Coming of Age facilitators play a crucial role in guiding and supporting youth as they explore their beliefs, values, and identities within the UU faith tradition.
Facilitator Responsibilities:
- Facilitators collaborate with each other and the program organizer to plan the overall structure of the Coming of Age program sessions and trip. This involves selecting relevant topics, designing activities, and creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.
- Facilitators lead discussions, activities, and lessons that are part of the program's curriculum. They help participants explore UU history, principles, values, and theological concepts.
- Facilitator support participants in building meaningful relationships with mentors who can guide them in their faith journey.
- Facilitators encourage participants to engage in self-reflection and thoughtful exploration of their beliefs, values, and spirituality. They create opportunities for participants to share their thoughts and experiences.
- Facilitators lead group discussions on various topics related to Unitarian Universalism, ethics, social justice, and personal values. They foster an open and respectful atmosphere for dialogue.
- Facilitators guide participants through the process of creating, refining, and presenting their projects.
- Facilitators are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and questions.
- Facilitators help coordinate the trip/retreat and culminating Coming of Age ceremony, which marks the transition of participants into young adulthood within the congregation.
- Facilitators offer relevant reading materials, resources, and references to help participants further explore their faith and values.
- Facilitators address any conflicts or challenges that may arise within the group, helping participants navigate disagreements or misunderstandings in a constructive manner.
- Facilitators maintain open lines of communication with participants, parents or guardians, mentors, and the program organizer. They provide updates on the progress of the program and address any concerns or questions. This includes an email to the parents/guardians after each session with a summary of the day, and expectations for the next session.
- At least two of the three co-facilitators stay overnight for the "good practice" session designed to prepare the group for the sleeping routine of the Boston trip.
- At least two of the three co-facilitators go on the Boston trip.
- A final report is submitted to the LIAC Board.
Requirements for Facilitation:
- Facilitators should have a deep understanding of and commitment to Unitarian Universalist principles and values. They should be able to model and promote these principles in their interactions with youth participants.
- Facilitators should have a solid understanding of UU history, theology, and the curriculum used in the Coming of Age program. They should also be knowledgeable about youth development and adolescent issues.
- Effective communication is essential for facilitating discussions and guiding youth through self-reflection and exploration. Facilitators should be skilled in active listening, respectful dialogue, and creating a safe space for sharing.
- Facilitators should be sensitive to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They should foster an inclusive environment that respects and affirms the diverse identities and backgrounds of participants.
- Experience working with youth, preferably in a group or educational setting, is important. Facilitators should be comfortable engaging with young people, understanding their needs, and building positive relationships.
- Facilitators should be committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for youth, adhering to the congregation's safety policies and guidelines.
- Facilitators should work collaboratively with other facilitators, mentors, and the program organizer to plan and deliver the program effectively.
- Facilitators will be approved by the LIAC Board before assuming their roles.
- It is important that facilitators have a social network outside their COA leadership responsibility to meet their own needs for friendship, affirmation and self-esteem.
- Facilitators will seek assistance from colleagues and religious professionals when they become aware of a situation requiring expert help or intervention.
- Sign the Code of Ethics statement and follow procedures according to the Safe Congregation material published/recommended by the UUA.
- Successfully pass a background check.
- Driver’s license is required.
Time commitments:
- Introduce the course with your co-facilitators and program coordinator in one mandatory parent/mentor orientation which lasts approximately 2 hours.
- Two or more hour’s preparation time (estimated) for each session.
- Six Saturday instructional periods.
- Two hour recognition service.
- Boston historical trip (or alternate retreat) is three days, from Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon.
- There is an optional overnight at a selected congregation on one of the weekends in preparation for the Boston Trip.