Glossary & Acronyms
About Your Sexuality (AYS): A UUA-published sexuality education curriculum for use in UU and secular groups, used until 1998. It is now out of print, and has been replaced by "Our Whole Lives" (OWL).
ACM (Annual Council and Meeting): Canadian Unitarian Council's national annual meeting. Similar to General Assembly for the UUA.
Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS): The oldest theological school in the United States, ANTS is a United Church of Christ-associated institution, attended by significant numbers of Unitarian Universalists. Located in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, ANTS is part of the Boston Theological Institute, a collaborative association of nine seminaries.
Annual Council and Meeting (ACM): Canadian Unitarian Council's national annual meeting. Similar to General Assembly for the UUA.
Annual Program Fund (APF): A major source of income for the UUA to which each congregation is requested to contribute a certain amount. APF contributions help to provide programs and services to member congregations and UUA districts.
Anti-Racism Trainer/Organizer Program (ARTOP): a collective of Unitarian Universalist (UU) Youth and Young Adult anti-racist activists facilitating dialogue/workshops and organizing in schools, churches and for other groups to foster individual, institutional and cultural anti-racist transformation and leadership. Changed its name to Groundwork in 2006.
Antiracist Antioppression Multicultural (AR/AO/M): This acronymn stands for "antiracist antioppression multicultural." The UUA staff works to promote such programs and presentations and to incorporate ARAOM behavior and sensitivity in all activities and initatives.
ANTS (Andover Newton Theological School): The oldest theological school in the United States, ANTS is a United Church of Christ-associated institution, attended by significant numbers of Unitarian Universalists. Located in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, ANTS is part of the Boston Theological Institute, a collaborative association of nine seminaries.
APF (Annual Program Fund): A major source of income for the UUA to which each congregation is requested to contribute a certain amount. APF contributions help to provide programs and services to member congregations and UUA districts.
AR/AO/M (Antiracist Antioppression Multicultural): This acronymn stands for "antiracist antioppression multicultural." The UUA staff works to promote such programs and presentations and to incorporate ARAOM behavior and sensitivity in all activities and initatives.
ARTOP (Anti-Racism Trainer/Organizer Program): a collective of Unitarian Universalist (UU) Youth and Young Adult anti-racist activists facilitating dialogue/workshops and organizing in schools, churches and for other groups to foster individual, institutional and cultural anti-racist transformation and leadership. Changed its name to Groundwork in 2006.
AYS (About Your Sexuality): A UUA-published sexuality education curriculum for use in UU and secular groups, used until 1998. It is now out of print, and has been replaced by "Our Whole Lives" (OWL).
Ballou Channing District (BCD): The UUA district covering southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
BCD (Ballou Channing District): The UUA district covering southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
BGLT (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender):
Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender (BGLT):
Board of Trustees of the UUA (BOT): Made up of elected representatives from each of the 20 UUA districts, 3 at-large trustees, 1 youth trustee, 1 youth observer, the UUA President, the UUA Moderator, Financial Advisor and Vice President of Finance, and the Board secretary. The Mission Statement for the Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees is – “Guided by the vision embodied in the Purposes and Principles of the UUA and in anti-racist imperatives approved by previous Boards, the mission of the Board of Trustees of the UUA includes by is not limited to: · Creation of goals for the Association, in cooperation with the General Assembly, administration, and our constituents; · Establishment of policies for the Association, guided by those goals; · Empowerment of our member congregations through Board leadership in cooperation with the UUA administration, staff, and volunteers; · Modeling of UU values in our lives and in our roles as Trustees; · Stewardship in developing and managing the resources of the UUA.”
BOT (Board of Trustees of the UUA): Made up of elected representatives from each of the 20 UUA districts, 3 at-large trustees, 1 youth trustee, 1 youth observer, the UUA President, the UUA Moderator, Financial Advisor and Vice President of Finance, and the Board secretary. The Mission Statement for the Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees is – “Guided by the vision embodied in the Purposes and Principles of the UUA and in anti-racist imperatives approved by previous Boards, the mission of the Board of Trustees of the UUA includes by is not limited to: · Creation of goals for the Association, in cooperation with the General Assembly, administration, and our constituents; · Establishment of policies for the Association, guided by those goals; · Empowerment of our member congregations through Board leadership in cooperation with the UUA administration, staff, and volunteers; · Modeling of UU values in our lives and in our roles as Trustees; · Stewardship in developing and managing the resources of the UUA.”
Bridger: Bridgers, or bridging youth, are youth between the ages of 18-20, who are bridging between the youth (ages 14-20) community and the young adult (ages 18-35) community.
Bridging/Bridging Ceremonies: The ritual that recognizes the transition from youth to young adulthood.
C*SAC (Continental Social Action Coordinator): A two year position selected by the YRUU Steering Committee. Represent and promote social action issues and concerns in continental and district/regional YRUU.
C*UUYAN (Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network): The UU young adult and campus ministry network for individuals aged eighteen to thirty-five. C*UUYAN is a UUA-sponsored organization.
