Unitarian Universalists believe that we are better together. When we come together, we can create change, nurture our spirits and learn new things. Our faith offers many opportunities to gather amongst peers and in multigenerational community alike. From local to international, you can find an event that's right for you. For even more events, stay in the loop by signing up for the HubLetter or check out Events and Opportunities on Blue Boat Blog.

National Events

General Assembly

Thousands of UUs gather every year at General Assembly. Youth and young adults are vital members of the GA community. Scholarship and grant opportunities are available for both youth and young adults (PDF).

GA Youth brings together all youth attendees of GA for workshops, worship, social events and more. Learn about youth attending GA, programming, housing and sponsors in our Frequently Asked Questions.

YA@GA hosts programs and events for young adults of all backgrounds to network, worship, and build inclusive community as participants in the larger GA community. Learn about the opportunities for young adults to participate at GA in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Interested in serving on staff for General Assembly?

Apply for GA Youth staff, which galvanizes high school youth at GA and needs youth and adult leaders, Thrive@GA, which provides community and support to young folks of color and needs one youth and one young adult of color for their team and/or YA@GA, which serves young adults 18-35 and connects, supports and transforms our people and needs young adult leaders.

Summer Seminary

Youth exploring the possibility of becoming a religious professional should check out Summer Seminary. Focusing on ordained ministry, religious education, music ministry and chaplaincy the program offers youth the opportunity to explore their call, experience facets of life as a religious professional, and connect with other youth considering ministry and religious education as career paths.

Thrive

Formerly Multicultural Leadership School, Thrive Young Adult and Thrive Youth bring together Unitarian Universalist young people of color (People of African Descent, Caribbean, Native/American Indian, Asian and Pacific Islander, Latina/o and Hispanic, Middle Eastern/Arab, and Multiracial) to deepen their faith, nourish their spirits, and build critical skills for leadership in the face of our uncertain, broken and beautiful world.

Meaning Makers

Meaning Makers is a year long spiritual development program for UU emerging adults (age 18-24). Through in-person retreats, virtual small group ministry and mentorship, emerging adults will explore the central questions “Who am I and how can I live my UU faith in the world?”

UU-United Nations Office

The Intergenerational Spring Seminar is an intergenerational gathering held in New York City, which incorporates peer and expert-led panel discussions, community building activities, keynote speeches and worship services, participants undergo a transformative process of learning, reflection, and growth as we explore some of the most challenging issues facing humanity today.

UU College of Social Justice

Activate! is an opportunity for youth to gather in Boston, New Orleans and the Southwest Border for a week or two of skill building, reflection, and service learning. Participants will learn about privilege, identity, and economic justice, and will leave with a supportive community and a deeper understanding of themselves and social justice.

GROW (Grounded and Resilient Organizer's Workshop) is an intensive training on spiritually grounded activism for young adults. GROW Climate Justice took place in Chicago in 2015 and GROW Racial Justice took place in New Orleans in 2016. Stay tuned to see what form GROW will take next!

International Events

Thinking globally? From the Parliament of World Religions to a Pilgrimage Tour of South America, there are many international events to check out. Some events are intentionally making space for young adults, so always check for young adult registration rates or scholarships.

UU College of Social Justice

Global Justice Summer Internships are available for young adults (ages 18–34) who wish to deepen their engagement with social justice and discover new ways to put their faith into action.

Opus

Opus (named for the cartoon penguin) is a yearly gathering of UU young adults from across the U.S. and Canada, making it more of a North American event than an international event. It used to be run by C*UUYAN (Continental UU Young Adult Network). While C*UUYAN dissolved in 2014, this five day retreat for young adults lives on, full of workshops, worships and community building. The next Opus will happen in the summer of 2018.

Local and Regional Events

Cons and Rallies for Youth

Youth conferences (called “cons” in some places and “rallies” in other places) are local, district or regional events usually held in a congregation, organized and run in youth and adult partnership. In addition to cons and rallies, trainings, workshops, gatherings and more happen on the district and regional levels. Please check your district or regional websites for information.

Camps

Youth and multigenerational UU Camps, summer institutes and retreat centers can be found all across the nation. Find a camp near you! Explore the Unitarian Universalist Alliance of Camp and Conference Centers (PDF).

Leadership Schools for Youth

Generally longer than a weekend, these leadership schools offer immersive opportunities for participants to gain leadership skills, deepen their faith and build connections with other youth. Pacific Northwest GoldMine and Central East Regional GoldMines are exclusively for youth, while Southern Region Leadership Experiences and MidWest Leadership School are multigenerational.

Trainings

The Chrysalis Trainings are leadership and skill-development programs for youth and adults who work with youth. UUA regional staff facilitate or appoint facilitators for these trainings.These trainings cover peer chaplaincy, spirituality development and leadership development. Contact your UUA regional staff to find out how to host one in your area.