South Church Unitarian Universalist
Youth Group Behavior Principles

Preface

The strength of our community is derived from the principles that are shared by Unitarian Universalists and South Church members of all ages. Such principles are essential to guide behavior and thus to create a feeling of trust and community at all Sr. Youth Group events. The following set of behavior principles  applies to all activities and events, either at South Church or off-site. All principles are guided by the ultimate goal of creating a strong, loving, religious community.
A strong, healthy community requires that we take care of ourselves. This includes having consideration and respect for the physical and emotional well-being of ourselves, each other, the community, and our hosts. In addition, we must have respect for the well-being of the place of gathering and the earth and its resources.
For participants to grow and mature in self-worth, inclusiveness is essential. Senior Youth Group gatherings, overnights, outreach activities, or conferences are no place for abusive or demeaning behavior. To attain this goal of inclusiveness, we believe in:

• Acceptance and celebration of the rich diversity of lifestyles, backgrounds, and spirituality.
• Education about the damaging effects of prejudice and bigotry.
• Accessibility of facilities and activities for those with special needs.
• A commitment to resolve conflicts through discussion and mediation while avoiding verbal, emotional, and physical violence.
• Language and actions consistent with the goal of an inclusive community. Sexual harassment and other verbal and emotional abuse damages the community.

Behavior Rules

The preservation of safety and community is the goal of rules.  The following rules apply to all events and gatherings:

• In accordance with State and Federal Laws, the use of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes are forbidden.
• No weapons of any kind will be brought onto the premises of the Church or at any off-site event.
• Verbal, sexual or physical abuse will NOT be tolerated and is in violation of State and Federal Laws.
• No one shall leave the premises during any event without first checking with the adult leaders.
• During overnights, every one will respect the Quiet Room and not disturb any one who is sleeping.  
• Participants have to provide a signed Permission Slip for any activity other than weekly gatherings as outlined in the South Church Safe Congregation Policy.
• Friends/guests may be invited to any event with permission of the entire group.
• No sexual activity will take place during any event, or on the premises.  
• Participants must be registered to participate in the Youth Program by completing a RE Registration form.
• Participants and their parents or guardians must sign this Behavior Code.

 

Confidentiality

We recognize the importance confidentiality plays in creating an environment of trust and support. Personal events and feelings that are shared by individuals with the Group or to adult leaders are not shared with parents, with a few important exceptions.
This doesn’t mean, however, that the Director of Religious Education, the Ministers or parents don’t know what the Youth Group is doing. Advisors routinely meet with the Director of Religious Education and sometimes the Ministers to keep them informed of what is happening. The DRE and the Ministers abide by the same code of confidentiality.
Should the Adult Advisors be made aware of circumstances with the teens where the teens are in danger of being harmed or of harming themselves, the Advisors will be working with the DRE and/or the Ministers to work on ways to provide intervention or care.  In the State of New Hampshire, anyone working with children and/or youth are considered mandatory reporters; therefore, if an adult believes a youth is being physically, emotionally, or sexually abused they are required by law to report it to the State through the Division for Children, Youth and Families. Please see South Church’s Safe Congregation Policy for further details of this process.

Enforcement & Consequences

Minor offenses will be addressed by the adult leaders at the time of the infraction and may include discussion with the Group as a whole.  Consequences may include immediate dismissal from the event or activity and discussion with the teen’s parents or guardians.
Major offenses which include breaking state or federal laws will result in immediate dismissal from the event or activity; communication with parents or guardians; communication with the DRE and/or the Ministers of South Church; and review of further continuance with the Youth Group.

Signed:

I am aware of the Behavior Principles that govern my relationship to the Youth Group at South Church, to the Church community, and to the greater Portsmouth and UU Communities. I am in receipt of the Behavior Principles and agree to abide by them.

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Youth Name - Printed and Signature/Date

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Parent Signature and Date