About the Role
Overview:
We are looking for caring, reliable volunteers to serve as Youth Advisors for our Unitarian Universalist (UU) youth group. Advisors mentor and support youth in building community, exploring spirituality, and living out UU values.
Commitment:
Attend weekly youth group meetings on Sundays (2 hours) and occasional special events.
Commit to at least one full church year (September–June); a 3–4 year commitment is preferred.
Strive not to miss more than two consecutive weeks of youth programming.
Attend advisor trainings and complete required background checks.
Responsibilities:
Build positive, supportive relationships with youth.
Help plan and facilitate activities, discussions, and service projects.
Model UU values, ethical leadership, and healthy boundaries.
Maintain communication with staff and uphold youth safety policies.
Ideal Qualities:
Enthusiastic about working with teens.
Strong communication and listening skills.
Committed to inclusion, equity, and youth empowerment.
Flexible, dependable, and team-oriented.
Requirements
Mentorship and Youth Development
Youth mentorship and guidance
Ability to build trusting, supportive relationships with youth
Understanding of adolescent development (social, emotional, spiritual)
Leadership and Facilitation
Group facilitation skills (including small group discussions and activities)
Event planning and trip coordination (overnights, cons, service trips, etc.)
Ability to model ethical leadership and responsible decision-making
Communication and Relationship Skills
Active listening and empathetic communication
Conflict resolution and mediation skills
Ability to communicate clearly with youth, parents, and staff
Safety and Responsibility
Risk management and basic crisis response (following church safety policies)
Maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth
Awareness of mandated reporting requirements (if applicable)
Interpersonal and Community Building
Creating inclusive, welcoming, and affirming environments
Respect for diversity of identities, backgrounds, and beliefs
Ability to foster a sense of belonging, teamwork, and community
Commitment to UU Values
Familiarity with UU principles and covenantal relationships
Commitment to supporting youth exploration of spirituality, identity, and social justice
Dedication to anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and accessibility
Other Helpful Skills
Flexibility and adaptability
Creativity in program development
Sense of humor and patience
Comfortable participating in both serious and fun activities
Basic administrative skills (sign-in sheets, permission forms, communication follow-up)
Preferred Certifications/Qualifications
CPR/First Aid certification
Background check clearance (standard for youth-facing volunteer roles)
Driver’s license (especially for events off-site)
About Us
We are a thriving congregation of more than four hundred adult members and nearly a hundred children and youth. We are diverse in faith, history, and spirituality, and aligned in our desire to make a difference for good. We meet for services weekly on Sunday mornings as well as throughout the week for many programs and activities.
How to Apply
Please send an email of interest to Assistant Minister, Rev. Martha Durkee-Neuman, at mdneuman@uubelmont.org.