Canadian Advisory Youth-Adult Committee (CAYAC): the national advisory group for Canadian youth, working closely with Sylvia Bass-West (Director of Lifespan Learning)
Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC): The national organization of Canadian Unitarian congregations.
CanUUdle: Annual business meeting of Canadian YRUU. Takes place at the ACM.
CAYAC (Canadian Advisory Youth-Adult Committee): the national advisory group for Canadian youth, working closely with Sylvia Bass-West (Director of Lifespan Learning)
CBD (Clara Barton District): The UUA district covering Connecticut, and western and central Massachusetts.
Central Midwest District (CMWD): The UUA district covering Illinois, southwest Michigan, upper Michigan, eastern Missouri, eastern Wisconsin, and upper western Indiana.
CG I/II/III (Common Ground I/II/III): Common Ground I and II were large representative gatherings of youth and adults held in the early 1980s. They symbolize the transition from Liberal Religious Youth (the previous organization for UU youth) to Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (or YRUU, the current organization for UU youth). Common Ground III refers to the gathering proposed to the YRUU governing body in 2004, which did not pass using the consensus process
CGEP (Charitable Gift and Estate Planning): The UUA office, in the Stewardship and Development staff group, that helps people include the UUA in their estate or charitable giving plans.
Charitable Gift and Estate Planning (CGEP): The UUA office, in the Stewardship and Development staff group, that helps people include the UUA in their estate or charitable giving plans.
Chrysalis Training Program: Trainings for youth and adults offered by the Office of Youth Ministry, including: Leadership Development Conferences, Spirituality Development Conference, Basic Youth Advisor Training, Advanced Advisor Training, Anti-Racism Training, and Chaplain Training.
Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF): A UU congregation on the web and in print reaching people who do not belong to a local UU congregation or who wish to connect to UUs around the world. CLF has offices located in Boston at UUA headquarters. CLF publishes the "Quest" newsletter; a quarterly children's publication called "UU & me!"; and offers a prison ministry and online education.
Church of the Younger Fellowship (CYF): An online young adult congregation that is part of the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF).
Clara Barton District (CBD): The UUA district covering Connecticut, and western and central Massachusetts.
CLF (Church of the Larger Fellowship): A UU congregation on the web and in print reaching people who do not belong to a local UU congregation or who wish to connect to UUs around the world. CLF has offices located in Boston at UUA headquarters. CLF publishes the "Quest" newsletter; a quarterly children's publication called "UU & me!"; and offers a prison ministry and online education.
CMWD (Central Midwest District): The UUA district covering Illinois, southwest Michigan, upper Michigan, eastern Missouri, eastern Wisconsin, and upper western Indiana.
COA (Commission on Appraisal): An elected committee which studies issues of significance to Unitarian Universalism, resulting in a published report made to the Association.
COA (Coming of Age): A program in which youth, generally aged thirteen to sixteen, learn more about their spirituality and faith. Members of COA groups usually learn about Unitarian Universalism, develop their own belief statements (often called credos), and visit other UU congregations and the UUA's headquarters in Boston. Also known as Affirmation groups. The equivalent of Christian confirmation groups.
Coming of Age (COA): A program in which youth, generally aged thirteen to sixteen, learn more about their spirituality and faith. Members of COA groups usually learn about Unitarian Universalism, develop their own belief statements (often called credos), and visit other UU congregations and the UUA's headquarters in Boston. Also known as Affirmation groups. The equivalent of Christian confirmation groups.
Commission on Appraisal (COA): An elected committee which studies issues of significance to Unitarian Universalism, resulting in a published report made to the Association.
Common Ground I/II/III (CG I/II/III): Common Ground I and II were large representative gatherings of youth and adults held in the early 1980s. They symbolize the transition from Liberal Religious Youth (the previous organization for UU youth) to Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (or YRUU, the current organization for UU youth). Common Ground III refers to the gathering proposed to the YRUU governing body in 2004, which did not pass using the consensus process
Con Con (Continental Conference): The annual Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (YRUU) Continental Conference held in a different region of the continent each year.The final ConCon was in 2004, after which the Youth Office discontinued support for it.
Conclave: The annual gathering of district Religious Education chairs.
Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth: A two-year process. Designed to gather information about UU youth ministry as it exists now, as well as about people’s visions and ways they’d like to improve it. Encourages people of all ages and involvements to contribute their wisdom to shape both the process itself and the future of youth ministry.
Continental Conference (Con Con): The annual Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (YRUU) Continental Conference held in a different region of the continent each year.The final ConCon was in 2004, after which the Youth Office discontinued support for it.
Continental Social Action Coordinator (C*SAC): A two year position selected by the YRUU Steering Committee. Represent and promote social action issues and concerns in continental and district/regional YRUU.
Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network (C*UUYAN): The UU young adult and campus ministry network for individuals aged eighteen to thirty-five. C*UUYAN is a UUA-sponsored organization.
Council of Unitarian Universalist Camps and Conferences (CU2C2): The organization of UU camps, conference centers, and regularly occurring conferences.
