FAQ's

Q: Is the Next Generation of Unity (NGU) an official organization within the Unity Movement?

A: Yes, it is. The International Coordinator of NGU is employed at the Association of Unity Churches International. Some regions also have coordinators employed by the regions.

Q: Am I required to attend a Unity Church to attend NGU events or meetings?

A: You are certainly encouraged to, but under no circumstances is it a requirement to attend a Unity Church. Also, you do not have to attend a NGU Local Connections (equivalent to a local chapter) to be able to go to a NGU retreat or event. Events are open to anyone who feels called to attend.

Q: Do I have to be from the hosting region to go to that region’s retreat?

A: Absolutely not. All retreats and conferences are open to all NGU'ers who would like to attend.

Q: Is NGU only for former Youth of Unity (YOU) members?

A: No, that seems to be a common myth. We welcome any and all. We are geared toward serving the 18 to 35 year olds. But as we always say, we serve "the young or the young-at-heart." So it's more like 18 to 35ish.

Q: How do you support both 18 year olds and 35 year olds? Aren't they at far different places in their lives?

A: We provide a place where all are welcome. The reason 18 to 35 year olds is the range we choose to focus on, is because this is the "lost age range" in Unity (and most other churches as well). As far as what 18 and 35 year olds have in common, it's simple...life. Real life. This is when we learn about it. Whether it be voting for the first time, getting married, or having your first child. This is the age range when that happens for most people. This is stage one of our adult spiritual path. Being "freshmen" in the school of life is a BIG thing to have in common.

Q: How are regions set up with NGU?

A: For those who were in YOU, this may sound familiar. The regions are as follows: * Eastern: currently no consultant * Great Lakes consultant: Keith Mitchum * Northwest consultant: Nick Muncie-Jarvis * SouthCentral: Jason Warner * Southeast consultant: Tiffany Emitt * Southwest: currently no consultant * West Central consultant: Jennifer Shilen To get further information as to what region your area is in, please send an email to mailto:ingucreation@yahoogroups.com

Q: I do not have a "chapter" of NGU at my church, or even in my area, what can I do to start one?

A: There is a Local Connection Set-up Guide available. (coming to the website soon). This has info you will need to start your own Next Generation of Unity Local Connection (we don't call them chapters). Also, Tiffany Emitt (southeastNGU@gmail.com) is the main contact for info on material. Send her an email and she can answer most questions you may have with the Local Connection material. Note: All Local Connections must be connected to and supported by a Unity Church, a Unity Minister, and/or a Licensed Unity Teacher.

Q: What avenues do I have to serve the NGU movement?

A: There are actually a lot of them. We ask that you thoroughly research the time commitment involved with all of these positions before you take one on. Some may take more time than you expected. Here are just a few ways you can serve: 1. The International Next Generation of Unity Team provides year-round communication and support to NGU Regional Teams and NGU Local Connection Groups, along with planning and facilitating an annual International NGU retreat event. 2. You can serve on a regional team. If you find you don't have a regional NGU team, you can certainly start one. Ask the International NGU Team for assistance in this matter. They will point you in the right direction. 3. You can start a Local Connection. This connects your local young adult community with your church community. 4. If you are attending an event, and you feel you can help out in some manner, please let the retreat planners know. At an event, there are many opportunities to serve and/or help out. 5. You can talk about NGU to the masses. If you went to a retreat and loved it, tell everyone you know. Tell everyone at your church and tell them why you loved it. It doesn't matter how old they are, because they may know someone older or younger who would love to come. There are many other ways and some we haven't discovered yet. If you think of another way to serve please let us know!

Q: What if I have a spouse or significant other who is not in Unity, can they come with me to a retreat? What about kids?

A: A spouse or significant other is certainly welcome to come along. If they are not there to join in spiritually, then we kindly ask that they do not take away from those that are there for spiritual reasons. When it comes to kids, it is always wise to ask the retreat planner(s) what accommodations they are having for children. Usually, if informed ahead of time, accommodations for children are happily made.