Spring Con Reg. 09

Democratic Process in UUtopia? Maine Spring Con, Bridging, and YAC elections May 29-31 at UU church of Saco and Biddeford Youth Registration Form (7th-12th grade) Complete this form (3 pages) and return with payment of $25 payable to NNED (memo: Maine youth con) to Joy Blanchette, UU district office, 10 Ferry St. #318, Concord, NH 03301 by May 4. You can fax forms to 603226-3011 Youth Name_________________________________________Grade_____Gender_______________ Address___________________________________________________________________________ Street

city

state

zip

Phones (H)__________________(cell)________________email______________________________ (Print legibly)

Diet (circle one) omnivore vegetarian vegan Allergies or medical conditions________________________________________________________ Other special needs_________________________________________________________________ Your adult sponsor/advisor (at this event/con)___________________________________________________________ Your congregation__________________________________________________________________ Emergency contact (name and relationship to you)_________________________________________ Emergency phone # of above (H)_________________(w)_________________cell_______________ How many cons have you attended?_________Who is driving you?___________________________ Minors driving themselves or other minors need to send the district office a permission form. “I understand that this youth from my church is attending the stated event” _________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of DRE, minister, or youth coordinator with emergency phone # Check here if you’ve already given the district information on insurance policy #s within the last school year. (Sept 09-present) If not, please complete o

INSURANCE INFORMATION, MEDICAL CONSENT & LIABILITY RELEASE MEDICAL INSURANCE (company & policy number):_________________________________________________________________ Policyholder:____________________________

BRING: DO NOT FORGET
Change of clothing, gear for rainy weather, sleeping bag or bedding
Secret Buddy stuff (Secret Buddy is someone whose name you pick from a basket. You put good vibes - nice notes, candy, small toys and gadgets, pretty shells, pictures -- into his/her bag. Your Secret Buddy will put things in your bag.)
Flashlight with working batteries
Toiletries including: washcloth (there will be no showers available), toothbrush/paste, etc.
Snack to share, games to share
Musical instruments, poetry, etc for the coffee house
Positive attitude FOOD: Please eat dinner before you arrive on Friday evening. Meals: 3 meals Saturday, Breakfast and a light lunch on Sunday. Bring snacks to share. (one of two pages for youth)

Community Covenant I understand each youth conference community strives to be inclusive, healthy and spirit-centered. Realizing that what I do and how I act affects other youth, adult advisors, parents, religious educators, ministers, the district and the UU movement I promise to observe the following guidelines. o Usage of, holding or distribution of illegal substances such as alcohol, drugs, or tobacco or weapons is not allowed o Appropriate, non-violent, and respectful language and behavior is expected o Respect for others, the physical premises and others’ personal property o No sexual intercourse of any kind and no overt sexual behavior which suggests an exclusive relationship and diminishes community. o Abide by sleeping arrangements (one blanket/bag: one person) I understand that failure to follow these guidelines could include my removal from the event at my parents’ expense and could jeopardize the continuation of cons. I also agree not to leave the set boundaries of the event without permission. Youth Signature_________________________________________________Date__________________

Youth Registration Form (continued)

