The UU Principles for children in words and song
| 1. We believe that each and every person is important. | "Each person is important." |
| 2. We believe that all people should be treated fairly. | "Be kind in all you do." |
| 3. We believe that our Churches and Fellowshiops are places where people are accepted and where we keep learning together. | "We're free to learn together." |
| 4. We believe that each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life. | "And search for what is true." |
| 5. We believe that everyone should have a vote about the thngs that concern them. | "Each person needs a voice. Give everyone a vote." |
| 6. We believe in working for a peaceful, fair and free world. | "Build a fair and peaceful world." |
| 7. We believe in caring for our planet Earth. | "Take care of earth's life boat'. Hey!" |
*Words for the Seven Principles Song
HOW DO WE TEACH THE PRINCIPLES?
The Religious Education Committee (REC):
We teach the principles by the use of curricula published by the UU Dept. of Education at our headquarters in Boston and by other religious education publishers. The curricula are written and edited by Unitarian Universalist religious educators and field-tested in UU societies before final publication. Our Religious Education Committee here at Stony Brook (many of whom are educators) chooses from among the many curricula offered to make our own individual program. In these many curricula, the UU principles are taught in ways that are tailored to the developmental abilities of the children. We also sing the Principle Song*.
The Teacher Volunteer:
Each leader in the classroom begins with a genuine love and respect for the children. He or she brings their own background and faith experience as motivation for teaching children about our principles. In our program, we have many dedicated and caring leaders who want our children to learn about UUism.
The Parent as Religious Educator:
We encourage parents to educate themselves so they are familiar with the UU Principles. In this way, you will be able to talk about them to your child. We also have several books on Unitarian Universalism that you can borrow or buy. Pamphlets are in the lobby to introduce various aspects of our beliefs.
During the course of the year, the RE Committee plans and leads two family worship services. These are the Winter Holiday Service and the Spring Festivals Service. These services are intended to educate children and youth about our Christian, Jewish and Pagan roots and reinforce them in ritual celebrations.
In addition, we support the UU Seder meal and the annual Recognition Service and Service of the Living Tradition (which includes the Flower Communion Ceremony) - services that further educate our children in our faith traditions.
You, the Congregation:
To use an expression, it takes a village to raise a child. The congregation must teach by example and model what Unitarian Universalism is about and what our religion stands for. Every interaction, every contact during and after classes, teaches our young people about our religion. The RE & Social Action Committees organize activities for young people,but you too are teaching our children and youth. By bringing your family to participate in clean-up days at the Fellowship, by volunteering at Hobbs Farm, by helping set up or clean up after a service or an event, you teach by example. By observing your actions, by volunteering, by participating, our children and youth become part of our community, have ownership in our Fellowship and learn how UU's act out their faith.
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UUFSB is a Safe Congregation that strives to protect children and youth. To find out more about what that means, click here.