Volunteer Opportunities for Youth Religious Education

Our religious education program success depends on trained, background checked volunteers from the congregation. If you have been visiting Emerson UUC for more than six months and have taken the “Pathways to Membership” classes or have transferred in good standing from another UU Congregation, please share your time and talent in the Religious Education programs. Our Director of Religious Education will be happy to talk to you about volunteer opportunities.

Common Questions about Volunteering

1. Is there a volulnteer requirement for families with children in RE?
   Yes, we ask that a minimum of 3-4 adult volunteer Sunday morning shifts be scheduled per child enrolled during the school year. If you have 3 children, for example, you will be assigned a minimum of 9 Sundays to assist or Lead Teach RE if you are one of our trained Lead Teachers. Volunteer Commitment Sundays in classrooms are scheduled by our DRE at Fall Registration. New members will be scheduled after joining the congregation.
   
   
2. What if I am nervous to teach since I am new to Unitarian Unversalism?
   Teaching children’s Religious Education is an excellent way to learn more about UUism! Our DRE will team you up with an experienced teacher while you observe classes and answer questions that you have about teaching. Complete lesson plans are given to volunteers in advance of the classes you are scheduled to help with.
   
   The MidSouth District of the Unitarian Universalist Association has training programs twice yearly at it’s convocations throughout the district. Excellent training is offered at these sessions as well as local training at Emerson UU Congregation.