Parents/guardians please read and complete Liability release and emergency care authorization MEDICAL EMERGENCY PARENTAL PERMISSION The health history for my child is correct and complete to my knowledge. If an injury or other medical condition occurs or arises, I hereby give permission to the NNED staff or volunteers to provide routine health care and seek emergency treatment including x-rays or routine tests. I agree to the release of any record necessary for treatment, referral, billing or insurance purposes. I understand that I am financially responsible for charges and hereby guarantee full payment to the attending physicians or health care unit. In the event of an emergency where I cannot decide for my child, I give permission to the physician/hospital selected by the District staff or volunteer to secure and administer treatment for my child, including hospitalization. _________initial __________date Insurance policy and #________________________________________________________________ PUBLICITY/IMAGE/VOICE PERMISSION The District staff or volunteers may wish to take photographs, video, and/or tape recording of youth events. During activities, a photograph or video/audio recording may be taken of you or your child. Unless you request otherwise, your initial below will be considered permission for NNED to photograph, film, audio/video tape, record and/or televise the voice and /or image of your child for use in any publications or promotional materials, in any medium now known or developed in the future without any restrictions. If you object to NNED using you or your child’s image or voice in this manner, please notify the NNED program consultant. _________initial __________date ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY (Please read carefully.) I give permission for to participate in the NNED youth events. I understand that NNED activities/events may involve certain risks of physical activity and possible injury and that NNED will provide each participant with reasonable care, but that NNED cannot guarantee that my child will remain free of injury. In addition, some NNED youth events including but not limited to: winter sports, water activities, and other sporting activities have a higher degree of risk. I nonetheless wish to have my child participate in NNED youth ministry events and ASSUME the RISK of participating. I agree to RELEASE

from LIABILITY, INDEMNIFY and HOLD HARMLESS the NNED, the Board of Directors and their officers, employees and agents (hereinafter the RELEASEES) from any and all claim and/or cause of action arising out of and related to any injury, loss, penalties, damage, settlement, costs or other expenses or liabilities that occur as a result of my child’s participation in the NNED youth programs.

Parent or Guardian Signature

Date

(Must be signed by the parent or guardian if the participant is under 18 years old)

Democratic Process in UUtopia? Maine Spring Con, Bridging and YAC elections May 29-31 at UU church of Saco and Biddeford Complete this form and return with payment of $25 payabe to NNED (memo: Maine youth con) to Joy Blanchette, UU district office, 10 Ferry St. #318, Concord, NH 03301 by May 4. You can fax forms to 603-2263011 Adult Registration Form (one of two pages) Name___________________________________________________________Gender__________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________________ Street city, state zip Phones (H)___________________ (W)___________________________ cell__________________________ Email___________________________________________________________________________________________ Congregation_____________________________________________________________________________________ Diet (circle one) omnivore vegetarian vegan Emergency contact information (name and relationship_____________________________________________________ Phones (W)___________________________(H)____________________________cell___________________________ How many cons have you attended?________________ “I recognize that this adult will be sponsoring youth to the stated event” _______________________________________________________________________________________ (Signature of religious educator, minister,or youth coordinator)

I will be sponsoring the following youth (name and congregation* if different from yours) 1. ___________________________________________2.________________________________________ 3. ___________________________________________4. _______________________________________ 5. ___________________________________________6. ________________________________________ * Parents and DREs/staff must understand that you are sponsoring a youth from their church

BRING: DO NOT FORGET
Change of clothing, gear for rainy weather, sleeping bag or bedding
Secret Buddy stuff (Secret Buddy is someone whose name you pick from a basket. You put good vibes - nice notes, candy, small toys and gadgets, pretty shells, pictures -- into his/her bag. Your Secret Buddy will put things in your bag.)
Flashlight with working batteries
Toiletries including: washcloth (there will be no showers available), toothbrush/paste, etc.
Snacks to share, games to share
Musical instruments, poetry, etc for the coffee house
Positive attitude FOOD: Please eat dinner before you arrive on Friday evening. Meals: 3 meals Saturday, Breakfast and a light lunch on Sunday. Bring snacks to share. CODE OF ETHICS Adults and older youth who are in leadership roles are in a position of stewardship and play a key role in fostering spiritual development of both individuals and the community. It is, therefore, especially important that those in leadership positions be well qualified to provide the special nurture, care, and support that will enable children and youth to develop a positive sense of self and a spirit of independence and responsibility. The relationship between youth and their leaders must be one of mutual respect if positive potential is to be realized. There are no more important areas of growth than those of self-worth and the development of a healthy identity as a sexual being. Adults play a key role in assisting children and youth in these areas of growth. Wisdom dictates that children, youth, and adults suffer damaging effects when leaders become sexually involved with young persons in their care; therefore leaders will refrain from engaging in sexual, seductive, or erotic behavior with children and youth. Neither shall they sexually harass or engage in behavior with youth that constitutes verbal, emotional or physical abuse. By signing below, the signer indicates s/he has been informed of this code and agrees to abide by it before assuming their work with children and/or youth involved in District activities. In cases of violation of this code, appropriate action will be taken. Signed_______________________________________________________Date____________________

