Basic Qualifications

• 25 years of age or older.
• General understanding of Unity principles.
• Available two to four hours per week for regular activities.
• Available and willing to attend rallies and events.
• Pass a background check.
• Other requirements of the local church.

Helpful Qualifications

• Experience working with teenagers.
• Training in communication skills.
• Preferably able to make a one-year commitment.

Sponsor Abilities

Even though there is an ideal to which you can aspire as a YOU sponsor, we recognize that requiring you to be "all things to all people" is quite unrealistic. Below are some specific strategies on how to be an effective and involved sponsor.

The ability to love
The ability to see the life and beauty of God – the Christ – unfolding within each and every YOU member is a powerful and transformational experience. Besides altering your own life, you become a magnet for teens needing to be seen as unique and special. The more you accept, encourage, appreciate and behold the Christ within your teens, the better. There is nothing as inviting as authentic love.

The ability to learn
Each interaction with the Youth of Unity members provides you with a unique learning opportunity. Whether you are engaged in a formal class session or on your way to a group activity, keep an open mind to the insights and wisdom being offered by the youth. Offer feedback for interesting and relevant comments made. The more you can participate as an adult learner the more readily you will create a "learning atmosphere" – where everyone is excited to learn.

The ability to create a positive, accepting atmosphere
The YOU sponsor frequently deals with complex topics during classroom discussions. Subjects, such as drugs, sex, sexual orientation, divorce, suicide, abuse and other "taboo" issues, may need to be addressed. The attitudes the sponsor has toward these topics, and the response the sponsor gives, are vitally important. Remain "unshakable" and unflinching, creating an inviting opportunity for the YOUers to explore the difficult and relevant issues of their lives. Remember that today's teens need a positive and accepting atmosphere.

The ability to relate Unity principles to teenage life
Every time you meet with your YOU chapter members, you have the opportunity to teach Unity principles. Share how these principles, when applied to specific situations (i.e. school, family interactions, jobs, finances, health, decision-making, goal setting) make a profound difference to the quality of life.

The ability to live Unity principles
It is more important to be a living example of what you teach than to "tell" someone what you believe. If you are teaching something that is not true for you, the incongruity will almost always be detected by the teens. Consistently "practice what you preach" and encourage others to do the same.

The ability to create order and discipline
The YOU sponsor creates order through a spirit of love and cooperation (power with) rather than through authoritative control (power over). Using manipulation, fear or threats to gain control may get people's attention, but it rarely, if ever, gains their respect. Establish ground rules with the YOUers that are supportive, respectful, easy to follow and for the benefit of all.

What Does a Sponsor Do?

Creates Sacred Space
The sponsor's most important task is to create a safe, positive atmosphere of acceptance and love in which YOUers can share and grow. The sponsor practices applying Unity principles in all situations. More information on sacred safety.

Coaches
As a coach, the sponsor finds ways for each member to participate which is manageable for each YOUers skill level. The sponsor may plan a lesson and ask YOUers to share in leading a section. The sponsor encourages and supports YOUers as they prepare aspects of the meeting including: spiritual lessons, meditations, prayers and group discussions.

The sponsor assists the YOUers in planning and conducting service, fundraising and social projects.

On a regular basis, the sponsor meets with the chapter leadership to plan future activities for the group. During these meetings and activities, the sponsor teaches leadership skills by: (1) direct feedback, (2) modeling or (3) encouraging comments.

Mentors
The sponsor is encouraged to interact with YOU members individually (when appropriate) during activity times in order to support each participant's experience.

Occasionally, the YOU members discuss challenges with the sponsor. During these times, it is important that the sponsor remain nonjudgmental and supportive. It is NOT the sponsor's job to solve problems. Instead, the sponsor seeks to draw out the Christ potential and wisdom that dwells within each YOU member and encourages the YOUer to take responsibility for his or her own circumstances.

Chaperones
The sponsor accompanies YOUers to rallies and retreats. It is the sponsor's job to make sure that all registration paperwork for activities are filled out correctly and submitted in a timely fashion. The sponsor also oversees the group's transportation to and from the events and acts as the chaperone during the events..

Builds Community
It is important for a sponsor to build trust with the teens so that the teens know they can go to the sponsor with joys and concerns. This is done by genuine communication and interest in the YOUers life.

Sponsors can create community though (but not limited to) the following methods:

• Writing a thank-you note or sending an e-mail or e-card of congratulations for helpful service and special events.
• Giving feedback when a YOUer shares valuable information.
• Leaving notes of encouragement or thanks on their MySpace, Facebook, etc.

Communicates
The sponsor lovingly supports the youth and the planned activities and:

• Acts as a liaison between the youth and the minister and/or board for clearance of group projects and events.
• Maintains communication with parents, informing them of upcoming events and travel plans.
• Acts as a liaison between regional and international coordinators and officers and the chapter members to ensure regional and international news and activities are relayed.

Note: Periodically the sponsor and the chapter officers may arrange to meet with the minister to evaluate past events and future projects.

Portrait of a Sponsor

What qualities will be the optimal spiritual guide for many young people during a vital, and often tumultuous, period of their lives?

Love without clutching
Appreciate without judging
Join without invading
Invite without demanding
Encourage rather than criticize
Listen rather than advise
Suggest rather than command
Supervise without "taking over"
Allow freedom not license
Support without rescuing