.  Consensus for SC decisions, so can we hear concerns around $1000?
LH:  I said $1500 thinking more in terms of… I thought the question was what are we thinking overall, because I think $1000 now and then most likely another $500 later.  Maybe in time they might figure out goals that we have that we might want to recommend that the additional $500 be put toward.  I’m not sure I’m out of agreement with the group b/c I understood the question differently.  Fine with $1000 now.
SKG:  Also cool with $1000 now and adding more later.
LW:  Ask for consensus to give GA YAC $1000 now and also discuss the decision more at Fall Meeting.
AM: Yes
LH: Yes
SKG: Yes
TB: Yes
LW: Yes.  Consensus.  TB, are you comfortable conveying that info to DM and RF?
TB: Yes
LW:  Initial thoughts about having any recommendations or requests for how the $1000 be used.
AM:  I think it would be nice to give $500 with no strings attached and another $500 with a broad restriction.  Something like furthering the relationships among YAs.  It can be vague and something that they would probably use it for anyway, but it would be a good follow-up.
LH:  I think the first $1000 I would feel comfortable letting them run with that.  It sounds like they have quite a bit of a plan that all sounds like it’s good.  And for us, it would be good to think about maybe a goal that our group or C*UUYAN would have for GA, in regards to YAC, that might be influential for them for another $500 that we might give them.
SKG:  Agree with LH about giving them the initial $1000 based on their request for what they want to use that money for.  I think adding strings attached is something we would decide later (at the meeting).
TB:  I’m okay with either of the proposals so far but my preference would be to have some sort of broadly defined “string.”  Whether that be something as general as what AM was saying or just specifying the things they proposed stuff for and that our expectation is that it be used for what they asked for it, or something more structured like, “We will give you funding for the following activities up to $1000,” or even matching funds.  But my preference would be for some sort of acknowledgment of what we’re giving them the money for.
LW:  I’m fine without strings attached.  I feel like they’ve given us a clear list priorities and I trust that they will use the money to further the purposes of the YAC, whether the exact activities are feasible or not.  I heard mixed voices, so let’s go around again.
AM:  Haven’t changed but am not really strongly attached to having the strings attached.
LH:  Opinion is the same.  I do see the value in saying that we assume they will do A, B, and C with this money because that’s why they requested it.  But again, my opinion is what I said the last round.
SKG:  I don’t feel strongly either way, so I could go either way.
TB:  I like your suggestion or at least what I got from it of just kind of having a general statement of the intent of it.  I think that would be good as a statement to them and also as a statement of the C*UUYAN position in regards to the YAC going forward.
LW:  Think that was AM’s suggestion.  [restated my opinion]  Based on what I’ve heard, can first agree that we aren’t going to have specific requirements (i.e. money is to be used for picnic, evening entertainment, and bridging celebration)?
AM:  Yes
LH:  Yes
SKG: Yes
TB:  Yes.  I like the second option you said of we would like it to be used for things other than staff T&E.
LW:  Yes.  Let’s go around and say a preference for (1) no strings attached, (2) stating the money is for YAC activities, or (3) something a bit more specific like stating that they money is for YAC activities above and beyond staff T&E.
AM:  General strings.  I like the idea of it being not for T&E, for general YAC expenses, but I’m not strongly committed to that.
LH:  Leaving it open, but I am not wedded to that.
SKG:  Agree with AM but could go either way.
TB:  I have a moderately strong preference to specify that it go towards programming.
LW:  Do you have a sense that the YAC budget right now will cover T&E for 3 staff, without our contribution, which is I believe $3000.
TB:  There is enough for 2, but beyond that I’m not sure.
LW:  Given that info, I would really recommend giving $1000 with no strings attached.  It may be that they would feel like they could put on a better YAC with 3 staff fully reimbursed than with 2 staff working hard to put on programming that was paid for.  I would want to leave that to their discretion to work out.  Also, since it’s money for YAC, it’s implicit that the money is going to be used to better the YAC somehow—I’m not as concerned about how.  Have any opinions changed knowing their budget constraints?
AM:  I don’t want to tax two folks, but I think the money for a third would be better spent for having programming.  Like the money could be used for a staff person who will be wholly devoted to programming.  I think there are a lot of volunteers who are likely to go.  I would like to have the strings attached.
LH:  Agree with LW.  I’m feeling on the side of erring more in their discretion and what they think is necessary.
SKG:  I don’t feel strongly either way.
TB:  I guess I should have explained a little more earlier that my reasoning for wanting it to go towards programming is that I trust their discretion but I think that specifically because there isn’t a history of C*UUYAN funding them and there won’t necessarily be a future of that.  So for me it’s a statement of “We support you… but for your own sustainability, it would be better if you also looked elsewhere for funding.”
LW:  SC has never directed how that money is used for other conferences.  We’ve always allocated and had it be up to the conference deans or chairs how it is budgeted out.  On the other hand, we don’t have a history or necessarily a future with GA YAC in terms of funding.  So would it allay your concerns, TB, to say “Here’s $1000 for the betterment of GA YAC.  Know that it may be a one-time contribution.” ???
TB:  I want it to be clear that we think they should be moving towards their own sustainability because it’s unclear where C*UUYAN will be in coming years and I don’t want the relationship to be too overly fluid before we’ve had a chance to talk about how it is or could be.
AM:  I don’t need to block consensus.  I’m fine.  I think we have bigger concerns.
LW:  Can we give $1000 and ask TB to craft a statement around sustainability?
AM: Yes
LH: Yes
SKG: Yes
TB: Sure
LW: Yes.  Consensus.  Anything else around this for the time being?
No