Council of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS): A national organization for UUs who embrace earth-based, pagan, and wiccan spirituality.
CU2C2 (Council of Unitarian Universalist Camps and Conferences): The organization of UU camps, conference centers, and regularly occurring conferences.
CUC (Canadian Unitarian Council): The national organization of Canadian Unitarian congregations.
CUUPS (Council of Unitarian Universalist Pagans): A national organization for UUs who embrace earth-based, pagan, and wiccan spirituality.
CYF (Church of the Younger Fellowship): An online young adult congregation that is part of the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF).
DE (District Executive): A staff person co-employed by a UUA district and the UUA to support that district's growth and vitality, mentor congregations, and oversee the administration of district business.
Director of Religious Education (DRE): An individual employed by a local congregation to run its religious education program.
Director of Youth Ministry/Assistant Director of Youth Ministry (DYM / ADYM): These two Office of Youth Ministries positions work with Youth Ministry Associates and the Youth Office Assistant, and advocate for youth and youth programs in the UUA/CUC as a whole.
District Executive (DE): A staff person co-employed by a UUA district and the UUA to support that district's growth and vitality, mentor congregations, and oversee the administration of district business.
District Youth Steering Committee (DYSC): The name of some districts' youth governing committees. See also YAC (Youth Adult Comittee).
Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM): A UU organization for self-identifying People of Color.
DRE (Director of Religious Education): An individual employed by a local congregation to run its religious education program.
DRUUMM (Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries): A UU organization for self-identifying People of Color.
DYM / ADYM (Director of Youth Ministry/Assistant Director of Youth Ministry): These two Office of Youth Ministries positions work with Youth Ministry Associates and the Youth Office Assistant, and advocate for youth and youth programs in the UUA/CUC as a whole.
DYSC (District Youth Steering Committee): The name of some districts' youth governing committees. See also YAC (Youth Adult Comittee).
European Unitarian Universalists (EUU): A group of UUs, mostly American ex-patriots, living in European countries.
EUU (European Unitarian Universalists): A group of UUs, mostly American ex-patriots, living in European countries.
FLD (Florida District): The UUA district covering Florida (excluding the panhandle), southern Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Florida District (FLD): The UUA district covering Florida (excluding the panhandle), southern Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
GA (General Assembly): The annual business meeting of the UUA, to which UU member congregations send delegates. The youth participants form a Youth Caucus every year to plan, strategize, and conduct other business.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex (GLBPTQQI): Refers to individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex. Often grouped under the identity of “Queer” – meaning people whose sexual orientation or gender identity doesn’t conform to hetero-normative (heterosexual – male/female) norms.
General Assembly (GA): The annual business meeting of the UUA, to which UU member congregations send delegates. The youth participants form a Youth Caucus every year to plan, strategize, and conduct other business.
GLBPTQQI (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex): Refers to individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex. Often grouped under the identity of “Queer” – meaning people whose sexual orientation or gender identity doesn’t conform to hetero-normative (heterosexual – male/female) norms.
Hardcore UU Person Energized and Ready (HUUPER): A two year position on GA Youth Caucus planning staff, the Youth Caucus Dean.
Harvard Divinity School (HDS): Harvard Divinity School was established in 1816 as the first non-sectarian theological school in the U.S. Today, its students and faculty represent over fifty-five religious traditions. Students enrolled at Harvard study curriculum in three areas: Scripture and Interpretation, Christianity and Culture, and Religions of the World.
HDS (Harvard Divinity School): Harvard Divinity School was established in 1816 as the first non-sectarian theological school in the U.S. Today, its students and faculty represent over fifty-five religious traditions. Students enrolled at Harvard study curriculum in three areas: Scripture and Interpretation, Christianity and Culture, and Religions of the World.
Heartland District (HTLD): The UUA district covering Michigan (except southwest and upper Michigan); Indiana; Kentucky; and western Ohio.
HTLD (Heartland District): The UUA district covering Michigan (except southwest and upper Michigan); Indiana; Kentucky; and western Ohio.
HUUPER (Hardcore UU Person Energized and Ready): A two year position on GA Youth Caucus planning staff, the Youth Caucus Dean.
IARF (International Association for Religious Freedom): An interfaith association of religious organizations with over one hundred member groups, including the UUA.
ICUU (International Council of Unitarians and Universalists): This organization of Unitarian and Universalist societies from around the world seeks to strengthen the worldwide network of Unitarian, Universalist, and UU organizations.
IDBM (Identity-Based Ministries): The staff group at the UUA that focuses its work on serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities and concerns; accessibility issues and interests; and Latina/Latino and Hispanic concerns.
Identity-Based Ministries (IDBM): The staff group at the UUA that focuses its work on serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities and concerns; accessibility issues and interests; and Latina/Latino and Hispanic concerns.
Independent Study Program (ISP): A graduate-level program of individualized and highly structured study which helps people prepare for careers as Ministers of Religious Education in UU congregations.
Information and Public Witness (IPW): This UUA office handles media contact, questions about the UUA and Unitarian Universalism, historical research, and other information-based items.
