Young Adult Community Declaration

We choose to become part of a community with a common purpose, to foster an atmosphere where Unitarian Universalist principles may be learned and practiced. As members of this community, we will aspire to act from a place of personal balance and compassion so that our actions will benefit the whole as well as the individual. Knowing that all seek love and happiness, we will strive to support each other in our ongoing spiritual and personal evolution.

Welcome all who come to us and demonstrate this by accepting and respecting differences among us and in the greater community.

Strive to act with loving kindness at all times, seeking to promote justice, equity, and compassion.

Speak the truth directly and with compassion as we individually know it.

Seek to identify and contribute toward our common goals. Offer contributions to the community and assistance to its members at a level that is healthy for us as individuals - intellectually, financially, and with gifts of time and energy.

Reflect carefully about the potential results of our actions before we act, knowing that positive attitudes are most likely to produce positive results.

Listen without interrupting. Ask questions in an effort to clarify or understand, not to confront or judge. Practice patience, taking care not to make premature or unfounded assumptions.

Acknowledge that though we may not always agree with group decisions, we will respect the democratic process and honor democratic decisions made by the group.

Keep our discussions to topics and issues rather than personalities. Name behaviors outside our agreed upon norms without focusing on the person behind the behavior.

Speak directly to those with whom you have disagreements first, rather than to a third party. Seek appropriate assistance when problems cannot be resolved at a personal level.

Understand that acting in accordance with this document of our Young Adult Community requires learning and practice.