Sponsored organization discussion
LW:  I wanted to bring this up because Spons Org is the relationship with the UUA and specifically the YAMO, and I was wondering whether we wanted to talk with folks on the UUA Board about it if there’s an opportunity during their meeting next weekend.  (I’m going to part of it that Karina can’t attend and would be available for more if need be.)  I think that the right approach is to talk with Nancy and Erik first, but I also see the opportunity to open discussion with the BOT.  Thoughts?  Anything for me to bring to that meeting?
AM:  Take good notes and if there’s something about the discussion around the resolution of support for YaYA ministry… pay special attention to that.
LH:  For me it was really helpful to get that factual history.  It’s changed a lot of my opinions.  I’ve been meaning to write you guys an email about that.  I still mean to because it’s late and I don’t want to start rambling.
SKG:  Agree.  One thing that jumped out at me is the letter from Sept 2006 and my understanding is that we haven’t responded to that.  I think that should be a major thing we work on next.  But not at the meeting, just based on my reading.
AM:  I would say yes it’s true that we haven’t responded with a like letter, but the office has been with us through our visioning and everything, so they’re fully aware that the visioning and the steps we’ve been taking for the last year or longer are so we can fully answer that letter.
TB:  I don’t have anything in particular.  Still reviewing the docs and look fwd to talking about them.

Summer conferences check in
LW:  Since time is late, I just want to really ask everyone to please read the email I sent and respond to it.  We really need to get discussion rolling on this.

YAMO Training check in
LW: LH, TB, and LW are going.  Does anyone have questions about the event that I might be able to answer?  Or anything folks who aren’t going want us to bring?
AM:  No.  Learn some good stuff; I wish I could be there.
LH:  I don’t really know what to expect, but I haven’t been to an actual training per se before, so I’m looking fwd to it.
SKG:  If there’s time during the training when you’re working together, I’m comfortable with you coming up with ideas and working together and some good stuff for C*UUYAN might come up so I invite you to see what might happen and then come back and let us know.
TB:  Yeah, don’t know what to expect.
SKG:  Wondering if it would be helpful to have the pre-GA meeting minutes at the meeting?
LH will download from uuyan.org so they’re on hand.
LW:  Excited that there are three of us going.  I would add that we need to keep in mind to speak in one voice.  That it’s great to vision, brainstorm, etc, but that we need to be mindful of speaking as one.
AM:  I’m less concerned with that with this group b/c it’s professionals, but just like a senator is always seen as a senator no matter where he is or what he’s saying.  But also do speak from your experience and express more but be mindful of how and what you say that will reflect on C*UUYAN.

Fall meeting dates
LW:  Hold Dec 19-21.  May be able to do Nov 22 weekend.  Will let everyone know which date by Sunday pm.

