Welcome to the UU Identity Sparks Module!
This Sparks Module is designed for current and budding religious education professionals to deepen their understandings of Unitarian Universalist Identity. In this module, we’ll explore what it means to develop a UU identity, recognizing that there is no single way. We examine how identity grows across the lifespan, how it differs for those raised in UU communities and those who found their way here later, and how Religious Educators can create reflective, inclusive spaces that nurture continual spiritual growth. This module draws on UU core values, sources, and history of this ever-evolving living tradition, celebrating the joy and pride of being part of Unitarian Universalism while holding space for its complexities and growing edges. Come explore how identity is not a destination — it’s a journey, one that unfolds across our entire lives through the rich interplay of heritage, culture, values, rituals, and lived experience.
The six-session module employs a flipped classroom design, empowering participants to actively engage with the material, reflect, and explore independently before coming together in interactive virtual sessions. Throughout the sessions, we will aspire to the following learning objectives.
Learning Objectives
The overall goals of this module are for participants to:
- Gain an understanding of identity as an ever evolving process of human development which unfolds through the intersectionalities of heritage, cultures, values, rituals, and lived experiences;
- Learn how this process unfolds across the lifespan, how it differs between youth raised as Unitarian Universalists and persons who came to the faith later in life and how to recognize wisdom across generations;
- Explore ways to create reflective and inclusive spaces to encourage continual spiritual development and growth for both Religious Educators and those they serve; and
- Examine the Unitarian Universalist core values, sources, and history of our faith as part of identity development and encourage pride and joy in being UU and part of an ever-evolving living tradition while also acknowledging challenges.
Registration Link
This training registered on the UUA website.