(Continued)

(adults continued)

Community Covenant I understand each youth conference community strives to be inclusive, healthy and spirit-centered. Realizing that what I do and how I act affects other youth, adult advisors, parents, religious educators, ministers, the district and the UU movement I promise to observe the following guidelines. o Usage of, holding or distribution of illegal substances such as alcohol, drugs, or tobacco or weapons is not allowed o Appropriate, non-violent, and respectful language and behavior is expected o Respect for others, the physical premises and others’ personal property o No sexual intercourse of any kind and no overt sexual behavior o Abide by sleeping arrangements (one blanket/bag: one person) I understand that failure to follow these guidelines could include my removal from the event at my expense. Adult smoking is discouraged. Adult Signature_________________________________________________Date______________

Expectations of Youth Advisors Have a good understanding of Unitarian Universalism Complete a volunteer application with personal character references and agree to a background check Be 25 years or older Understand, follow and educate others about district safety policies If transporting youth, provide proof of driver’s license and liability insurance Be a kind, available compassionate, and friendly adult aware of appropriate personal boundaries Collaborate and communicate with congregational leadership, YAC (youth-adult committee), and district staff Promote general health and well being of youth at youth events through awareness and by following the events’ code of conduct or youth behavior expectations Attend orientations for youth advisors at your congregations and consider attending youth advisor trainings at the district level Agree to monitor overnight environment by taking two hour “awake shifts” Be a member or affiliate in good standing with a UU congregation for at least six months (exceptions can be discussed)

Schedule of activities Friday night 7 p.m Registration Sign up for buddy bags; make buddy bags; make name tags; stow your stuff 7:30-8 p.m. Meeting of Touch Group Coordinators, deans and other con leadership meet to review plans, select assignments and spaces. Community can play games, play music. 8 pm.-8:30 p.m Orientation (whole community) Introductions of leadership (deans, con coordinator, adult coordinator, touch group coordinator, worship coordinators, chaplains) Code of Conduct reviewed and site requirements reviewed Overview of weekend Secret Buddy activity explained 8:30-9 p.m. Games/icebreakers 9:00-10 p.m. Touch Groups meet (find out assignments and leaders; learn about YAC elections; check-ins; weekend chores) 10-11 p.m. Games/icebreakers Adult meeting Age specific group leaders (anyone want to volunteer?) 11-midnight Worship (includes periods of silence, sharing, readings, music, stories, etc) Midnight Lights out/quiet voices One sleeping bag/blanket--one youth! Exclusive or sexualized behavior harms community! For your safety do not leave the bldg

Saturday 7:45-8 Breakfast set up by touch group 8-9:00 breakfast and clean up 9:15 Gathering of community, explanation of day 9:30-10:30 Age Specific groups 10:30-11 Free time 11:00-11:45 Touch Groups 11:45 Lunch set up by touch group Noon-12:30 Lunch and clean up 1 -1:15 p.m Sign up for workshops Everyone must attend a workshop. There may be space limitations and you’ll need to attend another 1:15-3 p.m. Workshops UU democractic process --Orion and Jeremiah Juvenile Criminal Justice in Maine-Attorney Marsha Lawson Maine’s legislator--how it works---Senator Deb Simpson 3--4:00 Touch groups 4:00-6:00 YAC election/meeting (Patty, Rick, ) 5:30--5:45 Break 5:45-6 Dinner set up with touch group 6-7 Dinner and clean up 7:30-8:30 Workshops Senior Books -Massage--Rick Yoga--Patrick Baking: Tom M. Macrame: Nancy M. Music: Alex and mom 8:30-10 Coffee House 10-10:30 Leadership meeting and touch group leaders 10:30-11:30 Worship (seniors) Midnight Quiet room sleeptime 2:30 Everyone sleeps. Adults/deans will monitor all spaces. Once you choose, you stay in that area. One sleeping bag/blanket--one youth! Exclusive or sexualized behavior harms community! For your safety do not leave the bldg!