Set next conference call
Wed 10/22, 9:30 pm

Check-out

C*UUYAN is committed to providing intentionally drug- and alcohol-free community space for young adults. This arises out of both the nature of our community (including people under 21) as well as our commitment to creating safe community space for all. Official C*UUYAN conferences and events will therefore be drug- and alcohol free.

Recognizing that the settings where C*UUYAN events happen are not always themselves drug- and alcohol-free, the following policy was created to raise awareness of the time and money invested in the staff of these conferences, as well as their influence as leaders. Those elected and appointed leaders of C*UUYAN whose presence has been made possible by the support and (direct) financing of C*UUYAN are expected to:

• Adhere to local, state/province and federal laws regarding the purchasing, possession and consumption of illegal drugs, alcohol and other controlled substances, including the misuse of prescription drugs.
• Refrain from the legal consumption of alcohol in all C*UUYAN spaces. C*UUYAN spaces are any spaces which have been partially or totally funded by the UUA or C*UUYAN for C*UUYAN purposes.
• Consume alcohol responsibly outside of C*UUYAN spaces. This includes, but is not limited to: choosing to abstain from alcohol, choosing designated drivers, refraining from alcohol consumption to a point where one’s leadership ability is impaired, maintaining the ability to respond to emergency situations as a leader, being aware of one’s own limitations, and respecting that our community includes those under legal age as well as those in recovery.
• Remove themselves from situations in which illegal or irresponsible consumption of illegal drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances is taking place. Leaders are also expected to use discretion in reporting potentially unsafe situations.

It is expected that conference leaders follow these guidelines for the entirety of their conference, as well as immediately before and afterwards. Recognizing that they are representatives of C*UUYAN and can be perceived as such at all times, leaders should make responsible and accountable choices regarding boundaries, especially around controlled substances.

This policy was created to preserve the investment in C*UUYAN staff so that all aspects of their abilities may be utilized during conferences and meetings, and therefore applies only to official C*UUYAN events. This policy should not be used against a volunteer leader (staff member) who commits a legal infraction or shows poor judgment regarding drugs and alcohol outside of this community and its events.

Present: Andrew Mertz, Linnea Huston, Liz Weber (Facilitator), Sadie Kahn-Greene, Tom Bozeman

Agenda:
• Check-in
• Fall mtg dates
• Alcohol policy revisions
• Money update
• YAM Office training/event
• Summer conference(s)
• GA YAC fund allocation
• Conference call schedule
• Check-out

Decisions:
• Adopt revisions to Alcohol and Substance Use policy
• Fund as many SC members as are interested and available after YAM Office scholarship options are exhausted
• Allocate $500 to GA Young Adult Caucus

Continuing discussions for email:
• Alcohol policy ending
• Sexually inappropriate behavior policy
• Annual conferences, particularly Opus and ConCentric, particularly for 2009
• Relationship with and further funding of GA YAC

Action items:
• All: hold Nov 7-9 for fall meeting
• All: Next conference call is Wed, Oct 8 at 9 pm
• SKG: Decide whether you can go to the YAMO event Oct 9-12
• LH: Decide whether you can go to the YAMO event Oct 9-12
• TB: Decide whether you can go to the YAMO event Oct 9-12
• LW: Decide whether you can go to the YAMO event Oct 9-12, and check in with Erik about logistics and funding for SC members
• LW: Check in with Conferences Task Force folks about their plans for the coming year
• LW: Check with work scheduler in hopes of making Nov 7-9 work
• LW: Continue discussion with Erik about C*UUYAN funds

