How to Volunteer
Remember the African proverb that advises "it takes a village to raise a child." While we don't live in that proverbial "village," UUCOV congregants can create a modern-day equivalent of a close knit community for our children.
As educators, we are aware that most of how children really learn is through the example of those around them. Our volunteers for all classes are good people, committed to their beliefs as UU's, welcoming, accepting, with a vision of a better world. And fun! Did we say fun?! Absolutely! These adults bring their excitement for life to their volunteer work with kids. Whether it is teaching children arts and crafts, music or sports, our leaders love to share their passions for life.
If you are interested in working with our children, descriptions of the opportunities are below. You can download the form once you have decided what you want to do and turn it in to Anne Cederberg, YRE Program Assistant. Thank you for supporting our program!
UUCOV's RE Program Needs YOU!
The UUCOV Youth Religious Education Program is going very well! We have experienced staff, teachers in place and a wonderful childcare worker, but our program needs help from the members of the congregation. How can you help? Here are some options—each requires a minimum amount of time. What is the best match for YOU?
Baby Rocker – We currently have several wonderful children, ages 1 thru 5 who attend almost weekly. They are adorable and extremely well behaved. We also have been having a number of very young visitors lately. We have a regular childcare worker but need people to assist her each Sunday morning for about an hour.
If your grandchildren live far away and you miss them, this would be one way to relive the moments you have with them! If you don't currently have grandchildren but would love to, this is an opportunity to log a practice hour or two! If you can't remember your grandchildren being so young, this is an opportunity to relive those precious moments of a few years ago. This is a tremendous opportunity!
Teachers – We have several teachers who rotate teaching each Sunday morning, but we would love to have more. The small class has children that range in age from five to twelve. Your responsibilities as a teacher would be to prepare for and present a short class (outlines with specific instructions are available for you), and to build healthy relationships with the children. Many times this year, we will have special speakers come in to do part of the class, so teacher workloads are light but fun!
Experience Sharer/Life Story Teller – Our teachers come well-prepared to provide instruction for classes but would love on occasion to have other congregants come to share some aspect of their life with the students. Our curriculum always includes creative activities and art. Do you paint? Weave? Dance? Make music? Sculpt? Act? Would you like to share your art with the children?
We often teach about the 6 sources that Unitarian Universalism is based on. Were you raised in another religion? Or have you been exposed to other religions as an adult? Can you share some of the stories, beliefs, and traditions from that religion so that the children could increase their awareness?
We also welcome other kinds of sharing. Do you have a hobby that might interest the children? If you are retired, what was your career? If you are working, what do you do?
We would love to create a catalog of members of the congregation who might be called upon occasionally to share some aspect of their life. YOU have a story; are you willing to share?
