Cons

CON is our way of saying “conference”-- and CONS ROCK! A CON is a place where UU youth can CONnect with youth from other UU congregations. Cons are planned and run by youth (with adult advisors). Youth and adults create a community for a weekend where everyone feels welcomed and accepted. CONS are totally FUN!

You travel to another UU community (or sometimes a camp) and stay inside their facility for a weekend. There’s time to meet people, hang out, talk, eat and do fun things. There are workshops, touch groups (small groups where you get to know people better), worships, and lots of times a coffeehouse, where youth who want to, can share music, poetry, humor, skits, and other talents with each other--all in a respectful, inclusive atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance.

 

Some CONS have funny names like TropiCON, BagelCON, LinCON, PortalCON, KingCONdom, WicCON. Some CONS are more serious and focus on developing knowledge and skills in special areas. These are sometimes led by UUA trainers. Examples of these are the Leadership Development CON (LDC), Spiritual Development CON (SDC) and Social Justice CON (SJC). At any CON you will find people who share your UU values and accept you unconditionally, affirming who you are.

 

CONS can be big, involving youth from the whole district, or can be smaller in scale, involving just a cluster of youth groups from part of the Prairie Star District. Look for the YAC Seal of Approval on your CON registration form. The YAC Seal of Approval assures you and your parents/guardians that the CON has been asked to follow the policies set forth by the PSD YAC.

 

Upcoming CONS Link to district youth events calendar

Introduction to Youth Conferences in Prairie Star District (PDF brochure, 128 KBytes ) Describes different types of ‘cons’, goals, logistics, and includes a checklist for youth and parents who are considering attending a youth conference.

Adult Role in Youth Conferences: What to expect…what is expected of you (PDF brochure, 66 KBytes ). Information for any parent or adult considering attending a conference as a sponsor (chaperone), regardless of their role in the home congregation.

PSD Guidelines for Youth Conferences (PDF brochure, 108 KBytes )
A summary of how the district guidelines help ensure a safe and successful youth event. Includes information on the Prairie Star District’s “Seal of Approval” process, conference rules and enforcement, driver guidelines. Helpful for parents and RE staff, and essential reading for any group considering hosting a conference.

YAC Seal of Approval Go here as soon as you start planning a CON to find out how your CON can receive the YAC Seal of Approval.