Minutes
Check-in
Fall meeting dates: Hold Nov 7-9, 2008, Boston

Alcohol policy revisions:
With the following exceptions, revisions accepted by consensus. See end of minutes.
• “It is expected that conference leaders follow these guidelines for the entirety of their conference, as well as immediately before and afterwards. Recognizing that they are representatives of C*UUYAN and can be perceived as such at all times, leaders should make responsible and accountable choices regarding boundaries, especially around controlled substances.”
This is accepted by consensus, but we want to add something that leaders should make responsible and accountable choices regarding boundaries, especially around controlled substances in C*UUYAN spaces. And in general, something more about trusting our judgment, so that it doesn’t feel like “I’m not allowed to drink.”
• “However, the C*UUYAN community reserves the right and responsibility to hold accountable individuals whose history (recent or otherwise) proves they have difficulty making ethically correct decisions. This includes but is not limited to 1) sexually inappropriate behavior, 2) the distribution of illegal drugs to minors, or 3) any other likelihood of posing direct danger to C*UUYAN and its participants. The community may take action by utilizing the election process, the Volunteer Dismissal Policy, direct communication with the YAM office or similar institution, or another route.”
This revision does not pass. (No consensus.) We will continue discussing it over email. There are concerns around whether sexually inappropriate behavior fit in an alcohol and substance use policy. There are further concerns around whether this section is too over-arching, claims power to act on hearsay, etc, and is unclear about what folks are being held accountable to and for.

Money update
LW: Email from Erik. “Nancy and I have met with Javier Caban (the UUA’s Controller) about C*UUYAN finances. Requests for C*UUYAN funds should come from you and you alone and be sent to Nancy and I…. Our office will process the paperwork, but we do not have direct oversight of your funds.” Questions: What exactly our finances are (vicinity of $40,000, but exactly…?) Will we get statements? How often? We also said at our last call that we would like a written statement that it’s C*UUYAN money. Other questions?
TB: Will YAMO keep any records, and what steps would we need to take to access those records?

YAM Office training/event
LW: October 9-12. Email from Erik invites us as SC members. Also had nice phone conversation with him on Friday before I got his email. The goal is for the weekend to be a place for deeper conversation than the standard YACM trainings. A big part would be based on what participants are interested in discussing. Who wants to go?
AM: Interested but not available
SKG: Interested but probably not available
LH: Will look at schedule
TB: Would love to go and probably can
LW: Could go
LW: Will get back to Erik
Consensus: To fund as many SC members as are interested and available after YAM Office scholarship options are exhausted.

Summer conference(s)
LW: I think we need to hold all three summer conferences this year for several reasons. We need to provide gathering space for the community, for continuity/sustainability’s sake. We need to keep up the status quo of having our traditional conferences until the conferences task force has completed their work on making them more sustainable, etc. We need to be in compliance with our by-laws. We should check in with the conferences task force to see whether they would like to take responsibility for planning conferences this summer, but if they don’t, that’s something that we need to take on. We wouldn’t necessarily have to plan them ourselves, as five folks on SC, but we are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they happen. What do you all think?
AM: Agree that sustainability is important and that GA does not make sustainability for a community. When I arrived, my understanding was that we were not having sustainable conferences in the first place. My sense is that the Conferences TF is taking that on so that it is not part of our responsibility in the first place. Maybe we should check in with the large TF to see whether they think there should be a continental conference happening. If so and the CTF isn’t hosting it, then we should maybe put on conferences. But I don’t have a strong conclusion yet.
SKG: Agree with AM about not wanting to step on the toes of the TF that’s looking into this and how to do it sustainably. Doing things all around the country, that’s going to take a lot of work. I’m not sure that’s a SC type of program. I think we’re more big picture people right now.
LH: I wouldn’t want to feel like we’re nudging the CTF in any kind of way. I know that part of what they were charged with is exploring how to go about conference planning and maybe not getting one together for next summer, so I don’t want us to come out with a strong statement that we should have a conference next summer because that maybe pushes them in a direction that they wouldn’t have necessarily gone. But this is a huge question because it’s related to what we wish C*UUYAN to be. One hand: that the conferences are our identity and maybe that’s why C*UUYAN exists. Then, yes, we should get conferences together. But maybe that’s not what it should be, in which case it might be a distraction to push for the conferences. There are very different angles here, but ultimately, I’m not wanting to nudge the CTF in any way. I want to know what they come up with through their own exploration.
TB: I’m having a hard time thinking how to respond without first having a conversation with the CTF, so my main response is that I’m intersted in talking with them and seeing where their thinking is at right now.
LW: Definitely agree to check in with CTF first, to ask them what they would like to have on their plate for the coming year. Don’t want to step on their toes. If they want to plan conferences for 2009, they should by all means. If they don’t, I don’t want to tell them they should. I don’t see hosting summer conferences as precluding the work of either TF. I see it as holding the status quo so that there is momentum in the community to build off of when the work of the TFs is done. Also, part of our responsibility as SC is to ensure that the by-laws are upheld, that there is space for the community to gather. We don’t have to plan it ourselves, but do have to ensure that it’s there (ie could appoint others to plan).
AM: Generally agree, probably need to go over the notes again. Nothing jumped out at me that I disagree with, but it seems that what you laid out is a process for the next couple months or so. May or may not agree on that process, step by step, as it arises, but there’s no point in talking about the process until we come to each step.
SKG: Agree with AM.
LH: Agree.
TB: Process sounds okay. Part of my reaction is being reminded over the last week how new I am and how helpful outside voices are, so that’s a concern for me.
LW: Thanks for being open to beginning this conversation, especially over conference call. Action steps sugested: I will get in touch with CTF folks, cc’ing SC, to ask what they would like on their plate. I will also re-state my thoughts so we can continue this over email.
AM: Sounds good.
SKG: Yes.
LH: Yes
TB: Yes