Information Technology Services (ITS): The staff group at the UUA that handles internet services, web technology and connectivity, and data services and programming.
International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF): An interfaith association of religious organizations with over one hundred member groups, including the UUA.
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU): This organization of Unitarian and Universalist societies from around the world seeks to strengthen the worldwide network of Unitarian, Universalist, and UU organizations.
International Religious Fellowship (IRF): A member organization of IARF consisting of youth groups and young people from various countries.
Interweave: Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender (LGBT) Concerns. The community/organization of LGBT UUs. “Interweave Continental is a membership organization actively working to end oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity, recognizing that we will not be free until all oppression is a thing of the past.”
IPW (Information and Public Witness): This UUA office handles media contact, questions about the UUA and Unitarian Universalism, historical research, and other information-based items.
IRF (International Religious Fellowship): A member organization of IARF consisting of youth groups and young people from various countries.
ISP (Independent Study Program): A graduate-level program of individualized and highly structured study which helps people prepare for careers as Ministers of Religious Education in UU congregations.
ITS (Information Technology Services): The staff group at the UUA that handles internet services, web technology and connectivity, and data services and programming.
JAHNNY DEPP (Jointly and Helpfully Networking Neighboring YACs District Exchange Program Packet): A resource from the Office of Youth Ministries about going to other districts to experience firsthand how conferences and YAC (Youth/Adult Committee) meetings run.
Jointly and Helpfully Networking Neighboring YACs District Exchange Program Packet (JAHNNY DEPP): A resource from the Office of Youth Ministries about going to other districts to experience firsthand how conferences and YAC (Youth/Adult Committee) meetings run.
Joseph Priestly District (JPD): The UUA district covering Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and northern Virginia.
JPD (Joseph Priestly District): The UUA district covering Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and northern Virginia.
Lay Leadership: Leaders who are not in a paid, professional, or staff position. They do their work on a purely volunteer basis. And for this reason we love them!
LC (Leadership Council): This body is comprised of the heads of each staff group of the UUA who meet together to conduct business which impacts the staff of the Association.
LDC (Leadership Development Conference): Part of the Chrysalis Training Program. A training put on for both youth and adults for the teaching of leadership skills and ideas.
Leadership Council (LC): This body is comprised of the heads of each staff group of the UUA who meet together to conduct business which impacts the staff of the Association.
Leadership Development Conference (LDC): Part of the Chrysalis Training Program. A training put on for both youth and adults for the teaching of leadership skills and ideas.
LFD (Lifespan Faith Development): The UUA staff group formerly known as Religious Education (RE) became Lifespan Faith Development. This group is charged with conceptualizing and overseeing the development of, consultation regarding, and maintenance of, all denominational UU religious education programs and curricula.
Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA): A professional organization of the UUA, LREDA furthers the interest of liberal religious education by advocating for high professional standards for lay and ordained religious educators.
Liberal Religious Youth (LRY): This name identified the continental affiliate organization which served UU youth up until 1982 when it was dissolved and Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) was created. See also Common Ground, the conferences which led to this change.
Lifespan Faith Development (LFD): The UUA staff group formerly known as Religious Education (RE) became Lifespan Faith Development. This group is charged with conceptualizing and overseeing the development of, consultation regarding, and maintenance of, all denominational UU religious education programs and curricula.
Long Range Planning Meeting (LRP): January 2003. Initiated by YRUU and the UUA. Youth and adults gathered to make recommendations in six areas – Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression, Curriculum/Resources/Transitional Age Range Programs, Geography and Canadian Concerns, Governance/Structure, Communication/Outreach, and Spirituality/UU Identity
LREDA (Liberal Religious Educators Association): A professional organization of the UUA, LREDA furthers the interest of liberal religious education by advocating for high professional standards for lay and ordained religious educators.
LRP (Long Range Planning Meeting): January 2003. Initiated by YRUU and the UUA. Youth and adults gathered to make recommendations in six areas – Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression, Curriculum/Resources/Transitional Age Range Programs, Geography and Canadian Concerns, Governance/Structure, Communication/Outreach, and Spirituality/UU Identity
LRY (Liberal Religious Youth): This name identified the continental affiliate organization which served UU youth up until 1982 when it was dissolved and Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) was created. See also Common Ground, the conferences which led to this change.
Massachusetts Bay District (MBD): The UUA district covering northeastern Massachusetts.
MBD (Massachusetts Bay District): The UUA district covering northeastern Massachusetts.
MDD (Mountain Desert District): The UUA district covering Colorado, eastern Idaho, Montana, western Nebraska, New Mexico, western Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
Meadville Lombard Theological School (ML): One of two Unitarian Universalist seminaries, Meadville educates students to become religious leaders who serve primarily UU congregations and ministries. ML is affiliated with the University of Chicago and the Association of Chicago Theological Schools.
Metro New York District (MNYD): The UUA district covering New York state from Long Island to Kingston, including metropolitan New York City, northern New Jersey, and southwestern Connecticut, plus two congregations in Pennsylvania.
