Committee Charter

The Youth Religious Education Committee is a collaborative and consultative group of interested congregants that work with the Director of Lifespan Religious Education and RE Staff to provide meaningful programs for Unitarian Universalist Faith Development for children, youth and families on Sunday Mornings and beyond.

Accountable to:

The DLRE and the congregation.

Reports to:

The Coordinating Team and the congregation

Membership:

4-6 members or friends of the congregation with an active interest in supporting the delivery, growth and development of programs for children, youth and adults at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio.  In addition, the DLRE and Religious Education Assistant will be ex officio members of the committee.

Meetings:

Regular meetings will be held once a month on Zoom.  These meetings may be combined with the Adult Religious Education Committee on a quarterly basis.

In addition, once a year in August a Committee retreat will take place.

Committee members will also be expected to attend and participate in the YRE volunteer training in September each year.

Description of Committee Roles

Director of Lifespan Religious Education (DLRE):

1. Works in a collaborative fashion with YRE committee using a shared ministry model.
2. Ensures that all safety protocols are followed and volunteer screening and training is up to date.
3. Supervises all RE staff.
4. Calls monthly YRE meetings, books Zoom or physical space for these
5. Plans and facilitates an annual YRE committee retreat in August prior to the start of regular Sunday Morning programs.
6. Works with members of YRE team to provide a volunteer training session at the start of each church year for all new and returning volunteers for that year.

RE Assistant:

1. Responsible for the weekly preparation of lesson materials for YRE classes.
2. Coordinates the volunteer schedule with the DLRE’s assistance.
3. Works in collaboration with committee members to plan special events during the year such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Party.
4. Weekly communication with staff and volunteers concerning program needs for Sunday mornings. Sunday morning checks in with each group to ensure the programs are running smoothly.

Chair/Co Chairs:

In addition to the regular roles of committee members (see below) the chair/co-chairs will:

1. Assist DLRE with the creation and distribution of meeting agendas, and chairs meetings at their request or in their absence.
2. Attends meetings of the monthly Coordinating Council.
3. Prepares an annual report in May. Consults with DLRE to prevent repetition of information from their report.
4. Works with DLRE on Annual Committee Retreat and Volunteer Training Session.
5. Works with DLRE and RE Assistant to plan, organize and carry out special events such as, but not limited to the Halloween Party, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Christmas Giving Tree.

Committee Members:

1. Stay aware of YRE activities and plans, assisting as needed. Provide support for regular Sunday Morning programs as needed and aid in special events and programs.
2. Communicate regularly with the DLRE to discuss upcoming events, request agenda items for the next meeting, observed needs of program and participants and other church issues relevant to children, youth and families.
3. Committee members may be charged with particular roles in the committee, including, but not limited to communications, recording secretary, event liaison, etc. In addition, based on member’s interests and talents they may be asked to hold portofolios/apply lenses to our work…these will reflect the purposes and mission of the larger church and UU values. (OWL, Green initiatives, Social Justice actions, Children’s Choir/Music Program, Multigenerational Services and Events, etc.)  At least one committee member should act as committee liaison to the Parent’s Group and be active in the planning of the Parent’s Group retreat with the DLRE.
4. Committee members will be active in attending, and supporting special YRE events throughout the year such as, but not limited to the Halloween Party, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Christmas Giving Tree.
5. Attend monthly meetings on Zoom (or in person if the will of the committee.)
6. Will be active in the wider life of the congregation.
7. Will act as advocates and ambassadors for the program to the wider church and community.