GA YAC fund allocation
LW: Former consensus over individual phone calls to give $500. SKG interested in talking about whether to give more.
SC: Reaffirm consensus at this point to allocate $500 to GA YAC.
TB: Attended YA part of GAPC meeting. Royal Forest attended entire meeting. RF and Danni Maitland asked for $5000 from GAPC. (Transportation, lodging, YAC events and staff.) Some confusion about what was provided in the past, including YAC being a C*UUYAN project, etc. In 2007, weird funding allocation included $3000 for bridging worship (not YAC). YACM Office provided money for staff needs. Confusion about where to go from here. TB asked for more info from Nancy and Erik. This year, GAPC is allocating $3500 to worship and $2000 for YAC. $2000 will cover two staff (RF and DM) but no programming. They would like to do big picnic, perhaps build strength as a voting bloc, have a big event after the bridging cermony. Would like to bring a speaker, subsidize YA food, have evening activity. Bigger question of C*UUYAN, YAC relationship, and TB’s role.
LW: Again to clarify that the $3500 for worship is not something that YAC folks will touch.
SKG: Because that’s allocated to YAM Office?
TB: Because it’s for worship. RF said that the YAC role in that is something that’s still up in the air. So… should I be an advocate, relaying info… what? Larger relationship, GA as a decision-making body, with the possibility of building a large YA community to have a strong voice, and esp because GA’s upcoming theme is intergenerational ministry. With $40,000 in the bank, do we want to play a larger role in this, or set our sights elsewhere?
First reactions:
AM: Will have to review notes.
SKG: Sounds good [info]. I think that our connection with GA will naturally be part of our larger relationship conversations.
LH: Also will need to review the notes for a more full reaction. Agree with SKG.
LW: It’s a good question. We do have $40,000. It’s for forever. We could use it up quickly if we’re not careful about how we choose to use it, but it’s also there for whatever we do choose to use it for.
LH: Is this urgent? Does anything need decided now?
TB: No.
LW: Clarification that GAPC funding is allocated and will not change for 2009. Whether there is any possibility of funds from the YAM Office is a separate conversation that RF and DM could have with them. Likewise, the funding C*UUYAN could allocate is a third conversation.
TB: Would like to list the specific questions for email and our next conference call. Larger issues of how we’ll relate to the YAC will probably need to wait for an in-person meeting (Nov).

Conference call schedule
LW: Preference of monthly longer (2-hrs) or every two weeks shorter (1 hr)?
AM: Shorter more frequent. Also might want to use the pre-GA model of “monthly” big picture, etc, and “in-between” for day-to-day business, so that the “in-between” might not even last a full hour.
SKG: Shorter
LH: Monthly because of scheduling, but something like AM’s suggestion sounds reasonable and doable, but prefer monthly
TB: AM’s suggestion
LW: Definitely would let a call end naturally (not artifically stretch to any given time frame), and am fine with AM’s suggestion, but would also not want that to preclude either type of business from being discussed at either call. LH, would you be willing to try shorter more frequent calls given that it seems to be where the group’s headed?
LH: Willing to try
LW: thanks. Wednesday, Oct 8, 9-10 pm next call.