Mid-South District (MSD): The UUA district covering Alabama, northwestern and central Georgia, Mississippi, the panhandle of Florida, and First Unitarian Universalist Church in Nashville, Tennessee.
Minister of Religious Education (MRE): A minister who specializes in religious education, sometimes hired or called by a local congregation in addition to a parish minister.
ML (Meadville Lombard Theological School): One of two Unitarian Universalist seminaries, Meadville educates students to become religious leaders who serve primarily UU congregations and ministries. ML is affiliated with the University of Chicago and the Association of Chicago Theological Schools.
MNYD (Metro New York District): The UUA district covering New York state from Long Island to Kingston, including metropolitan New York City, northern New Jersey, and southwestern Connecticut, plus two congregations in Pennsylvania.
Mountain Desert District (MDD): The UUA district covering Colorado, eastern Idaho, Montana, western Nebraska, New Mexico, western Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
MRE (Minister of Religious Education): A minister who specializes in religious education, sometimes hired or called by a local congregation in addition to a parish minister.
MSD (Mid-South District): The UUA district covering Alabama, northwestern and central Georgia, Mississippi, the panhandle of Florida, and First Unitarian Universalist Church in Nashville, Tennessee.
NEB (New English Bible):
NED (Northeast District): The UUA district covering Maine.
New English Bible (NEB):
New Hampshire Vermont District (NHVTD): The UUA district covering New Hampshire and Vermont.
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB):
New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV):
NHVTD (New Hampshire Vermont District): The UUA district covering New Hampshire and Vermont.
NJB (New Jerusalem Bible):
Northeast District (NED): The UUA district covering Maine.
NRSV (New Revised Standard Version Bible):
OBGLTC (Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns): The UUA office organized to help educate people and provide information, service and programming regarding bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender issues and concerns.
OEC (Office of Electronic Communication): The office at the UUA that oversees the operation of UUA.org, email list creation and maintenance, questions about the internet, editorial content on the UUA website, and related concerns and issues.
Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns (OBGLTC): The UUA office organized to help educate people and provide information, service and programming regarding bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender issues and concerns.
Office of Electronic Communication (OEC): The office at the UUA that oversees the operation of UUA.org, email list creation and maintenance, questions about the internet, editorial content on the UUA website, and related concerns and issues.
Office of Youth Ministries (OYM): The office in the Lifespan Faith Development Staff group that supports ministry to and with youth at all levels of the UUA. Composed of a Director of Youth Ministries, Assistant Director of Youth Ministries, two Youth Ministry Associates (YMAs) and the Youth Office Assistant.
Ohio Meadville District (OMD): The UUA district covering most of Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
OMD (Ohio Meadville District): The UUA district covering most of Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
OPUS: The week-long annual conference of the Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network (C*UUYAN).
Our Whole Lives (OWL): A multi-age sexuality education curriculum published by the UUA and the United Church of Christ (UCC) which is used in both secular and religious settings. In UU settings, this curriculum is used with a companion curriculum, "Sexuality and Our Faith."
OWL (Our Whole Lives): A multi-age sexuality education curriculum published by the UUA and the United Church of Christ (UCC) which is used in both secular and religious settings. In UU settings, this curriculum is used with a companion curriculum, "Sexuality and Our Faith."
OYM (Office of Youth Ministries): The office in the Lifespan Faith Development Staff group that supports ministry to and with youth at all levels of the UUA. Composed of a Director of Youth Ministries, Assistant Director of Youth Ministries, two Youth Ministry Associates (YMAs) and the Youth Office Assistant.
Pacific Central District (PCD): The UUA district covering northern California, Hawaii, and northern Nevada.
Pacific Northwest District (PNWD): The UUA district covering Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Pacific Southwest District (PSWD): The UUA district covering Arizona, southern California, and southern Nevada.
PCD (Pacific Central District): The UUA district covering northern California, Hawaii, and northern Nevada.
People of Color (POC): This is not a term that refers to a real biological or scientific distinction between people. People of Color in the U.S. share the common experience of being targeted and oppressed by racism.
PNWD (Pacific Northwest District): The UUA district covering Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
POA (Position on Appraisal): A two year member of the YRUU Steering Committee who evaluates continental YRUU programming, and focuses on an assigned element of that programming (i.e. anti-racism) over those two years. Appointed by the Office of Youth Ministries.
POC (People of Color): This is not a term that refers to a real biological or scientific distinction between people. People of Color in the U.S. share the common experience of being targeted and oppressed by racism.
Position on Appraisal (POA): A two year member of the YRUU Steering Committee who evaluates continental YRUU programming, and focuses on an assigned element of that programming (i.e. anti-racism) over those two years. Appointed by the Office of Youth Ministries.
Prairie Star District (PSD): The UUA district covering Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, northwestern Missouri, eastern Nebraska, North Dakota, eastern South Dakota, and western Wisconsin.
Professional Leadership: Leaders who are in a paid, professional, or staff position. They are not just volunteers. They have certain credentials (whether that’s training or degrees) and have applied for the position.
