"Eight Models of UU Young Adult Groups" by Sharon Hwang Colligan

1. The "Pizza" Model;
Just send out flyers, offer free pizza, and the young adults will come. At least, at first they will. Model consists of a budget and an enthusiastic volunteer, but is otherwise "contentless" (and most often fails, after the first few meetings.).

2. The "Party" Model:
Same theory-raw enthusiasm plus a bit of money- but usually with a bit more content in terms of activities and entertainment. Often praised by participants, but it tends to generate few responsible leaders.

3. The "YRUU Reunionism" Model
Just get everyone together and do what we did in high school. Contains a slightly higher level of content than above-i.e., includes some workshops. Tends to alienate people who don't want to stay stuck in high school, or who never were part of YRUU.

4. The "Just Like the Congregation" Model:
Pulls members primarily form the pews rather than the YRUU alum list. Holds social potlucks and other activities that are very similar to the mainstream congregational life. Tends to have more longevity than the three models above. Tends not to attract younger YA's, nor YRUU grads.

5. The "Social Group" or "Closed Clique" Model:
All four of the above models (plus the one below if the staffing ends) are prone to this syndrome. The YA group consists of a particular group of tightly bonded friends. This is generally a valuable experience for members, and is perceived proudly by the congregation as a successful YAG group. But once the bond is formed, new members very seldom feel comfortable joining. The group tends to remain "the" young adult group of hte congregation as they age together into their 30's and even 40's-but is very seldom perceived by new YRUU grads as a place they can belong-effectively blocking access for years.

6. The "Hire a Chaplain" Model:
When there is a good-hearted minister, intern, or other official staff person dedicated to caring about Young Adults, and a reasonable amount of time allowed, there will be a group. This model tends to be more successful than the ones above at attracting younger YA's, and is basically essential for a viable campus program. Can tend to offer YA's more comfort than actual empowerment.

7. The "Inspiring Leader" Model:
Different in quality than the average Enthusiastic Volunteer, the Inspiring Leader is one who knows and shows that UUism changes lives. They may be a leader of poetry workshops, or pagan worship, or social potlucks, or political forums, or soup kitchen projects, but their love, vision, and commitment to the human spirit of the group members is noticeable and inspirational. It motivates group members toward their own religious commitment and leadership. An essential ingredient for a truly successful YA program.

8. The "Young Adult Program" Model:
Evaluates itself not just on number of attempts made or number of bodies counted, but also on participant age, race, gender, background (esp raised-UU or not), spiritual/religious growth, and leadership development. The program has goals and evaluates the outcomes. It offers age-appropriate religious education, worship, inclusive fellowship, skills development, and a clear vision for how the program changes lives and changes the world.

Which one are you?

Sharon Hwang Colligan is a life-long Unitarian Universalist from Massachusetts. Currently a coordinator and resident trainer, teacher and visionary for PCD-UUYAN and SF-UUYAN, Sharon has stretched the imagination of C*UUYAN around worship and spirituality. Her moving ideas and strong organizing skills have created one of the largest and newest Young Adult Groups at the 1st Unitarian Chuch of San Francisco CA.