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C*UUYAN Policy on Alcohol and Substance Use
Original text with Accepted revisions in blue italics and rejected revision struckthrough in red

C*UUYAN is committed to providing intentionally drug- and alcohol-free community space for young adults. This arises out of both the nature of our community (including people under 21) as well as our commitment to creating safe community space for all. Official C*UUYAN conferences and events will therefore be drug- and alcohol free.

Recognizing that the settings where C*UUYAN events happen are not always themselves drug- and alcohol-free, the following policy was created to raise awareness of the time and money invested in the staff of these conferences, as well as their influence as leaders. Those elected and appointed leaders of C*UUYAN whose presence has been made possible by the support and (direct) financing of C*UUYAN are expected to:

· Adhere to local, state/province and federal laws regarding the purchasing, possession and consumption of illegal drugs, alcohol and other controlled substances, including the misuse of prescription drugs.

· Refrain from the legal consumption of alcohol in all C*UUYAN spaces. C*UUYAN spaces are any spaces which have been partially or totally funded by the UUA or C*UUYAN for C*UUYAN purposes.

· Consume alcohol responsibly outside of C*UUYAN spaces. This includes, but is not limited to: choosing to abstain from alcohol, choosing designated drivers, refraining from alcohol consumption to a point where one’s leadership ability is impaired, maintaining the ability to respond to emergency situations as a leader, being aware of one’s own limitations, and respecting that our community includes those under legal age as well as those in recovery.

· Remove themselves from situations in which illegal or irresponsible consumption of illegal drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances is taking place. Leaders are also expected to use discretion in reporting potentially unsafe situations.

It is expected that conference leaders follow these guidelines for the entirety of their conference, as well as immediately before and afterwards. Recognizing that they are representatives of C*UUYAN and can be perceived as such at all times, leaders should make responsible and accountable choices regarding boundaries, especially around controlled substances.

This policy was created to preserve the investment in C*UUYAN staff so that all aspects of their abilities may be utilized during conferences and meetings, and therefore applies only to official C*UUYAN events. This policy should not be used against a volunteer leader (staff member) who commits a legal infraction or shows poor judgement regarding drugs and alcohol outside of this community and its events. However, the C*UUYAN community reserves the right and responsibility to hold accountable individuals whose history (recent or otherwise) proves they have difficulty making ethically correct decisions. This includes but is not limited to 1) sexually inappropriate behavior, 2) the distribution of illegal drugs to minors, or 3) any other likelihood of posing direct danger to C*UUYAN and its participants. The community may take action by utilizing the election process, the Volunteer Dismissal Policy, direct communication with the YAM office or similar institution, or another route.

Agenda:
Check-in, introductions
SC Covenant
SC Email Update
Appoint the Board of Trustees (BOT) Observer
C*UUYAN-GA Young Adult Caucus relationship
Bank account
Fall meeting
C*UUYAN’s relationship with the Task Forces formed at the pre-GA meeting
C*UUYAN-YAM (Young Adult Ministries) Office and C*UUYAN-UUA relationship

Present: Andrew Mertz (AM), Linnea Huston (LH), Tom Bozeman (TB), Sadie Kahn-Greene (SKG), Liz Weber (LW)

Decisions:
• Anyone can now email SC at cuuyan-sc@yahoogroups.com
• Karina Leppik reappointed for one-year term as Board of Trustees Young Adult Observer
• To ask the UUA to continue managing our accounts in a way consistent with tax law, but to ask for a written statement that the moneys belong solely to CUUYAN.
• Aiming for meeting Fri night (arriving with after-work flights), Sat all day, Sun afternoon and/or eve, probably in October

Action Items:
• Liz: Send out Code of Ethics (CoE)
• Everyone read CoE and “sign on”
• Liz: Notify Karina of reappointment
• SC will allocate funds and notify RF/DM by Sept 1st at the latest
• Question: Can BoT dissolve CUUYAN if we ask?
• AM will coordinate meeting date in Oct
• LW will email all TF conveners to begin conversation about TF-CUUYAN relationship
• AM verbal check-in about TF-CUUYAN relationship with Nattie.
• AM will copy binder from Fall 2007 meeting and email as PDF
• LW will send stuff from this year
• AM: personal commitment to contact Meadville about archives
• TB: working on going to GAPC meeting in Sept