PSD (Prairie Star District): The UUA district covering Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, northwestern Missouri, eastern Nebraska, North Dakota, eastern South Dakota, and western Wisconsin.
PSWD (Pacific Southwest District): The UUA district covering Arizona, southern California, and southern Nevada.
RDO (Resource Development Office): Develops curriculum and resources as a part of Lifespan Faith Development staff group.
RE (Religious Education): The UUA staff group focused on lifespan religious education, now known as Lifespan Faith Development. See that name for further information.
REACH (Religious Education Action Clearing House): A packet of RE materials contributed by local congregations and UUA staff. This information is posted on UUA.org for use by UUA congregations as a means of promoting denominational communication and networking.
Religious Education (RE): The UUA staff group focused on lifespan religious education, now known as Lifespan Faith Development. See that name for further information.
Religious Education Action Clearing House (REACH): A packet of RE materials contributed by local congregations and UUA staff. This information is posted on UUA.org for use by UUA congregations as a means of promoting denominational communication and networking.
Resource Development Office (RDO): Develops curriculum and resources as a part of Lifespan Faith Development staff group.
Revised Standard Version Bible (RSV):
RRYSC (Western Region Youth Adult Committee (Canadian)):
RSV (Revised Standard Version Bible):
SAC (Social Action Coordinator): A youth elected by their district or region to research and organize social action issues and opportunities.
Saint Lawrence District (STLD): The UUA district covering New York (except New York City and Kingston to Long Island).
SATUURDAY (Sexually Accepting Teenage Unitarian Universalist Respecting Diversity Among Youth): A conference for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Queer youth
SC (YRUU) (Steering Committee (YRUU)): The executive committee of the YRUU Youth Council.
Sexually Accepting Teenage Unitarian Universalist Respecting Diversity Among Youth (SATUURDAY): A conference for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Queer youth
SKSM (Starr King School for the Ministry): Founded in 1904, SKSM is one of two UU theological schools and is located in Berkeley, California. SKSM educates UU ministers and progressive religious leaders and is a member of the Graduate Theological Union, a consortium of nine seminaries and fourteen centers for religious studies.
Social Action Coordinator (SAC): A youth elected by their district or region to research and organize social action issues and opportunities.
Southwest District (SWD, also known as the Southwest UU Conference (SWUUC)): The UUA district covering Arkansas, Louisiana, southwestern Missouri, Oklahoma, western Tennessee, Texas, and the Republic of Mexico.
Starr King School for the Ministry (SKSM): Founded in 1904, SKSM is one of two UU theological schools and is located in Berkeley, California. SKSM educates UU ministers and progressive religious leaders and is a member of the Graduate Theological Union, a consortium of nine seminaries and fourteen centers for religious studies.
Steering Committee (YRUU) (SC (YRUU)): The executive committee of the YRUU Youth Council.
STLD (Saint Lawrence District): The UUA district covering New York (except New York City and Kingston to Long Island).
Summit on Youth Ministry: Culmination meeting of the two year Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth. Included diverse group of youth and adult stakeholders to shape a youth ministry that includes all youth. Held in July 2007, in Boston.
Super Working Action Team (SWAT): A self-selected group to assist the Working Action Manager with researching and organizing around the YRUU Working Action Issue (Education Reform and Multiculturalism).
SWAT (Super Working Action Team): A self-selected group to assist the Working Action Manager with researching and organizing around the YRUU Working Action Issue (Education Reform and Multiculturalism).
SWD, also known as the Southwest UU Conference (SWUUC) (Southwest District): The UUA district covering Arkansas, Louisiana, southwestern Missouri, Oklahoma, western Tennessee, Texas, and the Republic of Mexico.
Taskforce on Youth Ministry: A group of 7 youth, 3 young adults, and 5 adults tasked with carrying out the Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth process (survey, congregational conversations, district/stakeholder gatherings, summit) and providing resources for all stakeholders to contribute.
Thomas Jefferson District (TJD): The UUA district covering North Carolina, South Carolina, Eastern Georgia, Eastern and Central Tennessee, and most of Virginia.
TJD (Thomas Jefferson District): The UUA district covering North Carolina, South Carolina, Eastern Georgia, Eastern and Central Tennessee, and most of Virginia.
Unitarian Univeralist Young Adult Network (UUYAN): A continental network of young adults aged eighteen to thirty-five.
Unitarian Universalism (UUism): A theologically liberal religious belief system characterized by some as a "new religious movement" and by others as a Protestant denomination. Formed by the consolidation of the Unitarian and Universalist denominations in 1961, Unitarian Universalism has ties to and honors many religious practices, as discussed in the Principles and Purposes document which grounds our belief system. Congregations are self-governing with authority and responsibility vested in the membership of the congregation.