Sunday 8:00-8:15 Breakfast set up by touch group 8:15-8:45 Breakfast 8:45- 9:30 Adults meeting Youth pack up and load cars. Everything must be cleaned up by 9:30 10-11 Maybe Attend SacoBiddeford worship service Touch groups/ Evaluations Noon-1 Lunch 1 -2 p.m. Bridging of seniors with David Bennett Reminders *** Bring items for buddy bags (small items that fit in a paper lunch bag---toys, gum, candy, stickers, etc) ***If you want to run for a YAC position (youth or adult) your form must be returned before the con, by May 4. If you need a job description and application email benette at [email protected] or call 603-228-8704 #11

Leadership Con Coordinator: Benette Sherman Deans: Leighlan, Rick Worship coordinator: Chaplains: Orion Game masters: Nolan Touch Group Coordinator: Lindsay and Patty Secret Buddy Coordinator: Eleanor

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Hold a pre-conference meeting for youth, parents and the adults who will be attending the conference. Discuss the event, conference code, local arrangements, leadership, and travel. Adults with youth at conferences • Congregations are responsible for each adult they are sending. A positive endorsement for each adult must be provided by the minister or Director of Religious Education from his/her church. These endorsements will be verified individually by Benette Sherman, Con-Coordinator. • Every attempt should be made to recruit adults who have been “checked” i.e. applications with references on file and background checks completed and cleared. If the recruited adult has not been “checked” then the local church coordinator must submit the name to the district program consultant, Benette Sherman who will secure the background checks. (keeping in mind the time constraints) • Congregations are encouraged to pay the registration fee for the adults • Ratio of adults to youth at the weekend is 1:8. Parents can drive youth to the con and not attend the con. (they do not need to go through the background checks, etc) If this happens parents should not leave youth until the youth are connected with their advisor. The adult con coordinator should also be informed of this. • Adults may cover youth not from their congregations. Parents, RE leaders and advisors need to communicate about this and inform the con coordinator. This arrangement should be reflected on the registration sheet. • RE leaders or local coordinator should make adult advisors aware of special needs or considerations of youth for whom advisors are responsible. Transportation is the responsibility of the churches and parents, however the following district safety policies must be followed: • Drivers must have licenses and insurance coverage must be current. If the driver of youth is not 25 years or older then parents must complete and submit a special permission form to the district stating they give permission for their youth to travel with the driver. • Vehicles must be safe and have working seatbelts for all occupants. • Youth driving youth is not allowed. This practice presents a huge liability risk for the church, church leadership, district and district leadership. The practice of youth driving themselves is also strongly discouraged. The only way this can happen is for parents to complete a special permission form and send it to the district before the event. It is the parents’ responsibility to contact the district program consultant for this form. • Concerns about adult driving behavior will be reported to the church coordinator. Problem resolution process Issues are brought to the attention of the deans or adult coordinator by any participant. Action will be taken by the conference leadership (deans, chaplains, adult coordinator). The adult coordinator has the ultimate responsibility. • • • •

YAC members at the conference may be involved in discussion of action to be taken and may recommend actions (consequences) up to and including expulsion from activity (ies) at the participant’s expense. Focus is on the specific incident, although history of past behaviors may be a factor. The need for and the implications of actions are discussed with the individual involved The conference coordinator has the authority to dismiss participants/arrange transportation from the event.