Minutes
“Chalice” lighting
Introductions and check-in

Covenant:
• Respect
• Speaking from our own experiences; use “I” statements
• Assume best intentions
• Speak with one voice: take things to group, acknowledge that we hold the power of our leadership at all times.
• Address conflict directly and lovingly
• Abide by Code of Ethics
• If one must back out of a commitment, find someone else to follow through
• Put reply expectation in email subject if less than a week (default reply time: one week).
• If not able to use email, alert list or tell Liz so she can alert the list.
• Agenda items for calls/meetings submitted 1 week in advance, final agenda 5 days in advance.

• Executive session/concerns time available at each meeting/call (includes check-in and check-out).

Anyone can now email SC at cuuyan-sc@yahoogroups.com

Appoint the Board of Trustees (BOT) Observer
• We ask that reports be posted to list directly
• Concensus to reappoint Karina Leppik

Royal Forest and Danny Maitland join us for discussion on GA Young Adult Caucus (YAC) and C*UUYAN
• Royal will go to Boston for GA Planning Committee (GAPC) meeting Sept 11-12
• RF and DM shared some early visioning for GA YAC, including using meal times for YA connections
• RF/DM don’t know how many workshop slots the GA YAC will have, what’s up with the Fri night intergenerational worship, etc
• Programming: DM/RF want info from C*UUYAN; goal for YAC of empowering YAs and giving them a voice at GA. Workshop: Open dialogue workshop.
• How to get YAs into Caucus sessions? The needs of YAs will be different depending on what other summer conferences are happening.
• LH: One reason folks didn’t come to Caucus is scheduling (Same time every day is good, but 1 pm is a prime workshop slot—too much competition for attention).
• Financial/accountability: The funding source will lead to lines of accountability
• One workshop costs, three staff ($1000 each): estimate $3000-4000
• Money would be helpful, but the power of YA is that congregations want to hear from us
• SC will notify RF/DM of funding allocation decision by Sept 1st at the latest

Money allocation: SC will find out whether the Conferences TF is planning to host any summer conferences, and if so how much funding they expect to need from us; we will discern whether we ourselves will be hosting summer conferences; we will use this information to decide whether and how much money to allocate to GA YAC.
• AM: yes
• LH: agree, but want a more sound reason for having conferences than simply b/c the bylaws say to
• TB: agree
• SKG: where did money come from in the past?
• LW: we traditionally had $12,000 and 16,000 from the YAM office at the beginning of year
• Concensus for above allocation decision process? YES

Money: We traditionally had $12,000 and 16,000 for ConC and SC purposes, respectively. This money was held for SC at the beginning of the fiscal year. We have no money allocated to us for 2008-2009. We have no promises of moneys for coming years, but know that it’s possible to open that conversation again.
• AM: We need to find out whether the UUA BoT can indeed dissolve CUUYAN if we ask
• TB: Prefer to continue deeper discussion at in-person meeting

