2013 Youth Observer Election Ballot

The Youth Observer is a one-year position on the Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees, elected each spring by congregational youth groups across the country. The Youth Observer provides a youth voice on the Board. Here are some of the Youth Observer’s duties:

Staying current on issues of interest to UU youth in districts and congregations, linking and nurturing relationships between youth leaders, informing General Assembly Youth Caucus of relevant Board issues and discussions.

In the upcoming year, the new Youth Observer will have the chance to serve with a new moderator and a newly elected, newly structured UUA Board of Trustees. You can read more about the Board's transition from 19 district representatives to 11 at-large trustees and this year's election for moderator here.

The Youth Observer attends each Board meeting as a non-voting member, with full travel costs covered by the UUA. Candidates must be first years, sophomores or juniors in high school (or the equivalent), so that they will be high school aged through the 2013-14 school year, and must be active in their congregations.

Timeline for Electing the 2013-14 Youth Observer:

• April 4: Youth Observer candidate info, voting ballots available; voting opens

• April 29: Youth Observer voting ballots must be received (postmark Apr. 26)

• May 1: Youth Observer election winner announced

For more information, click this link to visit the Youth Observer webpage.

Eligibility: Voting youth must be active in their religious community. “Active” may be defined as regularly participating, registered in the religious education program, or congregational membership. Each congregation determines what this means for them.

Voting Formula: Youth groups complete one ballot per congregation. Groups receive one vote per five voting youth participants, with a minimum of one and a maximum of six votes per congregation.

Directions: Complete this online ballot form with required contact information. It may be easiest to complete your ballot with all participating youth present, such as at a regular youth group meeting. You can use whatever decision making process works for the youth in your congregation to make your voting choices. A minister, religious education professional, or congregational president must give their electronic signature to the completed ballot for verification of your vote.

ONLINE BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MONDAY, APRIL 29 at midnight (in your time zone). The point of contact listed on your Voting Ballot will receive confirmation that we have received your Ballot.

If you have questions about this process, please contact the UUA Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at youth@uua.org or 617-948-4350. Thank you for your participation!