Unitarian Universalist (UU): Unitarian Universalists draw inspiration from our faith's two historic roots. Universalism, with its roots in eighteenth century England and America, challenged its members to reach out and embrace people whom society often marginalized, guided by the belief that all were children of God. Unitarianism, which took root in America is the early nineteenth century, believed in one God and supporters were called to work for religious liberty and a rational search for truth and meaning. Both Unitarians and Universalists shared a commitment to create a more just society. Our faith's history and beliefs have a wide range: from liberal Christian views about Jesus to a rich pluralism that includes theist and atheist, agnostic and humanist, pagan, Jew, and Buddhist.
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA): The association of all member Unitarian Universalist congregations, predominantly located in the United States. It should be noted that the work of the Unitarian Univeralist Association (UUA) staff is not the same as the work of the UUA, given that the UUA is an association of congregations.
Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship (UUBF): The Unitarian Universalist Association affiliate organization of Unitarian Universalist Buddhists.
Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF): A community of Unitarian Universalist (UU) Christians, Christian UU ministers, and Christian UU churches.
Unitarian Universalist Historical Society (UUHS): An organization of Unitarian Universalists (UUs) who are interested in UU history; developers of the dictionary of famous UUs and other resources.
Unitarian Universalist Infidels (UUI): A group of Unitarian Universalists supporting non-religious discussion in our faith.
Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (UUMA): The professional organization for Unitarian Universalist ministers, governed by its membership through an annual meeting preceding General Assembly each year.
Unitarian Universalist Ministers' Partners and Spouses (UUMPS): An informal, inclusive group that provides information and support for non-clergy partners of Unitarian Universalist ministers and ministerial students.
Unitarian Universalist Musician's Network (UUMN): The professional organization for Unitarian Universalist (UU) musicians, whose mission is to advocate for music ministry in UU communities and support those who provide it.
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC): An associate member organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association which works to promote and protect human rights in the United States and internationally. The UUSC is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO): An associate organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) which serves Unitarian Universalist congregations as the center of information, advocacy, and action at the United Nations (U.N.) and its affiliated agencies in New York City. The UU-UNO holds an annual Intergenerational Spring Seminar.
Unitarian Universalist Washington Office for Advocacy (UUAWO): This office, which deals with legislative issues and advocacy, is part of the Advocacy and Witness staff group.
Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation (UUWF): An associate member organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association which works to advance justice for women through education and advocacy.
Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC): A group of Unitarian Universalists working to solve poverty, homelessness, and other economic problems.
UU (Unitarian Universalist): Unitarian Universalists draw inspiration from our faith's two historic roots. Universalism, with its roots in eighteenth century England and America, challenged its members to reach out and embrace people whom society often marginalized, guided by the belief that all were children of God. Unitarianism, which took root in America is the early nineteenth century, believed in one God and supporters were called to work for religious liberty and a rational search for truth and meaning. Both Unitarians and Universalists shared a commitment to create a more just society. Our faith's history and beliefs have a wide range: from liberal Christian views about Jesus to a rich pluralism that includes theist and atheist, agnostic and humanist, pagan, Jew, and Buddhist.
UU-UNO (Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office): An associate organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) which serves Unitarian Universalist congregations as the center of information, advocacy, and action at the United Nations (U.N.) and its affiliated agencies in New York City. The UU-UNO holds an annual Intergenerational Spring Seminar.
UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association): The association of all member Unitarian Universalist congregations, predominantly located in the United States. It should be noted that the work of the Unitarian Univeralist Association (UUA) staff is not the same as the work of the UUA, given that the UUA is an association of congregations.
UUAWO (Unitarian Universalist Washington Office for Advocacy): This office, which deals with legislative issues and advocacy, is part of the Advocacy and Witness staff group.
UUBF (Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship): The Unitarian Universalist Association affiliate organization of Unitarian Universalist Buddhists.
UUCF (Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship): A community of Unitarian Universalist (UU) Christians, Christian UU ministers, and Christian UU churches.
UUHS (Unitarian Universalist Historical Society): An organization of Unitarian Universalists (UUs) who are interested in UU history; developers of the dictionary of famous UUs and other resources.
UUI (Unitarian Universalist Infidels): A group of Unitarian Universalists supporting non-religious discussion in our faith.
UUism (Unitarian Universalism): A theologically liberal religious belief system characterized by some as a "new religious movement" and by others as a Protestant denomination. Formed by the consolidation of the Unitarian and Universalist denominations in 1961, Unitarian Universalism has ties to and honors many religious practices, as discussed in the Principles and Purposes document which grounds our belief system. Congregations are self-governing with authority and responsibility vested in the membership of the congregation.
UUJEC (Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community): A group of Unitarian Universalists working to solve poverty, homelessness, and other economic problems.
UUMA (Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association): The professional organization for Unitarian Universalist ministers, governed by its membership through an annual meeting preceding General Assembly each year.
UUMN (Unitarian Universalist Musician's Network): The professional organization for Unitarian Universalist (UU) musicians, whose mission is to advocate for music ministry in UU communities and support those who provide it.
UUMPS (Unitarian Universalist Ministers' Partners and Spouses): An informal, inclusive group that provides information and support for non-clergy partners of Unitarian Universalist ministers and ministerial students.
UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee): An associate member organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association which works to promote and protect human rights in the United States and internationally. The UUSC is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
UUWF (Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation): An associate member organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association which works to advance justice for women through education and advocacy.
UUYAN (Unitarian Univeralist Young Adult Network): A continental network of young adults aged eighteen to thirty-five.
WAI (Working Action Issue): A social action issue that's selected by youth caucus at GA to be a focus of YRUU's social justice work. The long-term WAI is Education Reform and Multiculturalism.
WAM (Working Action Manager): A position elected by General Assembly Youth Caucus. Heads the SWAT and is in charge of researching and coordinating the process of getting the WAI to become a Study Action Issue at GA.
Western Region Youth Adult Committee (Canadian) (RRYSC):
Working Action Issue (WAI): A social action issue that's selected by youth caucus at GA to be a focus of YRUU's social justice work. The long-term WAI is Education Reform and Multiculturalism.
Working Action Manager (WAM): A position elected by General Assembly Youth Caucus. Heads the SWAT and is in charge of researching and coordinating the process of getting the WAI to become a Study Action Issue at GA.
YAC (Youth Adult Committee): The name of some districts' youth governing committees See DYSC.
YATF (Youth Advisor Task Force): A UUA Board of Trustees appointed task force to assess youth advisors in our association. Met for two years and created a report which is available online.
YCR (Youth Council Representative): A youth elected every two years by their district or region, to be their district’s or region’s representative at Youth Council.
YMA (Youth Ministry Associate): A one-year staff position for youth aged sixteen to twenty-two based at the UUA Youth Office in Boston. These two staff postions were previously known as YRUU Programs Specialists (YPSs) until a change in the selection process in 2005. They are now interviewed by the Director of Youth Ministry (Jesse Jaeger), a former YPS/YMA, and a YRUU Steering Committee Representative. They then recommend one person for the job to the Administration, who formally hires them. The YMA’s have different specific tasks to work on during their one year position. These include (but are not limited to): YRUU leadership support, GA Youth Caucus support, Chrysalis training organization, Social Justice, AR/AO work/support, Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth, etc.
YOC (Youth of Color):
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU): A UUA-sponsored organization for UU youth aged fourteen to twenty. YRUU is charged with serving and including all youth in North America for the purposes of fostering spiritual depth and developing leadership skills.
Youth: In Young Religious Unitarian Universalists, youth are defined as anyone age 14 to 20. Youth ages 18-20 are sometimes known as "bridgers" as they are bridging between youth (ages 14-20) and young adulthood (ages 18-35).
Youth Adult Committee (YAC): The name of some districts' youth governing committees See DYSC.
Youth Advisor Task Force (YATF): A UUA Board of Trustees appointed task force to assess youth advisors in our association. Met for two years and created a report which is available online.
Youth Caucus: At the UUA General Assembly, youth participants form a Youth Caucus to discuss business, attend programs, worship together, and plan social events, with assistance from the UUA Youth Office.
Youth Council: Youth Council is the governing body of YRUU. It is made up of YCRs from each district of the UUA and region of the CUC , a number of at-large positions (both youth and adults) a People of Color Caucus, a Trustee from the UUA Board of Trustees, the returning Steering Committee members, and the Office of Youth Ministries. The YRUU Steering Committee (SC) is elected from Youth Council.
Youth Council Representative (YCR): A youth elected every two years by their district or region, to be their district’s or region’s representative at Youth Council.
Youth Ministry Associate (YMA): A one-year staff position for youth aged sixteen to twenty-two based at the UUA Youth Office in Boston. These two staff postions were previously known as YRUU Programs Specialists (YPSs) until a change in the selection process in 2005. They are now interviewed by the Director of Youth Ministry (Jesse Jaeger), a former YPS/YMA, and a YRUU Steering Committee Representative. They then recommend one person for the job to the Administration, who formally hires them. The YMA’s have different specific tasks to work on during their one year position. These include (but are not limited to): YRUU leadership support, GA Youth Caucus support, Chrysalis training organization, Social Justice, AR/AO work/support, Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth, etc.
Youth of Color (YOC):
Youth Social Justice Training (YSJT): A 5 day working conference on social justice issues and organizing strategies for SACs and other youth interesting in organizing around social action.
YPS (YRUU Program Specialists): One year staff positions for youth aged 16-22 at the UUA Youth Office, who worked for the UUA and YRUU jointly. In 2005, the selection process changed, and the positions are now known as Youth Ministry Associates (YMA).
YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists): A UUA-sponsored organization for UU youth aged fourteen to twenty. YRUU is charged with serving and including all youth in North America for the purposes of fostering spiritual depth and developing leadership skills.
YRUU Program Specialists (YPS): One year staff positions for youth aged 16-22 at the UUA Youth Office, who worked for the UUA and YRUU jointly. In 2005, the selection process changed, and the positions are now known as Youth Ministry Associates (YMA).
YSJT (Youth Social Justice Training): A 5 day working conference on social justice issues and organizing strategies for SACs and other youth interesting in organizing around social action.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