Bank account: The UUA treasurer found a problem with the way the UUA manages funds for C*UUYAN. As a sponsored organization, CUUYAN is considered an independent entity with a unique relationship the UUA, which has included use of the UUA’s tax ID number for C*UUYAN’s accounts. This is not allowed under tax law. The accounts are legally UUA accounts and we cannot have separate bank accounts like this that do not show up in our financial statements. This issue needs to be resolved ASAP. Our options include asking the UUA to continue to mangage our accounts (they would still be ours, untouchable by the UUA) or to set up our own independent accounts. If the UUA continues to manage our accounts, we will go through them to access our moneys, but we will not have to worry about having a treasurer, who can write checks, etc. If we establish independent accounts, they would be independent of the UUA, but it would take a long time and many steps to get a Taxpayer ID Number, become a recognized non-profit org, etc, and we would then need to have a designated treasurer, etc.
• AM: Would like to continue in UUA accounts, but would like a written statement from them that this is CUUYAN money, untouchable by the UUA
• LH: how did this happen? Why was it set up this way?
• LW: We don’t really know. It has been this way and comfortable for years, but the UUA’s financial advisor recently caught the situation.
• AM: It happened to us and another random organization
• LH: Is it hard to go through the UUA to get moneys?
• AM/LW: Not particularly
• LH: Then best seems to not start taking steps to become a non-profit right now b/c of the flux we’re in
• TB: agree
• SKG: agree
• Decision: To ask the UUA to continue managing our accounts in a way consistent with tax law, but to ask for a written statement that the moneys belong solely to CUUYAN. Consensus? YES
Fall meeting: I (LW) think a fall meeting would be invaluable b/c we can have face-to-face, deeper, longer conversations as well as get to know one another better so that our non-facetime work runs more smoothly.
• AM: fall meeting is invaluable and would also be easier, personally, than phone/email. I also support including TFs
• LH: ditto on TFs, but without losing our own time
• TB: yes meeting
• SKG: yes meeting in theory, but when and where?
• LW: Boston seems best, financially. Andrew, you had an offer…?
• AM: Could meet where I’m house-sitting through Oct, but Boston seems better financially.
• LH, TB, SKG: Boston
• LW: Andrew, will you meeting wizard for Sept/Oct weekends?
• LH: new job means difficulty with traditional work hours. Best is flying in Fri eve, back Sun night.
• TB: Doodle.ch is better than meeting wizard
• Aiming for meeting Fri night (arriving with after-work flights), Sat all day, Sun afternoon and/or eve
• AM will coordinate meeting date

Task Force-CUUYAN Relationship: While the TFs are looking within and beyond CUUYAN, having them under the aegis of CUUYAN will give them accountability and clout
• AM: I think the bigger TF should be supported by us, not under us. That will give them more clout b/c they have the backing of the larger group that created them. But not sure yet. Definitely need a relationship with them, though. Needs to be an open conversation.
• LH: Ditto. Undecided right now about what the relationship should be.
• TB: It would be up to them to decide whether they were under our aegis or not. Not sure if we have the authority to make that call. We need to have a conversation with them.
• SKG: Agree with Tom
• LW: I misspoke. Not that they have to “do what we say,” but that the pre-GA meeting was a CUUYAN meeting, so they are a CUUYAN-commissioned body, and could use the CUUYAN name for name-recognition, etc. Definitely needs to be a two-way conversation.
• TB: Needs to be a conversation. No dialogue so far, so it feels weird to “decide” how we think it should be.
• LW: Had suggested this as a way to begin the conversation, so we’re coming with one SC voice rather than 5 varied perspectives
• SKG: Say that “we have a relationship with the TFs b/c chartered the CUUYAN body,” as a way to begin the conversation about our exact relationship.
• CONCENSUS on that.
• LW will contact TF chairs.
• AM: Nattie Everett one of three conveners for “large” TF. Lives near-by, so offering to start check-in.
• LW: Let’s do both, written email to all conveners, and AM verbal check-in with Nattie.
YAM/UUA: CUUYAN is one of two Sponsored Organizations of the UUA. (YRUU is the other.) However, that relationship has never been clarified, leaving a legacy of confusion, assumptions, and often CUUYAN’s over-reliance on the Office. With both CUUYAN and the Office in such flux this past year, the relationship has gone from miscommunication to near non-communication.
• LW: I need to be in touch with the Office
• TB: What has been done to centralize archives/history?
• LW: Relationship has a few docs (Sponsored Org proposal and revision, staff-volunteer policy/covenant). General history is well-documented but not centralized. Meadville Lombard has (or had?) some of our archives. There was an Opus “how-to” binder that has been lost. Other minutes, docs, etc are available but not well-organized.
• SKG: Invite Office to part of Fall Meeting?
• LW: Traditionally, a YACMO rep has been present throughout meetings. We can discuss whether we would like to have a rep at the whole meeting or only part of it. However, I agree that having designated time in agenda for discussing our relationship is a good idea.
• TB, AM: Agreed. (LH had left the call.)
• AM: Request LW to send detailed notes from conversations with YAMO to SC
• LW: Was planning on it
SC commitment:
• SKG: What are expectations for SC members?
• LW: Monthly conference calls, emails, fall and/or spring meeting, any CUUYAN summer business meeting

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