SGD Volunteers

Volunteering in our Spiritual Growth & Development program has changed during the Covid-19 precautions. Please read your SGD newsletter to  learn about the most recent kids program offerings.

 

 

Each year, the Spiritual Growth & Development program is enriched by almost 100 volunteers!

The greatest volunteer need is for classroom teachers. Teaching is a great way to serve the UUAA community and connect with our youth.

As a classroom volunteer, you will be part of a teaching team of four people who work together to complement one another’s strengths. The time commitment is two Sundays per month, serving one as the lead teacher, and one as an assistant. Teachers get support and assistance from the Spiritual Growth and Development Committee and UUAA's SGD staff.

To get started and let us know about your interests, fill out and the form below.

arrowbulletSGD Volunteer Interest Form

 

A message from a congregant during a Teacher Appreciation Sunday Service

 

Teaching FAQs

The Spiritual Growth & Development Committee asks you to consider volunteering to teach. Following are some of the most common questions. If you have others, just ask!

 

  1. Do I have to have teaching experience?

  2. I am still forming my own religious beliefs. How can I teach religion to children and youth?

  3. I'm new to this congregation, can I help teach?

  4. I don't want to miss the sermons.

  5. I don’t have children (or my children are grown up). Can I be a teacher?

  6. I have a really busy schedule so I can’t commit to teaching right now. What are some of the other ways I can be involved?

 

Do I have to have teaching experience?

 No. We welcome those who have never taught before as well as experienced teachers. Comprehensive teacher training is provided before classes begin. All curriculum and materials are also provided and are easy-to-follow.

 I am still forming my own religious beliefs. How can I teach religion to children and youth?

 Unitarian Universalists spend their whole life exploring and formulating religious beliefs. That’s part of what we’re all about! We teach children and youth how to think about religious questions, not what to think.

 I’m new to this congregation, can I help teach?

At UUAA we take the safety of our children very seriously. To become a teacher, you need to be “known” to the congregation for at least one year. Exceptions can be made for individuals who can provide references from other UUAA congregants.

 I don’t want to miss the sermons, can I still attend Service?

 As a teacher, you are only expected to teach or assist one service (9:30am or 11:30am) every other week. If you choose, you may teach one Service and attend the other. In addition, all the sermons are recorded and can be downloaded on the UUAA website.

 I don’t have children (or my children are grown up). Can I be a teacher?

Of course! Teaching provides opportunities to build relationships with people of different ages. Children and youth would benefit greatly from your insight and experience.

I have a really busy schedule so I can’t commit to teaching right now. What are some of the other ways I can be involved?

The SGD program has many volunteer opportunities including

  • Nursery/Preschool Assistant

  • SGD Committee Member

  • Rover (monitor the hallway, take attendance, ensure student safety)

  • Assist with the Summer Program Classes

  • Guest Speaker

 

 To start the conversation on volunteering, submit  a UUAA SGD Volunteer Interest Form