ConScience

      … the meeting of our minds & hearts

WE NEED YOU. 7th-12th graders, you are invited to join youth from across the Prairie Star District at the Annual Conference. 

ConScience is the conference’s youth track exploring ways UUs think about moral decisions, especially those related to war and peace.  We will have youth-specific activities and take part in the  conference, which is designed to be multigenerational.  

We as young people stand to be most impacted by decisions about war and peace.  It’s our bodies, world, and  future on the line.  Conscience is not a simple concept, and it is not static.  ConScience youth activities are an opportunity to claim our place in UU discussion about these issues.  We will make connections across our differences and send UU support to those touched by military service.

Make new friendships and renew old ones.  Try your hand at group games, video reporting, theatre-arts techniques to get “inside” the topic of moral decision-making, stories from service families, collecting of postcards to send to service members and families, exciting workshops by and for youth and young adults, youth-led worship, and much more.  Let’s support one another in spiritual growth and our right of conscience. 

Watch a YouTube video created by the youth to promote the con!

Know yourself.   Act with conviction and compassion.  Join us at ConScience!

Youth Track Activities

Registered youth, grades 7-12, will participate in the District Annual Conference, which includes an array of multigenerational opportunities including workshops, meals, worship, musical entertainment, and more.

Youth are invited to participate in ConScience youth track events, including an opening gathering and orientation, worship preparation and leadership, video interviews, theatre games on conscience, 1 and 1 postcard and USO bracelet projects, and more.

• Detail of Youth Track Activities
• Schedule of Conference Events and  Youth Track Activities

Printable Flier

A flier is avaliable to print and post or hand out at your congregation.

Adult Sponsors

Youth participating in Annual Conference are required to have an adult sponsor (such as a parent or friend from your congregation) who is also attending the conference.

• Adult sponsors must be at least 25 years old
• Each adult can sponsor no more than seven youth
• Sponsors must be registered for the conference and be onsite
• Sponsors must submit a signed Sponsor Code of Ethics Agreement
• See adult sponsors for additional information

Fees

• $50 per youth (on or before March 14, 2012)
• $60 per youth (after March 14)
• Adult sponsors must register at the adult rates (see Registration)

Fee includes three meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday,  but does not include accomodations.

Youth Accommodations

There is no separate housing for youth. Youth must arrange accommodations with their parents or sponsors. See Accomodations.

Scholarships

Youth can apply for Annual Conference Scholarships. See Scholarships.

There are a very limited number of scholarships available. The first round of scholarships will be awarded based on applications received as of noon on February 29, 2012. If funds are still available, additional scholarships will be awarded after that date.

Registration

Youth registration (grades 7–12) requires three forms:

1. a Registration Form
2. a Youth Conduct Agreement, and
3. a Parental Permission Form.

Registration Form
The registration form is online and must be completed online. After completing the form, payment can be made online by credit card or by mailing a check to the Conference Registrar.

Youth Conduct Agreement
A Youth Conduct Agreement (signed by youth) is required for each youth attendee. Because the signature on this form needs to be an original signature, you’ll need to print out the form, sign it, and then mail it to the host church by US Mail or other physical mail service.

• Youth Conduct Agreement for grades 7-12 (PDF, 43 KB)

Parental Permission Form
A Parental Permission form (signed by parents or guardians) is required for each youth attendee. Because the signatures on this form needs to be an original signature, you’ll need to print out the form, sign it, and then mail it to the host church by US Mail or other physical mail service.

• Youth Parental Permission Form for grades 7–12 (PDF, 37 KB)
• Please note: the permission form requires emergency health information – be sure to get that information well in advance!

Send forms to

 WBUUC Youth Office, 328 Maple Street, Mahtomedi, MN 55115.

Deadlines

For discounted, early registration fee, all three forms and payment must be received by March 14, 2012 at 4:00 PM.

Final deadline for receipt of all three forms and standard fee payment is April 4, 2012, at 4:00 PM.

Photo Release

By registering a youth for  the Annual Conference, you are agreeing to allow the youth to be photographed. Videos and photos may be used on the PSD and the UUA web sites and in PSD and UUA print publications. If you have serious concerns about your child's picture being used, please contact Conference Registrar, registrar [at] psduua [dot] org, prior to the conference. You will need to let us know some way to identify the youth (perhaps a distinctive shirt or hat) during the conference so that we will know not to use any pictures of that person.

Youth Conference Guidelines

Policy on Sexuality and Community for all Participants

While sexuality is a healthy and important part of young people's lives, there are times and places where sexual behavior is inappropriate. This policy seeks to create a healthy and safe space for all participants. Exclusive relationships detract from the community. All participants must abide by the following policies:

• Participants must respect each other’s physical boundaries.
• Participants shall refrain from sexual, seductive or erotic behavior while at the event.
• Sexual behavior between participants at the event and sexual harassment are not permitted and will not be tolerated.
• Any harassment regarding race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or disability will not be tolerated. Such harassment includes unsolicited remarks, gestures or physical contact, display or circulation of written materials or derogatory pictures directed at any of these categories. In addition, sexual advances, jokes, explicit or offensive pictures, requests for sexual favors, sexting, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment.
• The event leadership team is responsible for ensuring this policy is enforced. Parents/guardians are invited to discuss this policy with youth.

Behavioral Guidelines for Participants

• Each youth in grades 7-12 will submit a signed  Parental Permission Form  and signed Conduct Agreement
• Each youth will be sponsored by an adult registered for the district conference.
• Participants will endeavor to be present in body and spirit and be mutually supportive of one another.
• Participants will demonstrate respect for self, others, and property throughout the event.
• Alcohol or drug use, weapons, violence, and disrespectful or illegal behavior are prohibited.
• Participants will respect the Policy on Sexuality and Community above.
• No pets.
• All participants will remain on-site during the event.

Each youth attendee must agree to follow the guidelines above.

Questions

Contact:

Jill Schwendeman
Director of Youth Programs of host congregation
651-334-2023 
schwendeman [at] whitebearunitarian [dot] org.